Documents and passport for Colombian visa application

The True Cost of Getting a Colombian Visa in 2025

August 19, 2025•5 min read

What most foreigners get wrong — and why doing it “yourself” often ends in delays, fines, or denials.

It Used to Be Easy—What Changed?

Just a few years ago, getting a visa in Colombia was relatively simple. A few documents, a bit of paperwork, and you were in.

But things have changed.

The number of foreigners arriving in Colombia has tripled in the past two years. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has become far more selective. Even if you technically meet all the requirements, you can still be denied—especially if someone else with a “stronger” profile is applying for the same category.

What used to be a checklist process is now more like a competitive evaluation.

Breakdown of Visa-Related Costs (By Type)

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Most people only budget for the official government fees. But that’s a small part of the picture. Let’s look at realistic cost ranges by visa type, factoring in documents, delays, and professional support.

🧳 Digital Nomad Visa

FBI Background Check + Apostille + Translation: $400–$550
Visa Fees (Application + Issuance): ~$300
Certified Translations (1–3 pages): $60–$120
Legal Support / Consulting (Optional): $350–$500
Total Estimated Cost: $1,100–$1,500

💼 Business Owner Visa

FBI Background Check Package: $400–$550
Company Formation & Documents: $400–$800
Company Formation Taxes: $500
State Apostille for Business Documents (U.S. or abroad): $100–$250
Bank Account Setup Fees: $100–$300
Currency Conversion Slippage: ~$500–$1,000 (real-world impact)
Visa Fees: ~$300
Legal Support: $450–$900
Total Estimated Cost: $1,600–$3,000

💵 Investment Visa

FBI Background Check Package: $400–$550
Legalization of F-4 Form (Investment Proof): $100–$200
Brokerage Fees / Currency Transfer Loss: $500–$1,000
Visa Fees: ~$300
State-Apostilled Documents: $100–$250
Legal Support: $500–$900
Total Estimated Cost: $1,800–$3,500

🧓 Retirement Visa

FBI Background Check Package: $400–$550
Proof of Income or Pension Letters (apostilled): $100–$300
Certified Translations: $60–$120
Visa Fees: ~$300
Legal Support (optional but recommended): $350–$500
Total Estimated Cost: $1,200–$1,600

🎓 Student Visa

This visa is ideal for people enrolling in language schools, universities, or long-term academic programs. While it’s more affordable than some other visas, there are hidden costs to keep in mind.

FBI Background Check Package: $400–$550
Certified Translations (admission letter, ID, etc.): $60–$120
Visa Application Fees: ~$300
Proof of Tuition Payment: Varies, but most institutions require prepayment for at least 6 months. For Spanish schools, this can range from $800 to $2,000+ USD depending on the institution and program length.
Legal Support (optional): $150–$300
Total Estimated Cost: $1,200–$2,900+

Many language schools in Colombia now require full payment upfront before issuing the enrollment letter (needed for your visa). If the process is delayed or you’re denied, it can be difficult to get a refund.

And That’s Only If Everything Goes Smoothly

Many people assume they can cut costs by doing it themselves—and they can. But most of our clients come to us in a panic, after something goes wrong:

Their tourist visa is about to expire, and they still don’t have approval
They submitted the wrong background check (state-level instead of federal)
Their apostille never arrived—or was done incorrectly
Their translation was rejected for not being certified
They didn’t budget for document delays, and now face fines or have to fly home

⚠️ Hidden and Unexpected Costs

Even if you meet the official visa requirements, many applicants are surprised by the real-world expenses that arise during the process. Here’s what most people don’t factor in:

🛂 Overstay Fines

If your tourist visa expires before your new visa is approved, you could face fines of up to $1,000,000+ COP (~$250 USD) or more — and that’s if Migración doesn’t require you to leave the country. Timing is critical, especially if your paperwork is delayed or rejected.

📆 Missed Deadlines

Delays in fingerprinting, apostille, or translation can set off a chain reaction, causing your application to be submitted late. This can lead to rescheduling fees, rushed service fees, or even the cost of an entirely new application.

📉 Currency Slippage

When transferring large amounts for a business or investment visa, many applicants lose hundreds (or thousands) of dollars due to unfavorable exchange rates and conversion fees. One client lost over $1,000 USD between the time they sent their money and the bank processed it.

🛂 Passport Renewal

If your passport is within 6 months of expiring, many Colombian consulates or Migración officials will require you to renew it before issuing a visa. That’s an added cost — and more paperwork.

🏛️ Extra Legal Documents

Business and investment visas often require:

F-4 registration forms (legalized with apostille)
Corporate formation documents
Additional certifications translated and apostilled

Each of these steps adds both time and cost.

👨‍⚖️ Legal Help

Many clients try to do it themselves first — only to come to us in a panic after a denial. Legal guidance from the start may seem like an extra cost, but it often saves money and stress in the long run by avoiding mistakes that can delay or derail the process entirely.

✈️ Travel Costs

If you're forced to leave the country due to visa delays or denials, you could be looking at last-minute airfare, accommodation costs, and time lost. This can be especially painful if your plan was to settle down and work remotely without interruption.

Where We Come In

At OnCallColombia, we’ve helped hundreds of foreigners stay in Colombia legally without the stress. Our VIP visa support includes:

✅ FBI Background Check in 24–48 hours
✅ Apostille and certified translation within 10–12 business days
✅ Mobile fingerprint collection (we come to you)
✅ WhatsApp support (no waiting days for email replies)
✅ Local and U.S. presence—bilingual staff in both D.C. and Medellín
✅ Guidance from licensed attorneys and visa strategists

Final Thoughts: Save Yourself the Headaches

Colombia is one of the most exciting and welcoming countries in Latin America—but its visa process isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

If you're thinking long-term, plan accordingly. That means budgeting for real costs, avoiding risky shortcuts, and getting the right help at the right time.

Whether you just need the background check or want someone to handle the entire process—we’re ready when you are.