Mandatory Colombian Resident Visa Transfer Before October 31, 2026: Who Must Apply?

Last updated: June 2026

Foreign nationals holding certain Colombian permanent resident visas must complete a mandatory visa transfer before October 31, 2026.

This deadline applies specifically to holders of valid Resident Visas issued under immigration regulations that existed before Colombia’s current visa system entered into force.

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reminded foreign residents that completing this procedure is essential for keeping their immigration records updated and obtaining or updating their Colombian foreigner identification card, known as the Cédula de Extranjería.

This guide explains who is affected, who is not affected, what documents are required, and how to complete the Colombian resident visa transfer process.

What Is a Colombian Visa Transfer?

A visa transfer, known in Spanish as a traspaso de visa, is the procedure through which the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reissues an existing visa and updates the information associated with its holder.

A transfer is not necessarily an application for a completely new visa category. Instead, it generally allows the holder to maintain the immigration status previously granted while updating the visa under the current administrative system.

Visa transfers may also be required in situations involving:

Loss or theft of a passport
Replacement of a passport
Certain errors in an issued visa
Changes involving an authorized employer or position
Periodic transfers required for holders of Resident Visas
Resident Visas granted under previous immigration regulations

For permanent residents affected by the transitional rule, the relevant deadline is October 31, 2026.

Why Was the October 31, 2026 Deadline Established?

Colombia introduced a new visa framework through Resolution 5477 of 2022, which entered into force on October 21, 2022.

The resolution established a transitional regime for visas issued before the new rules took effect. Although previously issued visas generally retained their validity, holders of valid Permanent Resident Visas granted under earlier regulations were required to transfer their visas into the current system.

The original transitional period was subsequently extended through Resolution 9316 of 2024.

Under this extension, affected foreign residents have until:

October 31, 2026

to submit the corresponding visa transfer application before the Colombian Visa Authority.

In March 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a new public reminder encouraging affected residents to complete the procedure before the deadline.

Who Must Complete the Mandatory Visa Transfer?

The October 31, 2026 transitional deadline generally applies when all the following conditions are met:

You are a foreign national holding a Colombian Permanent Resident Visa.
Your Resident Visa was issued under immigration regulations that applied before the current visa system entered into force on October 21, 2022.
Your Resident Visa remains legally valid.
You have not already transferred or reissued the visa under the current immigration system.

The obligation may apply to both:

Principal holders of Permanent Resident Visas
Beneficiaries holding resident status through a principal visa holder

Foreign nationals who received their Resident Visa many years ago should review their documents carefully, particularly when the visa appears as a physical label in an old passport or was issued under an earlier visa classification.

Who Is Not Covered by This Specific Deadline?

The October 31, 2026 transitional deadline does not generally apply to every foreign national living in Colombia.

It is not a general transfer requirement for holders of:

Visitor Visas, known as Type V Visas
Migrant Visas, known as Type M Visas
Tourist entry permits
Permisos por Protección Temporal
Resident Visas already transferred under the current system
Resident Visas originally issued under the rules currently in force

However, holders of Resident Visas issued under the current system remain subject to the ordinary requirement to transfer their Resident Visa every five years.

Therefore, even when the October 2026 transitional deadline does not apply, a Resident Visa holder may still have a separate transfer deadline based on the issuance or expiration date shown on the visa.

How Can I Determine Whether My Resident Visa Is Affected?

Review the following information on your visa:

Type or category of visa
Date of issuance
Date of expiration, when applicable
Visa number
Regulation or classification under which it was issued
Whether it appears in an old or expired passport
Whether a subsequent electronic visa has already been issued
Whether you hold the visa as a principal holder or beneficiary

A visa issued before October 21, 2022 is an important indicator that the transitional rule may apply. However, the issuance date alone should not always be used as the only factor.

The visa’s current validity, previous transfers, immigration movements and the holder’s specific circumstances should also be reviewed.

When there is uncertainty, obtaining a professional immigration review before filing is advisable. Submitting the wrong type of application or providing inconsistent information can result in requests for additional documentation, delays or an unfavorable decision.

Why Is the Visa Transfer Important for the Cédula de Extranjería?

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the transfer is an essential requirement for the issuance of the Cédula de Extranjería for residents covered by the transitional rule.

The Cédula de Extranjería is the official identification document issued to qualifying foreign nationals in Colombia.

It is commonly required for:

Banking procedures
Employment and professional activities
Health insurance registration
Notarial procedures
Tax registrations
Property transactions
Company registrations
Contracts and public services
Other administrative procedures in Colombia

A resident who has not completed the required transfer may experience difficulties when requesting, renewing or updating the foreigner identification card.

The visa transfer updates the resident’s information within the current visa system. After the new visa is issued, the foreign national may need to complete the corresponding procedure before Migración Colombia to update the Cédula de Extranjería.

Documents Required for a Colombian Resident Visa Transfer

The applicant must comply with the general visa application requirements and prepare the specific documents required for the transfer.

The principal documents generally include:

1. Valid passport

The applicant must have a valid passport or accepted travel document in good condition.

The personal information used in the application should match the passport exactly.

2. Digital photograph

A recent digital photograph must comply with the technical requirements established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Copy of the Resident Visa

The applicant must provide a clear copy of the visa that will be transferred.

When the visa is located in an old passport, the relevant passport pages should be scanned clearly and completely.

4. Copy of the Cédula de Extranjería

A copy of the applicant’s current or most recently issued Cédula de Extranjería must be included.

5. Certificate of migratory movements

The applicant must obtain a Certificado de Movimientos Migratorios issued by Migración Colombia.

This document allows the authorities to review the foreign national’s entries into and departures from Colombia.

This is particularly important because a Permanent Resident Visa may lose its validity when its holder remains outside Colombia for more than two continuous years.

6. Evidence of the applicant’s current activity in Colombia

Resolution 9316 of 2024 requires applicants to submit a document supporting the activity they currently perform in Colombia.

The appropriate evidence will depend on the applicant’s circumstances and may relate to employment, business activities, retirement, investments, independent professional activities or another lawful source of activity or support.

The documentation should be consistent with the information included in the application and the applicant’s actual circumstances.

7. Letter explaining the reason for the transfer

The applicant must submit a formal letter stating the reason for requesting the visa transfer.

For residents covered by the transitional requirement, the letter should clearly explain that the transfer is being requested to comply with the transitional regime and the October 31, 2026 deadline.

Additional documents may be requested by the Visa Authority depending on the applicant’s immigration history and individual circumstances.

Special Rule for Resident Visas Issued Before 2000

Some long-term residents received their Colombian visas several decades ago and may no longer possess a copy of the original visa.

Resolution 9316 of 2024 provides a special procedure for Resident Visa holders whose visas were issued before the year 2000 and who cannot submit a copy of the original visa.

In these cases, the applicant must generally provide:

A sworn letter explaining why the original visa cannot be presented
An extended certificate of migratory movements covering the year in which the visa was issued
A copy of the last Cédula de Extranjería issued during the applicant’s stay in Colombia

These cases should be prepared carefully because older immigration records may be incomplete or require additional verification by the authorities.

How to Complete the Visa Transfer Process

The Colombian visa transfer procedure is completed online through the platform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 1: Review the existing visa

Determine whether the Resident Visa remains valid and whether the October 31, 2026 transitional deadline applies.

Step 2: Obtain the migratory movement certificate

Request the corresponding certificate from Migración Colombia. Verify that the information accurately reflects the applicant’s travel history.

Step 3: Prepare the supporting documents

Collect the passport, previous visa, Cédula de Extranjería, evidence of current activity and transfer request letter.

All documents should be clear, complete and consistent.

Step 4: Submit the online application

Complete the electronic visa application form and select the appropriate visa transfer procedure.

Applicants physically present in Colombia must generally submit the application through the Bogotá visa office and must maintain regular immigration status throughout the process.

Applicants outside Colombia must submit the application through the Colombian consular office corresponding to their country of residence.

Step 5: Pay the government study fee

The government study fee must be paid through the payment options provided by the official platform.

Payment of the study fee does not guarantee approval and is generally non-refundable.

Step 6: Respond to any official request

The Visa Authority may request clarification, corrected documents, additional evidence or an interview.

The applicant should monitor the email address registered in the application because official communications and decisions are sent electronically.

Step 7: Pay the issuance fee

When the visa transfer is authorized, the applicant must pay the government issuance fee within the period established by the authority.

Step 8: Update the Cédula de Extranjería

After receiving the transferred visa, the resident should verify whether a new or updated Cédula de Extranjería must be requested from Migración Colombia.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Under the general visa regulations, the Colombian Visa Authority may take up to 30 calendar days to issue a decision after a complete application has been submitted and the study fee has been paid.

The review period may be longer when:

Additional documents are requested
Information must be verified with another institution
Immigration records contain inconsistencies
The original visa was issued many years ago
The applicant cannot provide the original visa
The filing volume increases as the deadline approaches

Foreign residents should not wait until the final days before October 31, 2026.

Preparing and submitting the application early provides additional time to correct documents, answer official requests and address any irregularity discovered during the review.

What Happens If the Deadline Is Missed?

The published transitional rule requires affected visa holders to complete the transfer before October 31, 2026.

The official provisions do not expressly state that every affected Resident Visa will automatically be cancelled solely because the holder fails to complete the transfer by that date.

However, failing to comply may create serious practical and administrative complications, particularly when the resident attempts to:

Obtain or update a Cédula de Extranjería
Demonstrate current immigration status
Complete banking or notarial procedures
Update information before Migración Colombia
Reenter Colombia after international travel
Complete a future visa or citizenship procedure

The legal consequences may depend on the validity of the original visa, the resident’s travel history and the position adopted by the immigration authorities after the deadline.

Residents who believe they may have missed the deadline should obtain an individual legal assessment instead of assuming that their immigration status remains unaffected.

Does the Transfer Change Permanent Resident Status?

A transfer is intended to reissue and update an existing visa. It is different from applying for a completely new immigration category.

Nevertheless, the Visa Authority retains the power to review the application, verify the applicant’s immigration history, request additional documentation and determine whether the transfer should be authorized.

The transfer should therefore not be treated as an automatic administrative formality.

Information concerning travel history, identity, nationality, current activity and prior immigration records must be accurate and consistent.

Can the Transfer Be Completed From Outside Colombia?

The visa procedure is completed electronically, but the authority responsible for reviewing the application depends on where the applicant is located.

A foreign national who is legally residing outside Colombia will generally submit the application through the Colombian consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence.

A person applying from a country other than their country of nationality may be required to demonstrate lawful residence or authorized status in that country.

Applicants must use the same nationality under which the original visa was issued. A visa obtained under one nationality cannot ordinarily be transferred to another nationality held by the same person.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequent errors in resident visa transfer applications include:

Assuming that an old Resident Visa does not require any update
Confusing a visa transfer with a new Resident Visa application
Submitting an incomplete migratory movement certificate
Failing to review absences from Colombia
Uploading an illegible copy of the original visa
Using passport information that does not match the original visa
Failing to provide evidence of the applicant’s current activity
Submitting a generic transfer letter without explaining the applicable circumstances
Waiting until shortly before October 31, 2026
Failing to monitor official email notifications
Assuming that the Cédula de Extranjería updates automatically after the transfer

A legal review before filing can identify problems involving prolonged absences, missing documents, name variations, changes of nationality or inconsistencies between the visa, passport and immigration records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the October 31, 2026 deadline for all Colombian visa holders?

No. The transitional deadline is specifically directed at holders of valid Permanent Resident Visas granted under previous immigration regulations.

Does the deadline apply to Migrant Visa holders?

Not under this specific transitional rule. Migrant Visa holders must comply with the expiration date and conditions applicable to their individual visas.

Does the deadline apply to beneficiaries?

It may apply to both principal and beneficiary holders of Resident Visas. Each person’s visa and immigration history should be reviewed separately.

Does transferring the visa mean applying for permanent residence again?

Not necessarily. A transfer normally involves the reissuance and updating of an existing visa. However, the application remains subject to review and authorization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Is the procedure completed online?

Yes. Colombian visa applications and visa transfer procedures are generally filed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ electronic platform.

Do I have to prove the original basis of my Resident Visa again?

The current transfer requirements focus on the previous visa, Cédula de Extranjería, migratory movements, current activity in Colombia and the reason for the transfer. The authority may nevertheless request additional documents when necessary.

What if I cannot find my original Resident Visa?

Resident Visa holders whose visas were issued before 2000 may use the special procedure established for applicants who cannot provide a copy of the original visa.

Can I wait until October 2026 to apply?

Waiting is not recommended. Processing may take several weeks and additional documents may be requested. Applications should be prepared well before the deadline.

How 4Sol Group Can Help

At 4Sol Group, our immigration legal team assists foreign residents with reviewing, preparing and submitting Colombian visa transfer applications.

Our services may include:

Reviewing your current and previous visas
Determining whether the October 31, 2026 deadline applies
Reviewing your entries into and departures from Colombia
Obtaining and analyzing migratory movement records
Preparing the visa transfer request letter
Organizing supporting documentation
Filing the online application
Responding to additional document requests
Assisting with the subsequent Cédula de Extranjería process

If you hold an old Colombian Resident Visa and are unsure whether a transfer is required, contact 4Sol Group for a personalized immigration review.

Completing the process early can help protect your immigration status, prevent documentation problems and ensure that your records are properly updated before the deadline.

Legal notice: This article provides general information about Colombian immigration procedures and does not constitute individual legal advice. Visa decisions are discretionary and each application is evaluated according to the applicant’s documents, immigration history and specific circumstances.

Contact us or request an appointment for professional advisory services.