When a Foreign Company Sends a Specialist to Colombia
International business frequently involves sending technical specialists across borders — engineers commissioning equipment, IT specialists implementing systems, trainers deploying software, or industry experts supporting local operations. The Migrante Asistencia Técnica visa is Colombia's mechanism for these temporary, company-sponsored technical assignments.
Who This Visa Is For
The Technical Assistance Visa is designed for a very specific scenario: a foreign national remains employed by (or contracted to) a foreign company, and that company has a technical assistance agreement with a Colombian company — sending the specialist to Colombia to deliver services under that agreement.
This is different from: being hired locally by a Colombian employer (Worker Visa); freelancing for a Colombian client (Service Provider Visa); or working remotely for a foreign company without a Colombian client (Digital Nomad Visa).
Required Documents
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Technical assistance agreement | Contract between the foreign company and the Colombian receiving company, describing the scope of technical services. |
| Assignment letter from foreign company | Official letter confirming the specialist is being sent to Colombia, their role and assignment duration. |
| Colombian receiving company's Cámara de Comercio certificate | Within 90 days. |
| Proof of specialist's technical qualifications | Degree, certifications or professional license. Apostilled + Spanish translation. |
| Criminal background check | Country of origin + 3-year countries. Apostilled. Within 90 days. |
| Medical assistance plan | Resolution 5477-compliant, all 7 coverages, full visa duration. |
| Valid passport | Min 6 months validity. |
Duration and Renewability
The Technical Assistance Visa is typically issued for the duration of the assignment, up to the maximum allowed. It can be renewed if the assignment continues. If the scope of work changes significantly, a new application may be required. Keep your technical assistance agreement current and aligned with your actual work in Colombia.
Sources: Resolution 5477 of July 22, 2022. Cancillería Colombia — cancilleria.gov.co. Informational only.
🛡️ Get Your CoVisas Medical Assistance Plan
CoVisas was the first company in Colombia to offer continuous coverage up to 3 years under Resolution 5477. 20+ years of experience. No purchased reviews.