FAQ

Yes, foreigners have the same property rights as Colombian nationals and can purchase residential or commercial real estate without restrictions. The process involves a title search, a public deed signed before a notary, and registration with the public instruments office. Foreign buyers must also register their investment with the Colombian Central Bank (Banco de la Republica) if funds are being brought in from abroad, which is required in order to legally repatriate proceeds if you sell later. Working with a property lawyer in Colombia from the outset avoids the most common and costly mistakes foreign buyers make.

Colombia offers several pathways for long-term residency depending on your situation. Common options include the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers), the Type M Migrant Visa (for those with Colombian family ties, a job offer, or a business), the Investment Visa (for those investing a qualifying amount in Colombian assets or real estate), and the Retirement Visa (M-11) for those receiving a qualifying pension. Each category has specific documentation requirements and minimum thresholds. Our immigration lawyers in Colombia can assess your situation and advise on the most appropriate route.

Foreigners can own 100% of a Colombian company. The most common structure is a Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS), which is flexible, quick to register, and has no minimum capital requirement. The process involves drafting articles of incorporation, registering with the Chamber of Commerce, obtaining a tax ID (NIT), and opening a business bank account. If you plan to manage the business directly and reside in Colombia on that basis, you will also need the appropriate visa. Our business lawyers in Colombia handle company formation from start to finish.

Colombia recognizes both mutual consent divorces and contested divorces. A mutual consent divorce can be completed through a notary and is typically faster and less expensive than a court process. Contested divorces go before a family court judge. If one spouse is foreign or the marriage took place abroad, additional documentation is required, including authenticated foreign documents and potentially an apostille. If a US divorce has already occurred and you need it recognized in Colombia, that requires a separate exequatur process through the Colombian Supreme Court. Our family law attorneys in Colombia handle all of these scenarios.

Yes. Foreign nationals have the same right of access to the Colombian court system as Colombian citizens and can bring civil, commercial, or labour claims. You do not need to be a resident to file a lawsuit. That said, Colombian litigation can be slow, and the costs need to be weighed against the likely outcome. In many cases, a well-drafted formal legal demand from a Colombian law firm resolves disputes before they reach court. Our lawyers can advise on the most practical approach for your specific situation.

The main risks are title defects (liens, unpaid taxes, or disputed ownership that are not visible without a formal search), failure to properly register foreign investment (which prevents you from repatriating funds later), errors in the deed that require costly correction, and falling victim to fraud. Colombia does not have a centralised MLS-style property registry visible to the public, so due diligence requires access to specific official records and knowledge of what to look for. A property lawyer in Colombia typically costs a fraction of what these mistakes cost to fix.

If you own assets in Colombia, a Colombian will is strongly recommended. Without one, your Colombian assets will be distributed according to Colombian intestate succession law, which may differ significantly from your intentions and from the laws of your home country. A Colombian will does not replace your home country will but works alongside it to cover your Colombian estate specifically. Our lawyers in Colombia can draft and notarize a Colombian will as part of a broader estate planning arrangement.

You can reach our team by phone at +57 321 864 2275, by email at info@stanfordbaker.com, or by filling in the contact form on this page. Our main office is at Kr 13 # 93-68, Bogota, with additional offices in Medellin and Cartagena. We respond to all enquiries promptly and offer an initial consultation to discuss your legal needs.