What Is the Colombia Parent Visa? (M Visa) Requirements, Timeline & Risks (2026)
Planning number (2026): Colombia’s minimum wage (SMMLV) is COP $1,750,905. If the visa authority asks you to evidence “economic solvency” or support capacity, using up-to-date wage values avoids miscalculations when you prepare bank statements and support documents.
The Colombia Parent Visa is typically a Migrant (M) visa for a foreign national who is the mother or father of a Colombian citizen by birth (and in some fact patterns, related parent/adoption scenarios may apply). This page explains what it is, who qualifies, what documents are commonly requested, and how to avoid preventable delays under Resolution 5477.
Not sure where this fits in the visa system? Start with our Colombia visas overview and the step-by-step Colombia visa guide.
Quick Facts
- Visa category: Migrant (M) – parent of a Colombian citizen by birth (typical framing).
- Typical validity: up to 3 years (final validity is discretionary).
- Work permission: commonly treated as an open authorization to perform lawful activity, subject to visa conditions.
- Multiple entry: generally yes, but visa validity can be affected by long absences (case-specific).
- Family members: the principal holder can often request beneficiary visas for qualifying dependents (not parents of the principal).
If your goal is long-term status, see permanent residency and our residency guide for strategy planning.
Related Topics of Interest for You:
What Documents Are Required For Colombia Migrant Visa as a Parent?
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.
You are usually a strong candidate if:
- You are the biological parent of a child who is Colombian by birth, and you can document the relationship clearly.
- Your civil records are clean and consistent (names, dates, and document numbers match across files).
- You can produce a logical evidence chain: parent-child relationship → Colombian nationality → identity/entry status → supporting documents.
High-friction situations (extra scrutiny risk):
- Late registrations, annotations, corrections, or changes in the Colombian civil registry that require supporting background records.
- Complex timelines around the child’s birth, prior visas/entries, or custody/parental authority issues.
- Cases where the authority expects proof the foreign parent held a qualifying status/visa at a specific moment (fact-dependent).
For custody, parental authority, or family-document issues, see Colombian family law.
Parent Visa Requirements (2026 Practical Checklist)
Important: The visa authority can request additional documents or an interview at any time. Build your file so it can be verified quickly.
A) Identity & application basics
- Passport bio page scan (clear and readable).
- Recent photo that matches platform specs.
- Proof of legal entry/status (recent entry stamp or equivalent evidence).
B) Parent-child relationship and Colombian nationality
- Colombian civil registry / birth certificate for the child showing the parental link.
- If the registry includes relevant annotations (nationality validation notes, recognitions, serial changes, etc.), include the required background record(s) supporting the annotation.
- Colombian ID evidence for the Colombian child (if applicable/available).
C) Support letters and case-specific evidence
- Request letter signed by the Colombian national (or the appropriate legal representative if the child is a minor), confirming the relationship and the request for the parent visa.
- Migratory movement certificate may be requested in some cases (commonly recent).
- Prior visa/status evidence may be requested depending on your fact pattern (especially where the authority wants to confirm status around the child’s birth).
D) Proof of economic stability (when requested)
- Bank statements or other financial evidence showing you can support yourself and comply with your stay.
- 2026 planning note: SMMLV is COP $1,750,905. Use current wage values if your file references wage multiples.
E) Criminal background checks (2026 operational practice)
- Baseline: be prepared to provide a police certificate from your country of citizenship if requested.
- Discretionary: officials may request additional police certificates from other countries depending on case indicators and the overall file.
If you need dependent-family visas instead, compare with: Colombian beneficiary visa basics.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Collect civil records first (Colombian registry, annotations/background records if needed, IDs).
- Prepare a clean “proof chain” (relationship + nationality + identity + entry/status + letters).
- Upload documents carefully (clear scans, consistent filenames, no cropped pages).
- Pay the study fee when prompted on the platform.
- Respond fast if additional documents or interview are requested.
- If approved, pay the issuance fee and download the electronic visa.
For a broader walk-through of online filing and common errors, use our Colombia visa guide.
Processing Timeline (Realistic Expectations)
- Typical response window: often within 5 business days once the study payment is registered.
- If additional documents/interview are required: the study period can extend up to 30 calendar days counted from the online registration date (practice varies by case completeness).
Practical takeaway: most delays come from civil-registry issues, missing background records for annotations, inconsistent names, or unclear status evidence.
If your case is refused, see: what happens if my visa is rejected.
Costs: Government Fees & “Hidden” Document Expenses
Colombia visa filing commonly involves two government payments: (1) a study fee and (2) an issuance fee if approved. The exact amounts can change and may vary by nationality and filing context.
Budget items applicants often forget
- Certified copies and civil registry background records.
- Translations into Spanish (when applicable).
- Apostilles/legalizations (when applicable).
- Courier/shipping and document retrieval if you are outside Colombia.
After Approval: Staying Compliant
- Keep your civil records organized (you’ll likely need them again for renewals or status changes).
- Track travel patterns if your visa conditions include absence limits (don’t assume you can remain outside Colombia indefinitely without consequences).
- Plan long-term strategically: if you intend to pursue a Resident (R) visa later, the required time and criteria depend on your category and personal history.
For long-term planning, see permanent residency and our residency guide.
FAQ: Colombia Parent Visa
Is the Colombia Parent Visa a “baby visa loophole”?
No. The parent visa is not automatic and is evaluated on documentary proof and eligibility. Civil registry annotations, status history, and evidence gaps can create delays or refusal risk.
Can I be a “beneficiary” as the parent of a visa holder?
Generally, parents are not treated as beneficiaries under the post-2022 framework. The parent of a Colombian citizen typically uses the Parent (M) route instead.
How long does the process take?
Many cases receive a response within 5 business days after payment is registered. If additional documents or an interview are requested, the process can extend up to 30 calendar days from online registration.
What if my application is rejected?
Your next steps depend on the refusal reason and what documents can be corrected or strengthened. See visa rejection guidance.
Do I need to have had a visa when my Colombian child was born?
In some cases the authority may request evidence about your immigration status around the child’s birth. If you previously held a Colombian visa at that time, be prepared to include it. If not, the strategy depends on the facts and the child’s civil registry situation.
Can I work on a Colombia Parent Visa?
This category is commonly treated as allowing lawful activity in Colombia, but you must comply with the visa’s conditions and keep your status valid throughout your stay.
Do I need a police certificate?
In operational practice, authorities often focus on a police certificate from the applicant’s country of citizenship when requested, while retaining discretion to request additional jurisdictions depending on the file.
Experience-Based Guidance (What Actually Prevents Delays)
- Registry first: most parent-visa delays are really civil-registry issues (annotations, recognitions, or missing background records).
- One consistent story: names and dates must match across the child’s registry, passports, letters, and any status evidence.
- Don’t guess on status history: if your file may hinge on prior visas/entries, provide documentary proof instead of explanations.
- Prepare for discretionary requests: have police certificates and additional civil records ready if your profile triggers follow-up.
If you’re deciding between family-based pathways, compare this with the marriage visa and beneficiary visa rules.
