Understanding Colombia's Resident Visa Transfer Rules

Colombia has extended the timeline for long-term residents to modernize their paperwork. Under Resolution 9316, holders of Resident (R) visas issued before October 21, 2022, now have until October 31, 2026, to transfer their older stamps to the current digital format.

This extension provides much-needed breathing room for the expat community. Previously, the deadline was set for late 2024, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pushed this back to ensure everyone has time to comply without losing their legal status or facing visa cancellation.

Who is affected

This policy specifically targets expats and long-term residents holding older permanent residency permits. If you are a digital nomad on a V-class Nomad Visa or a tourist visiting for less than 180 days, these changes do not apply to you.

The update is mostly about administrative cleanup for those who have made Colombia their permanent home. It ensures their older documents remain valid for banking, property ownership, and maintaining a cédula de extranjería.

How to complete the transfer

The process is handled entirely online through the Ministry’s portal, typically taking about 30 days to process. You do not need to hire an intermediary, but you will need to gather several documents for the digital application:

• A copy of your current old-style visa and cédula.
• A Migración Colombia movement certificate showing your travel history.
• A personal letter explaining the reason for the transfer.
• Proof of your current activity or profession in the country.

For those with very old visas issued before the year 2000, the government allows a sworn statement if a physical copy of the original visa is missing. Staying on top of these nomad news updates ensures you avoid the rush as the 2026 deadline approaches.

Read our full Colombia guide for the complete picture.