News · Exclusive Interview

“Anyone who does not complete the transfer before October 31, 2026 will be left without a cédula de extranjería”

High-impact conversation with María Fernanda Rodríguez, CEO of Colombia Visa Legal, on the critical deadline set by Colombia’s Foreign Ministry for the mandatory transfer of permanent resident visas issued under previous regulations. Ten direct questions. No filler.

Official source: Cancillería sets deadline until October 2026 · Resolution 9316 of 2024

1. Why does this October 2026 deadline exist and who exactly does it apply to?

María Fernanda: It applies to all holders of Permanent Resident visas obtained under regulations prior to Resolution 5477 of 2022. Resolution 9316 of 2024 extended the deadline to October 31, 2026 to give enough time, but it is not indefinite. Anyone who fails to complete the transfer faces real difficulties renewing or obtaining the cédula de extranjería.

2. What happens if someone simply ignores the deadline?

María Fernanda: The transfer is mandatory. Without it, Migración Colombia cannot issue the corresponding cédula de extranjería. That creates concrete problems: difficulty opening or maintaining bank accounts, signing contracts, affiliating to the EPS health system, completing notarial procedures, and proving updated migratory status.

3. Is the process 100% virtual or do people still need to go to an office?

María Fernanda: The process is completely virtual through the official Cancillería platform. No intermediary is required. The authority has reiterated that applicants should proceed directly, without intermediaries, to protect personal information and ensure transparency.

4. What are the concrete documentary requirements today?

María Fernanda: Meet the general visa application requirements; submit a copy of the visa to be transferred and of the corresponding cédula de extranjería; migratory movement certificate from Migración Colombia; document proving the activity the foreigner carries out in the country; and a letter stating the reason for the transfer. For visas issued before the year 2000 where the original document cannot be provided, a sworn letter is allowed together with the expanded migratory movements certificate.

5. Is there a cost associated with the transfer?

María Fernanda: Yes. There is a study fee for the application, paid through the official platform when confirming the process. The exact amount should be checked at the time of starting the application.

6. Can someone lose residency if they do not complete the transfer on time?

María Fernanda: The main risk is not immediate automatic loss of resident status, but the inability to obtain or renew the cédula de extranjería and keep migratory documentation up to date. In practice that can generate irregularities and serious complications.

7. Do you recommend starting the process early?

María Fernanda: Absolute early action. Systems can become saturated near the deadline. Those who leave the process for September or October 2026 risk delays or observations. The clear recommendation is to advance the process with sufficient time.

8. What about holders of resident visas who temporarily live outside Colombia?

María Fernanda: Because the process is virtual, physical presence in Colombia is not required to start the application. They must still meet the documentary requirements, including the migratory movements certificate.

9. What other services does Colombia Visa Legal offer beyond transfer support?

María Fernanda: We accompany clients from start to finish: profile analysis, document preparation and review, visa filing before Cancillería, process follow-up, and personalized support via WhatsApp and email. We handle Migrant (M), Visitor (V), Digital Nomad, Student, labor and professional visas, family ties and Mercosur categories. We also represent clients in administrative sanction procedures, rights of petition, tutela actions, and reposición, appeal and complaint resources. We assist with cédula de extranjería and salvoconductos.

10. Final message and official contact channels

María Fernanda: Do not wait. October 31, 2026 is not a distant date. Complete the transfer directly through the official Cancillería platform or with authorized professional support. Orderly, regular migration protects both the State and the foreign national.

This editorial interview is based on public official information from Colombia’s Foreign Ministry and is intended solely to inform the expat community. It does not constitute official legal advice. For procedures, always use official channels or authorized professionals.