The Andean Community: More Than Trade
The Comunidad Andina (CAN) — the Andean Community — is a regional integration bloc comprising Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Beyond trade, the CAN includes labor mobility agreements that give citizens of member countries significant immigration advantages when moving between member states. For Bolivians, Ecuadorians and Peruvians entering Colombia, these rights are substantial and often underutilized.
Key Rights Under CAN Decision 878
CAN Decision 878 (approved in 2021) established the Andean Migratory Status, which includes:
- Andean Temporary Resident (Residente Temporal Andino) — up to 2 years of legal residence in Colombia with work authorization
- Andean Permanent Resident (Residente Permanente Andino) — permanent residence for those with 2 years of temporary Andean residence
- Andean Border Worker (Trabajador de Frontera Andino) — for workers in border areas who live in one country and work in another
- Andean Retired Person (Jubilado Andino) — for retirees from member countries
How Andean Immigration Status Compares to Regular Visas
| Element | Regular Colombian Visa | Andean Status (CAN) |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | USD 54 study fee | Reduced or waived |
| Processing | Cancillería online portal | Migración Colombia directly |
| Documents required | Full set with apostilles | Simplified — CAN framework |
| Work authorization | Varies by category | Included in Temporary Andean status |
Medical Plan Requirements Under CAN Status
CAN status holders in formal employment typically enroll in EPS through their employer. Those applying under CAN frameworks who are not yet employed should verify whether a private medical assistance plan is required at their specific point in the process. Consult Migración Colombia's current CAN guidance or contact CoVisas for clarity on your situation.
Sources: CAN Decision 878 (2021). Migración Colombia — migracioncolombia.gov.co. Comunidad Andina — comunidadandina.org. Informational only.
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