Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa (Res)

The Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa (Res) is a type of visa that was created as part of the government's efforts to implement the peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The Res visa is designed to provide a pathway for demobilized FARC combatants and other individuals affected by the conflict to reintegrate into society and build new lives in Colombia.

The Res visa is available to individuals who meet certain criteria, including demobilized FARC combatants, family members of demobilized combatants, and individuals who have been victimized by the conflict. The visa is also available to individuals who have been displaced from their homes or who have suffered losses as a result of the conflict.

To qualify for the Res visa, applicants must provide documentation that demonstrates their eligibility, such as proof of demobilization from the FARC, proof of displacement or victimization, or other supporting documentation. Applicants must also undergo a background check and meet other requirements related to health, finances, and other factors.

Once approved, the Res visa provides a pathway to permanent residency in Colombia, which can provide stability and security for the visa holder and their family. Res visa holders have access to Colombia's public healthcare system and public education system, and can work and invest in the country. The Res visa also provides a pathway to citizenship in Colombia, which can provide additional benefits such as the ability to vote and the right to hold public office.

The Res visa is an important part of Colombia's efforts to build a lasting peace and promote reconciliation in the aftermath of the conflict. By providing a pathway for demobilized combatants and other individuals affected by the conflict to reintegrate into society and build new lives, the Res visa is helping to create a more inclusive and just society in Colombia.

Overall, the Res visa is a powerful tool for promoting peace and reconciliation in Colombia. By providing a pathway for individuals affected by the conflict to rebuild their lives and contribute to society, the Res visa is helping to create a brighter future for all Colombians.

Eligibility criteria for Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa

Sure, here are some eligibility criteria for the Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa:

• Being a foreigner who is a beneficiary of the peace process in Colombia, according to the agreements signed between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP guerrilla group in 2016.
• Having resided in Colombia continuously and uninterruptedly for at least 5 years prior to the entry into force of the peace agreement on December 1, 2016.
• Having no criminal record or pending judicial proceedings in Colombia or abroad.
• Not having been expelled or deported from Colombia or any other country.
• Having a valid passport or travel document.
• Demonstrating economic solvency to support oneself in Colombia.
• Providing a certificate of good health issued by a public or private health institution in Colombia.
• Providing evidence of having made a significant contribution to the peace process in Colombia, such as participating in demobilization or reintegration activities, contributing to the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas, or promoting the culture of peace and reconciliation.

Please note that these are general eligibility criteria, and there may be additional requirements or exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of each applicant. 

Required documents for applying for Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa

Sure, here are some of the documents that may be required for applying for a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa:

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Visa application form, duly completed and signed.
• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Certificate of good conduct issued by the authorities of the country where the applicant has resided for the past 5 years.
• Proof of uninterrupted residency in Colombia for at least 5 years prior to the entry into force of the peace agreement on December 1, 2016. This can be demonstrated by providing rental contracts, utility bills, employment contracts, or other relevant documents.
• Proof of economic solvency, such as bank statements, employment contract, or business documents.
• Certificate of good health issued by a public or private health institution in Colombia.
• Evidence of having made a significant contribution to the peace process in Colombia, such as certificates of participation in demobilization or reintegration activities, or documentation of contributions to the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas.
• Payment of the visa fee, which varies depending on the applicant's nationality and the length of stay.

Please note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the applicant's nationality, personal circumstances, and the discretion of the Colombian immigration authorities. 

Benefits of obtaining a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa

Obtaining a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa can provide several benefits, including:

Access to the Colombian economy: As a Special Resident Peace Visa holder, you can engage in economic activities in Colombia, such as starting a business, investing, or working for a local company.

Extended stay in Colombia: The Special Resident Peace Visa allows you to stay in Colombia for up to five years, which is longer than the standard tourist visa.

Ease of travel: With the Special Resident Peace Visa, you don't have to worry about renewing your visa or leaving the country periodically, as is required with other types of visas.

Path to citizenship: After residing in Colombia for five years with the Special Resident Peace Visa, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Tax benefits: As a Special Resident Peace Visa holder, you can benefit from certain tax incentives, such as lower tax rates or exemptions, depending on the type of economic activity you engage in.

Family reunification: The Special Resident Peace Visa allows you to bring your spouse and children to Colombia, and they can also benefit from the same advantages and opportunities as you.

Access to education and healthcare: Special Resident Peace Visa holders can enroll in Colombian schools and universities, and can also access the country's public healthcare system.

Overall, the Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa provides a pathway to long-term residency and access to the many opportunities available in Colombia.

How to apply for a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa

To apply for a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa, you will need to follow these steps:

Determine your eligibility: The Special Resident Peace Visa is available to foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the peace process in Colombia, or who have suffered from the armed conflict in the country. You will need to provide documentation to support your eligibility.

Gather the required documents: The list of required documents may vary depending on your specific situation, but generally, you will need to provide a valid passport, a criminal record certificate, proof of income or financial means, and other supporting documentation.

Fill out the application form: The application form for the Special Resident Peace Visa can be found on the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fill out the form completely and accurately, and provide all necessary information.

Submit the application: Once you have completed the application form and gathered all required documents, you can submit your application to the nearest Colombian consulate or embassy in your home country. You will need to pay a fee for the application processing.

Wait for the decision: The processing time for the Special Resident Peace Visa can vary, but it usually takes several weeks to a few months. You will be notified of the decision by the Colombian embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.

If your application is approved, you will need to travel to Colombia within a certain period of time and register with the Colombian authorities to obtain your Special Resident Peace Visa. Once you have your visa, you can begin enjoying the benefits of long-term residency in Colombia.

Processing time for a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa

The processing time for a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the volume of applications being processed, the complexity of the case, and the accuracy and completeness of the documentation submitted.

However, according to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the standard processing time for a Special Resident Peace Visa is approximately 15 business days from the date the application is submitted at the Colombian consulate or embassy.

It is important to note that this is just an estimate and actual processing times may vary. It is recommended to submit the application well in advance of any planned travel to Colombia to allow for any potential delays in processing.

In some cases, additional documentation or information may be requested, which can prolong the processing time. If you have any questions about the status of your application or the processing time, you can contact the Colombian consulate or embassy where you submitted your application for updates.

Differences between a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa and other types of Colombian visas

The Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa is a unique type of visa that differs from other types of Colombian visas in several ways. Here are some of the key differences:

Eligibility: The Special Resident Peace Visa is only available to foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the peace process in Colombia or who have suffered from the armed conflict in the country. Other types of visas, such as the tourist visa or the work visa, have different eligibility requirements.

Duration of stay: The Special Resident Peace Visa allows for a longer duration of stay in Colombia compared to other types of visas. With this visa, you can stay in Colombia for up to five years, whereas a tourist visa only allows for a maximum stay of 180 days.

Visa renewal: Unlike other types of visas that require renewal or extension, the Special Resident Peace Visa is valid for up to five years without the need for renewal or extension.

Path to citizenship: With the Special Resident Peace Visa, you can apply for citizenship after residing in Colombia for five years. Other types of visas may not offer this path to citizenship.

Requirements: The requirements for the Special Resident Peace Visa may differ from other types of visas, such as the need to provide documentation proving your eligibility based on contributions to the peace process or suffering from the armed conflict in the country.

Overall, the Special Resident Peace Visa is a unique type of visa that provides a pathway to long-term residency in Colombia for foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the peace process in Colombia or who have suffered from the armed conflict in the country. It differs from other types of visas in terms of eligibility, duration of stay, visa renewal, and path to citizenship.

Tips for a successful application for Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa

Here are some tips to help ensure a successful application for a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa:

Start early: The application process for a Special Resident Peace Visa can be lengthy, so it is important to start early and give yourself plenty of time to gather all necessary documentation and complete the application form.

Understand the eligibility requirements: Before applying, make sure you understand the eligibility requirements for the Special Resident Peace Visa and provide the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility.

Submit a complete application: Make sure you provide all required documentation and complete the application form accurately and completely. Incomplete or inaccurate applications can result in delays or denial of the visa.

Follow the instructions carefully: Pay attention to all instructions provided by the Colombian consulate or embassy where you submit your application. This includes paying the correct fees, providing all necessary documentation, and adhering to any specific guidelines.

Be patient: The processing time for a Special Resident Peace Visa can vary, so be patient and wait for the decision. Contact the consulate or embassy only if necessary and avoid unnecessary follow-up calls or emails.

Seek professional assistance if necessary: If you are unsure about any aspect of the application process or need help gathering the required documentation, consider seeking professional assistance from a reputable immigration lawyer or visa processing service.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of a successful application for a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa and start enjoying the benefits of long-term residency in Colombia.

Renewing or extending a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa

Sure, here is some information on renewing or extending a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa:

• The Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa is valid for a period of five years, after which it can be renewed.
• To renew the visa, the applicant must provide proof of continuous residence in Colombia during the previous five years, as well as evidence of continued economic solvency and good health.
• The applicant must also demonstrate continued involvement in the peace process in Colombia, such as by providing documentation of ongoing participation in reintegration or reconstruction activities.
• Renewal applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least 30 days before the expiration of the current visa.
• If the applicant is outside of Colombia when the visa expires, they may still apply for renewal within six months of the expiration date.
• If the visa is not renewed before it expires, the applicant may be required to apply for a new visa and go through the application process again.
• If the applicant wishes to extend their stay in Colombia beyond the five-year period, they may apply for a new visa, such as a work visa or business visa, that is appropriate for their intended activities in the country.
• The application process for a new visa may involve different requirements and fees, so it is important to consult with the Colombian immigration authorities or a qualified immigration lawyer for guidance on the best course of action.

Please note that the information provided is general in nature and may not apply to every situation. 

Consequences of violating the terms of a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa

Violating the terms of a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa may have serious consequences, which can include:

Revocation of the visa: If the holder of a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa violates the conditions of the visa, the visa may be revoked. This can result in the holder being required to leave Colombia immediately, and may make it difficult for the holder to obtain a new visa in the future.

Deportation: If the holder of a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa violates Colombian immigration laws or is involved in criminal activities, they may be subject to deportation. Deportation can result in the holder being barred from re-entering Colombia for a specified period of time.

Fines and penalties: Violating the terms of a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa may result in fines or penalties, depending on the severity of the violation. These fines or penalties can range from a warning or reprimand to fines or even imprisonment.

Legal consequences: Violating the terms of a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa may have legal consequences, such as being charged with a crime in Colombia. This can result in the holder being required to face criminal proceedings, which can be time-consuming and costly.

It is important to understand the terms and conditions of a Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa and to comply with them to avoid any negative consequences.