Colombia Mercosur & Andean Community Visa: the most accessible route (2026)

I'm Margarita Sañudo, a Colombian immigration lawyer, and I work in both English and Spanish.

Who can apply?

The Mercosur visa is for nationals of the member and associate states of the Mercosur Residence Agreement: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, and associates such as Peru, Ecuador, Guyana and Suriname. It's based on the principle of reciprocity between countries.

In parallel, nationals of the Andean Community (CAN) — Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru — have the Andean migrant category, with similar benefits.

Important: Venezuela is no longer part of the Mercosur residence agreement, so its nationals follow a different route.

Why it's so advantageous

Unlike the work visa (which requires a contract and the company proving 100 SMMLV) or the investor visa (which requires high amounts), the Mercosur/Andean visa doesn't ask you to prove high income or investments. Its pillars are simple:

• Be a national of one of the agreement's countries.
• Have a valid passport (at least 6 months).
• Have no criminal record.

And it grants an open work permit: you can work as an employee, independently, study or invest, with no sector restriction.

Validity and path to residency

This visa is valid for up to 2 years and counts toward residency: as a Mercosur or Andean migrant, you can generally apply for the Resident Visa (Type R) after 2 years. In other words, it's a fast, low-cost route to permanent residency. You can also include your family (spouse and children) as beneficiaries.

Costs

Official amounts are around a USD $54 study fee and a USD $270 issuance fee (payable in pesos), plus the foreigner ID card. I'll confirm current figures in your consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an employment contract for this visa?

No. Unlike the work visa, the Mercosur/Andean visa requires no contract and no company proving income. Your nationality, passport and clean record are enough.

Can I work freely?

Yes. It grants an open permit for any lawful activity, as an employee or independently.

Does it lead to permanent residency?

Yes, and quickly: it usually accrues the time to apply for the Resident Visa after 2 years.

---

This guide is general information and not personalized legal, tax or immigration advice. Colombian rules and amounts change often; confirm current requirements with official sources (Cancillería, Migración Colombia, Banco de la República) or in a consultation. Information current as of 2026.