Pathway

Colombia Residence for Andean Citizens

Colombia Residency

Updated October 5, 2026

Pathway overview

At a glance

Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru can apply to live in Colombia for two years through the Andean migration agreement.

Who can apply: Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador, or Peru
Main documents: Passport and required background records
Money to show: Explain how you will pay your living expenses

Summary

If you are a citizen of Bolivia, Ecuador, or Peru, Colombia's Andean Migrant visa may let you move to Colombia for two years under the regional migration agreement.

You need to prove your citizenship, provide background records, and explain how you will support yourself. If you want to stay permanently, a separate Andean Resident application may be possible after the required period.

Plan your stay and the next application

First application Apply for the Andean Migrant visa Use your Bolivian, Ecuadorian, or Peruvian citizenship and provide the required records.
Two-year visa Keep valid Migrant status Follow the visa conditions and keep your identity and travel records.
Within the final 90 days Apply for the Andean Resident visa Confirm the required residence history and submit the separate application before expiration.

The Resident visa requires a separate application and approval. Confirm the filing window before your Migrant visa expires.

Eligibility

You must be a citizen of Bolivia, Ecuador, or Peru. Living in one of these countries without its citizenship does not qualify you.

Prepare a passport with at least six months left before expiration, the required background records covering the five years before your arrival, and a letter explaining why you want to live in Colombia and how you will pay your expenses. If you are already in Colombia, you also need the required Colombian background certificate.

Follow the official checklist for the countries from which records are needed and for authentication and translation.

What This Route Allows

The initial Migrant visa lets you live in Colombia for two years, with the work rights attached to this category.

For a later Andean Resident visa, the Foreign Ministry requires two years in the valid Andean Migrant category and says to apply during the 90 days before that visa expires. Start preparing early so you can confirm the timing and file within that window.

What This Route Is Not

An eligible passport does not give you residence automatically. You must apply, and the later Resident visa needs its own application and approval.

This is a separate route from Colombia's Mercosur visa, even though some nationalities are eligible for both.

Next Steps

Check your passport and gather the required background records.
Prepare a letter explaining your plans and how you will support yourself, then apply through the Foreign Ministry.
If approved, keep your visa, travel, and identity records.
If you plan to stay permanently, prepare your Andean Resident application in time for the 90-day window. It needs your passport, official entry and exit record, foreigner identity card, and proof that you can support yourself and your family.