Colombian Student Visa 2026: Requirements, Costs, Processing Time, and Work Rules
The Colombian Student Visa allows foreign nationals to legally study in Colombia while residing in the country for the duration of their academic program. This visa is commonly used by international students enrolled in universities, language schools, technical institutes, exchange programs, and short-term academic courses approved by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In 2026, Colombian student visa requirements continue to be governed by Resolution 5477 of 2022. While the core structure remains stable, updated documentation standards, insurance requirements, and financial expectations make professional preparation increasingly important—especially for first-time applicants and renewals.
Most student visa applicants must demonstrate enrollment in an accredited Colombian educational institution, proof of financial solvency, compliant health insurance coverage, and a clean immigration history. When submitted correctly, a complete application is typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks.
This guide explains how to obtain a Colombian Student Visa in 2026, including eligibility rules, required documents, costs in COP and USD, work permissions, insurance compliance, renewal options, and common mistakes to avoid.
Colombian Student Visa Processing Time
Processing time for a Colombian student visa begins only after all documents have been properly legalized, apostilled (if applicable), translated, and submitted correctly. Incomplete or incorrect applications are the primary cause of delays.
A properly prepared and complete student visa application is typically processed within:
- 2 to 4 weeks for standard cases
- 4 to 8 weeks if additional documentation is requested
Can You Work on a Colombian Student Visa?
The Colombian student visa does not automatically grant work authorization. However, certain students enrolled in programs longer than six months may request limited work permission directly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ask for more details to see if you qualify.
Work authorization is typically:
- Limited in hours
- Restricted to the field of study
- Subject to prior approval
Unauthorized employment can result in visa cancellation or future immigration issues.
Related Topics of Interest for You:
Why Study in Colombia?
Colombia is a great destination for students who are looking for a diverse range of educational programs that offer high-quality content and are recognized globally. Every year, a significant number of international students choose Colombia for their undergraduate or postgraduate studies in public and private universities. They find the academic environment in Colombia to be comfortable and conducive to learning, while also being able to enjoy the natural tourist attractions and quality of life that the country has to offer. However, if you plan on studying in Colombia for more than six months, it is essential to apply for a student visa beforehand, which depends on the type of studies you are planning to pursue.
What are the types of Colombia Student Visas?
This visa allows foreign students to study in Colombia for programs longer than 6 months and up to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal. Applicants must provide proof of funds for tuition and living expenses, a valid passport, an enrollment letter, a paid course invoice, and health insurance. The visa costs COP 13,000,000 (approx. $3,333 USD). Visa holders must stay in the country for at least 180 days per year. Category: Visitor Visa (V).
What are the Financial Requirements for Colombia Student Visa?
If you are planning to study in Colombia, you need to provide documents that show you have enough money to support yourself while you are there. If you are a student, you need a letter from your financial sponsor (in Spanish) that confirms you will be financially responsible for yourself in Colombia.
To prove that you have sufficient funds, there are two options. One option is to provide a bank certificate that shows you have enough money in your bank account. The certificate should show that you have an average balance that is more than ten times the legal minimum wage in Colombia (which is 13,000,000 pesos or about $3,900 in 2024). The certificate should be notarized and translated if it is not in Spanish.
The other option is to provide six months of bank statements or credit card statements that show you have enough money to support yourself in Colombia. You do not need to translate the bank statements.
Colombian Student Visa Requirements (2026)
- Valid Passport: Biographic page copy and at least two blank pages.
- Proof of Legal Entry: Most recent Colombian entry stamp or entry certificate.
- Passport-Style Photo: White background, 3×4 cm, JPG, max 300 KB.
- Enrollment Letter: From a recognized Colombian educational institution (university, language institute, technical program, exchange program).
- Study Program Details: Program name, duration, weekly hours, modality, and start/end dates.
- Proof of Financial Solvency: Bank statements and/or sponsor support showing ability to pay tuition + living costs.
- Health Insurance Policy: Coverage for medical risks, hospitalization, and repatriation for the full requested visa period.
- Criminal Background Check (2025+ Standard Practice): Police clearance from your country of citizenship issued by a national/federal authority, apostilled/legalized, and translated to Spanish if needed.
- Previous Colombian Visas: Copies if previously issued.
- Online Visa Application: Completed submission via the Ministry platform, including document uploads and fee payment.
To reduce rejections and document requests, review:
Colombia Visas Guide, USA Criminal Background Report, Official Translations, Colombian Digital Nomad Visa, Colombia Tourist Visa, Colombia Work Visas.
Bia is in charge or registering and issuing corporate certificates, and acts. Each city has its own local regioinal office. For example in Medellin the link to the chamber of commerce.
Colombian Student Visa FAQ (2026)
Is a criminal background check required for the Colombian student visa?
It may be requested during the review process. In 2026, many applicants are asked for a police clearance from their country of citizenship, apostilled/legalized and translated if needed. Plan for it early so you don’t lose weeks if Cancillería requests it.
Can I work on a Colombian student visa?
A student visa does not automatically grant work authorization. Some limited permissions may be possible depending on the situation, but unauthorized work can create immigration problems.
Can I renew my student visa inside Colombia?
Usually yes, as long as your enrollment remains valid and you maintain compliant insurance coverage.
How long does the Colombian student visa take?
Processing time starts only after your application is complete and documents are correctly apostilled/legalized and translated. A strong application is often processed in 2–4 weeks, but requests for additional documents can extend the timeline.
Does my insurance have to cover repatriation?
Yes—repatriation coverage is commonly expected for first-time visa applicants. Visa validity may also be limited to the insurance period submitted.
Does a student visa count toward permanent residency?
Student time typically does not count toward residency time requirements for an R visa. It can, however, support a later change to another visa type depending on your long-term plan.
Helpful Guides for Student Visa Applicants
To avoid delays, most student visa problems come down to documentation (apostilles + translations), background checks, and choosing the right visa category if your real plan is long-term residence or remote work.
- Colombia Visas Guide (quick overview of visa options and strategy)
- Colombia Translations & Apostilles (legalization + translation workflow)
- Certified Translations in Colombia (what “certified” means in practice)
- USA Criminal Background Report (FBI report + apostille + translation guidance)
- Official Translations (format expectations + compliance tips)
- Colombian Digital Nomad Visa (if your main purpose is remote work)
- Colombia Tourist Visa (for short stays instead of study status)
- Colombia Work Visas (if you plan to work locally)
Our legal team has assisted foreign students, language learners, and academic professionals with Colombian visa processes since 2005. We understand the challenges international students face—from documentation and insurance compliance to renewals and visa transitions. We provide bilingual legal support, real-world immigration experience, and step-by-step guidance to ensure your student visa application is prepared correctly the first time.Why Work With Colombia Legal & Associates?
