Own a Colombian Company? Reside Legally in Colombia.
The Migrante Socio o Propietario visa is for foreign nationals who own or hold shares in a Colombian company. It bridges the gap between business ownership and immigration status — if you have established a real business in Colombia, this visa formalizes your right to reside there as its owner or shareholder.
Which Company Structures Qualify
Any legally constituted Colombian commercial entity qualifies, including:
- SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) — the most common structure for foreign-owned businesses, favored for its flexibility
- Ltda (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada)
- SA (Sociedad Anónima)
- SCA (Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones)
The company must be currently registered and active with the Cámara de Comercio (Chamber of Commerce) of the city where it operates.
Minimum Capital Requirement
The total equity attributable to your ownership stake must meet the applicable SMMLV threshold set by Cancillería. The threshold is reviewed annually as the SMMLV adjusts. Verify the current minimum with a Colombian immigration attorney before structuring your investment, as inadequate capitalization at the time of application results in rejection.
Required Documents
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Certificado de Existencia y Representación Legal | From the Cámara de Comercio. Must be recent (within 90 days) and show your ownership/shareholding. |
| Company's RUT | DIAN tax registration showing the company is an active taxpayer. |
| Proof of capital contribution | Bank transfer records, share certificate or shareholder registry entry confirming your investment. |
| Source-of-funds documentation | Bank statements showing the lawful origin of capital invested. SARLAFT compliance required. |
| 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. |
Can I Take a Salary from My Colombian Company?
The Socio/Propietario visa covers ownership activities, not employment. If you want to draw a salary as a director or manager of the company, Colombian labor and immigration law requires careful structuring. Some visa holders operate through service contracts rather than payroll. Consult a Colombian labor attorney on the optimal arrangement.
Sources: Resolution 5477 of July 22, 2022. Cancillería Colombia — cancilleria.gov.co. Informational only.
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