Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Colombia for Foreigners

Skillful and not skilled There are jobs in Colombia that can help foreigners get visas in 2024 and 2025! Since Colombia has such a beautiful culture, people come from all over the world to work or just to visit. A work visa is a great way to discover Colombia and make money at the same time. It is important to keep in mind, though, that not every company will be able or willing to help workers get work cards.

Before you look into the specifics of Visa Sponsorship jobs in Colombia for foreigners, you should know that an employee who needs a working visa must fill out the right form. They can sign up online at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website by sending in all the required paperwork. After submitting, reviewing, and accepting an application, the person must follow the payment directions given by the authorities.

This article tells you about the visa-sponsored jobs in Colombia that are open to people from other countries. It also talks about what you need to get a job, the jobs that are popular in Colombia, what you should avoid when looking for work in Colombia, and a lot more.

Visa sponsorship jobs in Colombia for foreigners 2024/2025

Check out the list below of different jobs in Colombia that will sponsor your visa if you are not from there.

• Financial Advisor Associate
• Sr. Financial Analyst
• PC Technician
• Help Desk Analyst
• RCM AR Specialist
• IT/Software Professsional
• Civil Engineering Analyst
• Support Consultant
• Analytical Consultant
• Project Manager
• Customer Project Manager
• Javascript Developer
• Assistant Store Manager
• IT Project Specialist
• Store Associate
• Healthcare Data & Analytics Testing Lead
• Sales Development Representative
• Junior Systems Administrator
• Environmental Planner
• Security Engineer
• Customer Brokerage Entry Processing Supervisor
• Full Stack Developer

Colombian job prospects

Many global companies set up their South American headquarters in Colombia’s big cities, like Medellin, Bogota, and Cali, where there are a lot of job possibilities.

Companies like Google, IBM, AON, KPMG, and Ernst & Young have moved to Colombia in the last ten years. For a range of jobs, these companies hire both Colombians and people from other countries. And there are a lot of new businesses in Colombia. A lot of people choose to start their own businesses here.

Many people who know English as their first language want to teach English, and there are many companies all over Colombia looking for teachers. English language classes are required in Colombian schools, and many schools offer great pay to fully trained teachers who know English as their first language.

In Bogota, the capital of Colombia, both foreign embassies and tourist businesses need people from both inside and outside of Colombia.

Job Applications in Colombia

1. Job Search Platforms

• Indeed.com: Larger foreign companies and small local businesses post job openings on one of the most popular job search sites. It’s a great way to find several hundred different jobs in many different fields.

2. Company Websites

• Direct Applications: There are job openings posted straight on the websites of many businesses, especially smaller ones. If you check these sites often, you might find job openings that aren’t posted on bigger job search sites.

3. Teaching Jobs

• International Recruitment: Schools in Colombia often hire teachers from other countries, especially for jobs teaching English. Websites that list teaching jobs, like TeachAway or job boards for English as a Second Language (ESL), are useful.

4. Social Networks

• LinkedIn: A lot of people in Colombia use LinkedIn, especially in the bigger towns like Cali, Bogotá, and Medellín. LinkedIn networking can be a great way to get in touch with possible employers, find job openings, and meet other professionals.
• Facebook Groups: Some job openings may be posted in Facebook groups for job hunters in Colombia. This is especially likely for jobs in niche fields or certain areas.

5. Local Advertising

• Local Newspapers and Community Boards: Job ads in smaller places can be found in the local paper, on community bulletin boards, or through word of mouth. For finding job openings, networking in the community can also be very helpful.

6. Recruitment Agencies

• Local and International Recruitment Agencies: There are some employment companies in Colombia that only hire people from other countries. These groups can help you find jobs that match your skills and can also help you through the application process.

7. Networking and Word of Mouth

• Personal Connections: Networking and word of mouth are two of the best ways to find job openings in small towns and rural places. Getting to know people in your neighborhood can help you find jobs that aren’t widely advertised.

8. Expat Communities

• Expat Networks: It can also help to join expat groups or forums, where people share job leads and tips on how to apply for jobs in Colombia.

9. Job Fairs and Events

Career Fairs: Going to career fairs and events for your industry can be a great way to meet companies and find out about jobs in Colombia.

What you need to land a job

There are many jobs in Colombia that will hire you if you can speak both Spanish and English. Multinational companies want people who can talk English and Spanish well, and most interviews are held in English.

When it comes to jobs as an English teacher, the opposite is true. Get a TEFL or CELTA license if English is your first language. It doesn’t matter how good your Spanish is. On the other hand, private schools and colleges will need you to have more education, like a teaching degree or a PGCE.

How to Obtain a Colombia Work Visa in 2024

1. Understand the Visa Type

• The new name for the Colombia work visa is an M-5 visa, which stands for a Migrant (M) visa of type 5. This visa is only for people who have already found work in Colombia.

2. Meet Eligibility Criteria

• Job Offer: You must have a formal job offer or employment contract from a company in Colombia.
• Relevance: Your skills should match the job requirements, and your part should be directly related to the business activities of the company.
• Employer Justification: The employer must demonstrate a need to hire a foreign worker for the position.

3. Gather Required Documents

• Valid Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Employment Contract: A signed job offer letter or work contract from your Colombian boss.
• Company Documents: The company’s registration certificate and a copy of the company’s tax identification number (NIT).
• Proof of Qualifications: Copies of your degrees, certificates, or other proof of qualifications that are relevant to the job.
• Police Clearance Certificate: A background check or police clearance certificate from your country of origin or residence.
• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance that is valid in Colombia.
• Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form, which can be obtained from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos that meet the Colombian visa photo requirements.
• Visa Application Fee: Proof of payment of the visa application fee.

4. Submit the Application

• Online Submission: The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website is where most visa applications are sent. Make an account, fill out the application form, and upload all the necessary papers.
• In-Person Submission: Based on where they live, some candidates may have to bring their application to a Colombian consulate or embassy in person.

5. Wait for Processing

• Processing Time: It can take anywhere from 5 to 30 working days to process a visa, but most of the time it takes longer. It’s best to apply a long time before the date you want to start.
• Additional Documentation: During the processing time, the immigration authorities may ask for more paperwork or an interview.

6. Receive Your Visa

• Approval: If you are approved, you will get an M-5 work visa that is good for as long as your job deal lasts, but not longer than three years.
• Visa Duration: The M-5 visa is not automatically renewed like other migrant cards. You can, however, get a new visa if your job deal gets longer or if you find a new job in Colombia.

7. Enter Colombia

• As soon as you get your visa, you can go to Colombia and start that job. When you get there, make sure to sign up with the local immigration office (Migración Colombia).

8. Social Security Registration

• Register with Social Security (EPS): If you have a work visa, you need to join Colombia’s social security system. This includes paying into health insurance (EPS) and a pension plan.

9. Maintain Visa Compliance

• Stay Compliant: Follow the rules on your visa, which include the exact job role and employer. If your work situation changes in a big way, you may need to let immigration authorities know or apply for a new visa.

10. Consider Permanent Residency

• Path to Residency: After having an M-5 visa for a certain amount of time, you might be able to apply for a Resident (R) visa, which can finally allow you to live in Colombia permanently.

Changes to Colombian Work Visa Requirements

Ivan Duque is currently president of Colombia, and his government has made visa rules for immigrants much tighter. When you ask for a work visa, you need to show proof of your skills through certificates or credentials. The immigration officer may also ask that your degree be filed with the right government before giving you a visa. In this case, you might need to get your degree “homologated.” The steps you need to take to register your degree depend on what trade issued your certificates or diploma.

For the new M-5 Colombian work visa, the government charges $282 USD to process the application.

A migrant visa category 5 (M visa) is what the Colombia work visa is. It is the same as the old TP-4 visa. With this type of visa, you can live and work in Colombia. The work visa lets you come and go as many times as you want, but it will end if you leave Colombia for more than six months in a row.

Employment and recruitment agencies

One easy way to find work in Colombia is to use an employment agency. You can get help getting a job from a number of groups, especially those that work in education. They can help you get the skills you need, find good jobs, and set up your visas and transportation.

What to avoid when looking for work in Colombia

• Be aware of some agencies, especially those that require application fees.
• Numerous agencies will agree to low-paying, long-hour positions because they understand that some people would accept them just for the experience.
• There are also numerous bogus agencies that would take your money and then fail to get you to work. However, a basic Google search of the agency should reveal any concerns.
• When looking for work, be certain that no firms are taking advantage of you. Be warned that the Colombian minimum wage is quite low, with many Colombians working long hours for very little income.

Conclusion:

People from other countries can get work visas in Colombia for a variety of jobs in areas like finance, IT, engineering, healthcare, and more. You can successfully navigate the job market in Colombia if you know how to apply for a visa, use different job search tools, and are aware of possible pitfalls. Take advantage of the chance to learn more about Colombia’s rich culture while also moving up in your work. Just make sure you follow the visa rules and stay away from common job scams.

Frequently Asked Questions