Frequently asked questions.

About Expat Expert

What does Expat Expert do?

Expat Expert helps foreigners move to, live in and invest in Colombia. Based in Medellín, we handle Colombian visas, the cédula de extranjería, legal support, real estate purchases and Airbnb management, all in English or Spanish.

Who will handle my visa case?

Every visa case is personally handled by Laura Morales, our co-founder and a licensed bilingual Colombian attorney. Andrew (Andrés) Contreras, our CEO and co-founder, is a U.S. expat and property owner in Medellín, so you get legal expertise plus firsthand experience of the process.

How fast do you respond?

Fast communication is the reason we started Expat Expert. We answer messages personally, usually the same day, by WhatsApp, phone or email. We are rated 5.0 from 18 Google reviews.

Do I need to be in Colombia to work with you?

No. We work with clients worldwide and consultations are virtual. Many clients start with us before they arrive so their documents are ready when they land.

Colombia Visas

Which Colombian visas can you help with?

We help with the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (Type V), Marriage Visa (Type M), Student Visa (Type V) and Business Visa (Type M). Not sure which visa fits you? A consultation will tell you.

How much does a Colombia visa cost with Expat Expert?

Our full-service fee is COP 2,500,000 per application, covering eligibility review, document preparation and application submission by our attorney. Government fees are separate. If you prefer to file yourself, our DIY visa packages start at $109.

What are the Colombian government visa fees?

There are two government payments: the application review (study) fee of about USD 50 to 80, paid when you apply, and the visa issuance fee of about USD 280 to 380, paid only if your visa is approved. After approval, the cédula de extranjería costs about COP 330,000. Fees are charged in Colombian pesos and vary by nationality, so the amount you pay depends on your country and your currency’s exchange rate. Government fees are never included in our prices.

How long does it take to get a Colombian visa?

Under Resolution 5477 of 2022, Cancillería has up to 30 calendar days to decide once your application is complete and the review fee is paid. It can take longer if they request more documents or need to consult other institutions.

Can you guarantee my visa will be approved?

No one can. Only Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) approves visas. We make sure your application is complete, consistent and correctly filed, which is how you avoid the most common rejections.

What is the cédula de extranjería and how do I get it?

It is your Colombian foreigner ID card, issued by Migración Colombia after your visa is approved. You register online and book an appointment. New appointments open at exactly 5:00 p.m. Colombia time the day before, and they go fast. The fee is about COP 330,000.

DIY Visa Packages

What are the DIY visa packages?

Our DIY packages are for people who want to apply for their Colombian visa themselves, and we add new visas regularly. Every package includes the PDF guide for your visa, written by attorney Laura Morales, with a screen-by-screen walkthrough of the Cancillería online form. It is emailed to you right after purchase. See the DIY visa packages.

Which DIY package is right for me?

DIY ($109): the guide only, best if you are organized and comfortable handling paperwork yourself. Guided DIY ($209): the guide plus a 30-minute video call with our attorney, best if you have a few specific questions about your situation. Premium DIY ($319): the guide, the call and a full attorney review of your documents before you submit, best if you want an expert to check everything without paying for full service.

Why choose a DIY package instead of full service?

You save money and keep full control of your documents and application, while following a process designed by a Colombian immigration attorney. Many clients start with DIY and add attorney help only where they need it.

Can I upgrade my package later?

Yes. If you decide you want more help, we credit 100% of what you already paid toward Guided, Premium or full service. You only pay the difference.

Can I get a refund?

No. Our DIY visa packages are digital products, so all sales are final and non-refundable once the PDF guide has been delivered. An update is not a refund: if Cancillería changes the requirements or the online form within 90 days of your purchase, we email you the updated guide at no cost. See our Privacy & Refund Policy for details.

Consultations and Other Services

Can I talk to you before I commit?

Yes. A private 30-minute consultation costs $100 USD (COP 350,000), virtually or in person in Medellín. You get personalized guidance on visas, real estate or legal matters, with no pressure to continue.

Do you offer legal and real estate services besides visas?

Yes. Legal support with Laura starts at COP 800,000 for up to five hours, including contracts, prenuptial agreements, property transactions and going with you to appointments. We also help foreigners buy property in Colombia and offer Airbnb management in Medellín for 12% of each booking.