On October 20, 2024, the deadline for the mandatory renewal (traspaso de la visa) of the Colombian R visa (visa de residente permanente) expires.
According to the current Colombian visa regulations (Art. 123 para. 3 of Resolución 5477 of 2022), the obligation to renew the R visa applies to all R visas issued before October 20, 2022.
This applies regardless of the fact that a 5-year validity period is generally noted on the R visa. This means that although R visas issued shortly before October 20, 2022, for example, are apparently still valid until 2027, these visas must be renewed by October 20, 2024 in accordance with the resolution cited above.
The procedure for renewing the R visa is generally carried out online via the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Requirements for submitting an application
One of the requirements for submitting the application for renewal is, among other things, a so-called “certificado de movimientos migratorios”. This is an official certificate of entries and exits to and from Colombia in recent years. This certificate is issued by the Colombian immigration authority Migración Colombia and requires either a personal appearance at this authority or the appearance of a duly appointed authorized representative. The corresponding power of attorney must be notarized or certified by a Colombian consulate abroad.
The purpose of this certificate is to enable the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to check whether the R visa has expired due to long-term absence from Colombia. This is because anyone who is absent from Colombia for a continuous period of more than two years will automatically and immediately lose the R visa.
Once the visa has been successfully renewed, the Colombian foreigner's identity card (cédula de extranjería) must also be reapplied for. There is a deadline of two weeks from the approval of the new R visa.
Challenges and potential problems
The visa renewal process is not particularly difficult. However, a certain amount of planning and coordination is required, especially if the applicant is abroad. In addition, administrative or technical problems may arise in individual cases or certain additional documents may be requested by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Possible consequences of failure to comply with the renewal obligation
If the obligation to renew the R visa by October 20, 2024 is violated, there is a risk of consequences under immigration law. However, the applicable regulations do not explicitly stipulate the specific legal consequences in the event of a breach. In particular, disciplinary proceedings (proceso administrativo) may be initiated by the Colombian immigration authority Migración Colombia and a fine (sanción económica) may be imposed. The regulations do not specify whether there is also a risk of permanent loss of the R Visa, particularly in the event of long-term failure to comply with the obligation to renew the visa. In any case, it is worth renewing the R visa promptly to avoid any administrative or legal problems.
