Work permit renewal in Colombia
How to renew a work permit — how it works anywhere
Renewing a Colombian work permit involves requesting a visa extension through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the current visa expires. Applicants must demonstrate that the conditions of their original employment contract remain valid and that they continue to meet the requirements for the specific visa category held.
It is generally recommended to initiate the renewal process at least 30 to 60 days before the current permit expires. This buffer accounts for potential delays in administrative processing and ensures legal stay while the new application is reviewed.
Start 30 days ahead
Processing times vary based on current volume and the specific type of visa, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks.
Most permit renewals ask you to prove you have health cover → SafetyWing
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The process
- 1Verify that the underlying employment contract is still active and meets the requirements for the visa category.
- 2Complete the online visa application form provided on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.
- 3Upload required digital documentation, including current identity documents and proof of continued employment.
- 4Submit the application electronically and pay the associated processing fees.
- 5Monitor the status of the application via the official portal for approval or requests for additional information.
- 6Once approved, finalize the process by obtaining the digital visa or registering the visa at the local Migración Colombia office if required.
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Current Colombian visa
- Employment contract or a letter from the employer confirming continued employment
- Proof of payment of relevant fees
- Recent digital photograph
Who handles it
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Visa fees vary significantly based on the applicant's nationality and the type of visa requested; consult the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the current schedule of fees.
What commonly goes wrong
- Submitting an application after the expiration of the current visa may result in fines or a requirement to leave the country.
- Ensure all employer-provided documentation matches the specific details of the initial permit approval.
- Failure to update address or status information with Migración Colombia within the mandated timeframe can cause complications.
Sources
No source page could be confirmed for this one, so treat every specific above as something to check with Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Don't rely on remembering
Renewals here take about 30 days to start. Add this document and Duratum will tell you when that window opens.