The Visa for Freelancers and Contractors Working in Colombia
Not all foreign professionals in Colombia are employees. Many work as independent contractors — engaged by Colombian companies or individuals under a service contract for a specific deliverable, without the employee-employer legal relationship. The Migrante Prestador de Servicios visa is designed for this structure.
Service Contract vs. Employment Contract: Why It Matters
Colombian labor law distinguishes sharply between empleados (employees) and contratistas independientes (independent contractors). The Prestador de Servicios visa specifically covers the latter. Key differences:
| Element | Worker Visa (Employee) | Service Provider Visa (Contractor) |
|---|---|---|
| Contract type | Labor contract (contrato de trabajo) | Service contract (contrato de prestación de servicios) |
| Social benefits | Employer pays EPS, pension, ARL, cesantías | Contractor is responsible for own contributions |
| Subordination | Works under employer's direction | Works independently for results |
| Invoicing | Receives payroll salary | Issues invoices (facturas) to client |
Required Documents
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Service contract | Signed agreement with Colombian client specifying scope, value, duration. Must be genuine and specific. |
| Client's Cámara de Comercio certificate | If client is a company — Certificado de Existencia y Representación Legal within 90 days. |
| Professional credentials | Degree/certification apostilled + Spanish translation if the service requires professional licensing. |
| 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. |
Social Security and Tax Obligations for Contractors
Unlike employees, service providers in Colombia are responsible for their own social security contributions — health (EPS), pension and occupational risk (ARL). Many independent contractors choose to enroll as voluntary contributors in EPS rather than purchase a private plan — but at the visa application stage, a Resolution 5477-compliant medical assistance plan is required before EPS enrollment is possible.
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.