Investor Visa vs. Business Partner/Owner Visa in Colombia: Key Differences
In Colombia, a major advantage for foreign investors is that, depending on their capital investment, they can qualify for a Migrant (M) Visa to establish legal residence in the country and subsequently become eligible for permanent residence (Category R Visa).
There are two primary immigration pathways available: the Investor Visa and the Business Partner/Owner Visa. In this article, we examine their key features and differences to help you determine which option best aligns with your goals.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Investor Visa
This visa category is designed for foreign nationals who execute a qualifying Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Colombia and maintain that investment throughout the validity term of the visa.
Under general terms, qualifying foreign direct investments include:
Capital contributions or share acquisitions in resident commercial companies (equity shares, quotas, or convertible instruments).
Capital contributions to foreign corporate branches established in Colombia.
Capital participation in private equity funds (fondos de capital privado).
Economic rights arising from commercial contracts such as joint ventures, consortiums, concessions, or technology transfers, where returns depend on business profits.
Direct real estate acquisitions, real estate trust structures (fiducias inmobiliarias), or securitization processes.
Intangible assets intended for economic exploitation within Colombian territory.
For detailed guidance on structuring cross-border capital transfers, read our article on Foreign Direct Investment in Colombia.
Real Estate Investor Visa
When a foreign national makes a foreign direct investment specifically in Colombian real estate exceeding 350 Current Legal Monthly Minimum Wages (SMMLV), they qualify for the Migrant Real Estate Investor Visa.
For 2026, this threshold corresponds to approximately COP $613,000,000 (between 180,000 and 200,000 USD, according to the TRM at the time).
While this represents a significant capital commitment, real estate remains a relatively safe and stable long-term asset class. It offers an excellent option for investors seeking a traditional real estate portfolio while simultaneously fulfilling Colombian immigration requirements.
For more information about this visa category, explore our dedicated article on the Real Estate Investor Visa.
General Investor Visa
If a foreign direct investment is made in foreign company branches, private equity funds, or economic rights arising from commercial agreements—such as joint ventures, consortiums, concessions, or technology transfers where returns depend on business profits—and exceeds 650 Current Legal Monthly Minimum Wages (SMMLV), the applicant may qualify for the General Investor Visa.
By 2026, this is equivalent to approximately $1,138,000,000 COP (between 350,000 and 380,000 USD, according to the TRM at the time).
While this visa category remains legally active under Colombian immigration law, it has largely fallen out of practical use. The required capital commitment is exceptionally high compared to other available pathways—such as investing directly in Colombian real estate or commercial entities—which carry significantly lower investment thresholds.
Historically, under previous immigration regulations, foreign investors transferring more than 650 SMMLV as Foreign Direct Investment into Colombia qualified directly for a Permanent Resident (R) Visa, offering a major incentive for substantial capital commitments.
However, with the enactment of Resolution 5477 of 2022, this category was reclassified into a Migrant (M) Visa alongside the Real Estate Investor Visa. Consequently, in most operational scenarios, it is far more practical and cost-effective to execute direct investments in real estate or Colombian companies to apply under the Real Estate Investor Visa or Business Partner/Owner Visa category.
Business Partner/Owner Visa
When a foreign investment is made to acquire equity shares in an established Colombian corporate entity or to incorporate a new company in Colombia with foreign capital, the investor may qualify for the Business Partner/Owner Visa, provided their equity contribution exceeds 100 Current Legal Monthly Minimum Wages (SMMLV).
By 2026, this is equivalent to approximately $175,100,000 COP (between 50,000 and 60,000 USD, depending on the TRM at the time).
Crucially, this capital contribution must be made directly into the company's equity capital via an official issuance of new shares (colocación de acciones) in favor of the foreign investor. Acquiring existing shares directly from a current shareholder does not qualify as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under central bank regulations and could result in visa denial.
Furthermore, the foreign capital entry must be formally registered with the Central Bank (Banco de la República) and reflected in the company's capital structure via a Certificate of Shareholder Composition issued by a certified Public Accountant.
To learn more about qualifying for this visa category, click here.
Differences between the Investor visa and the Business Partner/Owner visa
While these types of visas share certain similarities, their main differences could be summarized as follows:
Investment Amount
As can be seen, the required investment amounts are significantly different. They start at 100 SMMLV for the Business Partner/Owner Visa, rise to 350 SMMLV for the Real Estate Investor Visa, and reach 650 SMMLV for the Resident Investor Visa.
Although it may seem obvious, this is the starting point for any investor. Depending on their capital and objectives, they can begin structuring their investment project in Colombia based on the planned amount and how it aligns with the available visa types.
Work Permit
Given the very nature of the type of investment, it affects the work permit granted by the corresponding visa. In this sense, the investor visa (whether general or real estate investment) can be considered a "passive" investment, so it does not grant a work permit in Colombia.
Even so, it is important to clarify that this does not prevent investors from generating income, dividends, or legitimate profits from their investment. What they cannot do is work locally—either as an independent contractor or an employee—for Colombian companies or individuals.
On the other hand, investing in a Colombian company could be considered an "active" investment because the company is expected to develop its economic activities to generate benefits for the investor.
In this context, it is reasonable that investors may wish to work for the company to help achieve its objectives. This is perfectly possible under the Business Partner/Owner Visa, which grants an exclusive work permit for the specific company receiving the investment.
Consequently, holders of this visa can actively manage their business while earning a salary or regular compensation, allowing for hands-on participation in daily operations.
Visa Renewal
Finally, it is important to consider the long-term conditions for visa renewal. For the Investor Visa—across all its categories—the primary requirement is to demonstrate that the investment was maintained throughout the visa's validity period.
However, in the case of the Business Partner/Owner Visa, maintaining the investment made during the validity of the visa may not be sufficient for a second application, since for second applications the regulations require proof that the company is economically active and solvent, which could make it difficult for foreign investors who have invested in companies with no economic activity or that are in financial deficit to renew the visa, its approval being in the hands of the discretionary power of the visa authority.
Conclusion
Foreign investment remains an attractive pathway for foreign nationals seeking a Colombian visa through capital placement. Clear options exist across various investment thresholds and project structures, catering to the distinct goals of different investor profiles.
In this regard, securing specialized legal counsel is highly beneficial for evaluating available alternatives and selecting an investment strategy aligned with your specific objectives.
At JG Lawyers, we provide comprehensive guidance on foreign investment and its corresponding visa process in a clear, agile, and responsible manner, outlining risks, costs, and tailored strategies for each individual case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine purchases of multiple properties to reach the amount for the Real Estate Investor Visa?
Yes. Regulations allow combining investments across multiple properties, provided the total sum exceeds 350 SMMLV, each purchase is duly registered with the investor as the sole owner, and the Foreign Direct Investment is properly registered with the Bank of the Republic.
Can I combine investments in different companies to reach the amount for the Business Partner/Owner Visa?
No. For the Business Partner/Owner Visa, the minimum investment threshold of 100 SMMLV must be placed within a single company. However, if the total investment across different companies reaches 650 SMMLV, you could alternatively apply for the General Investor Visa, as it still qualifies as foreign investment.
Do these visas count time toward applying for Colombian residency?
Yes. Both the Investor Visa and the Business Partner/Owner Visa allow you to accumulate time toward a subsequent Resident Visa application, requiring five continuous years under either visa category.
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