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OWEN TAYLOR

Expert in Colombian Immigration Law

Bilingual Legal Services

I’m working for your dreams

The process of gaining a visa, residency, citizenship, or investment in Colombia can be confusing and difficult, so it’s important to find the right expert to guide you through the process. To help ensure success, the lawyer you choose must be highly qualified in your particular legal matter.

I have extensive experience in all facets of Colombian immigration law and can help you to create a highly individualized action plan. Accomplish your investment or immigration goals in the fastest and most cost-effective way possible.

Professional Profile

Owen Taylor

Navigating the immigration system alone can be challenging because immigration laws and procedures are constantly changing. It is a myth that immigration practice is only about filling out forms. It is a far more complex process that involves a deep understanding of the law and strategic decision-making. Having an attorney by your side is essential.

I am an independent professional whose goal is to provide excellent legal services to my clients for fair and reasonable compensation. I seek to earn and maintain the respect of my clients, my colleagues, and the legal community.

I make a difference in my clients’ lives by providing solutions to their immigration problems. What differentiates me from other lawyers or firms is that I am :

  • Authentic. Honest and upfront about your legal rights and responsibilities. No confusing legal jargon, just the information you need to make sound decisions.
  • Available. Legal matters can be stressful. I will be available to answer your questions throughout your case, as they come up.
  • Attentive. As an independent Attorney focused solely on immigration matters I am focused enough to offer personal attention.
  • Resourceful. With a single point of contact and low overhead, I am can be cost-conscious, focusing my resources on your case. I am also careful to never over-lawyer a matter.

EDUCATION

  • 2016. Honor Code Certificate in International Law from Université Catholique de Louvain (edX)

  • 2015. Global Hospitality Management from Cornell University (edX)

  • 2014. English for Doing Business in Asia from Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (edX)

  • 2005. Legal English Course from The English Center (Miami, FL, USA)

  • 2003. Attorney from Universidad Santo Tomás   (Bogotá, Colombia)

  • 2001. Conciliator from Universidad Santo Tomás    (Bogotá, Colombia)

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • 2018 – Present. Attorney at Law (Colombia)

  • 2018 – Present. Consultant at Windstar Cruises (Seattle, WA, USA)

  • 2006 – 2017. Consultant at Carnival Corp. (Miami, FL, USA)

  • 2004. In-house Attorney at Promotemp S.A. (Bogotá, Colombia)

  • 2002 – 2003. Intern Ad Honorem at Ombudsman’s Office of Colombia (Bogotá, Colombia)

  • 2002.  Auxiliary of Justice Ad Honorem at Constitutional Court (Bogotá, Colombia)

  • 2000 – 2002. Paralegal at Gaines Attorney at Law (Bogotá, Colombia)

PRACTICE AREAS

  • Immigration Law
  • Visas
  • Entry Permit Extension
  • Dispute prevention and resolution
  • Direct Foreign Investment 

LANGUAGES

  • English

  • Spanish

  • Russian (Conversational)

My Services

For Individuals

Colombian immigration status for individuals and families can be based on employment, investment, retirement, family relationships, tourism, and many other legal conditions.

V – Visa (Temporary Visitor)

For foreigners who wish to visit Colombia once or multiple times, without the intention of permanent stay:

  1. Airport Transit. ( for some nationalities )

  2. Tourism. ( for some nationalities )

  3. Business, Investment planning, or procedures.

  4. Academic exchange and some temporary studies.

  5. Medical Treatments. 

  6. Administrative or judicial procedures in Colombia.

  7. Ship crew or offshore platform.

  8. Seasonal farm worker

  9. Events. ( Lecturer, artist, athlete, logistics staff, etc.)

  10. Religious.

  11. Students/volunteers in religious entities

  12. Volunteer.

  13. Film or audiovisual production.

  14. Digital Nomads.

  15. Journalistic coverage.

  16. Permanent correspondent.

  17. Technical assistance.

  18. FTA businessperson.

  19. Unaccredited officers.

  20. Holidays and Work.

  21. Labour practice.

  22. Work or labour service provider.

  23. Promotion of internationalization.

  24. Rentista ( Rentier visa ) 

  25. Unforeseen cases.

  26. Courtesy.

  27. ICETEX Program.

  28. Courtesy international commitments.

  29. courtesy – film law.

  30. Complementary measure to the refuge.

  31. Courtesy unforeseen cases.

M – Visa (Migrant Visa)

For the foreigner who wishes to enter or remain in the national territory with the intention of establishing himself/herself, and does not meet the conditions for a type R visa:

  1. Spouse.

  2. Permanent the facto partner of a Colombian national.

  3. Parents or children of Colombian nationals by naturalization.

  4. Father or mother of a Colombian national by birth.

  5. Mercosur migrant.

  6. Andean migrant.

  7. Refugee.

  8. Long-term employment.

  9. Partner or owner of a Colombian commercial company. 

  10. Independent professional.

  11. Pensioner.

  12. Promotion of internationalization for foreigners with higher education.

  13. Investor. ( Foreign Direct Investment or Real Estate )

  14. Stateless. 

R – Visa (Permanent Resident Visa)

For those aspiring to establish themselves or begin a permanent residency in Colombia, apply to the following conditions:

  1. Having been a Colombian national, and has renounced this nationality.

  2. Permanence in the national territory, continuously and uninterrupted. ( Depending on the type of visa )

  3. Venezuelan citizens under ETPV.

  4. Special resident of peace.

Beneficiary visa

For members of the family group, economic dependents of the main holder of a type M or R visa in any case, or of the main holder of some types of V.

(The beneficiary visa does not allow a work permit). See more information in the resources section.

Visa Transfer

It is the request to print a new visa label with the same data as a visa already granted to be stamped in another passport.

Visa termination application

Any type of visa may be terminated at any point at the express wish of the visa holder, or the natural or legal person requesting the visa on behalf of the foreigner.

Effects of visa denial

A foreigner denied a visa must wait 6 months before reapplying. In many cases, denial can be avoided by working with an attorney.

Digital Nomad Visa

Colombia is an ideal destination for digital nomads, a segment of tourism that has been growing in recent years. Colombia, in addition to its strategic geographical location and its proximity to the main capitals of the region, offers advantages that are consistent with the interests of this traveler profile.

The digital nomad visa allows foreign visitors of certain nationalities to spend more time in Colombia, for up to 2 years to provide remote work or telecommuting services, through digital media and the Internet, exclusively for foreign companies, as an independent or labour-related, or to start a digital content or information technology venture of interest to the country, as long as their activities do not generate wage or salary payments in Colombia and with a minimum of requirements.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS : 

  1. Be the holder of a passport issued by any country or territory exempt from short-stay visas, according to Colombian law.
  2. Letter issued by one or several foreign companies for which the foreigner provides his services, indicating the type of relationship and the type of remuneration received by the applicant. If you have a contract with said company, provide it or demonstrate that you are the owner or partner of a company abroad and a letter indicating that your work for the company is carried out remotely.
  3. In the case of entrepreneurs, submit a motivational letter explaining their entrepreneurial project and the financial and human resources they have or aspire to have for their business.
  4. Demonstrate through bank statements having minimum income equivalent to (3) Current Minimum Legal Monthly Wages in Colombia during the last 3 months (USD 650 Approx per month).
  5. Health policy with coverage in the national territory against all risks in case of an accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, or repatriation, for the time foreseen for their stay in the country.

This type of visa allows the visa application of beneficiaries of the primary holder according to the law.

If you have a simple question regarding your immigration concerns, please use the CONTACT ME  section.

For Businesses

The visa process does not end with the approval of a visa. It is the responsibility of both the employee and the company to comply with the requirements of the law.

VISITOR VISA – V

For the foreigner wishing to visit Colombia once or several times or to stay temporarily in the country without this being permanent.

TYPE V – BUSINESS VISA:

To carry out business, market studies, direct investment plans or procedures, incorporation of a commercial company, negotiation, conclusion of contracts, or commercial representation. The visa can be granted for up to 2 years taking into account the activity that the foreigner proposes in Colombia. The stay in the national territory authorized to the holder will be a maximum period of 180 continuous or discontinuous non-extendable days in every 365 days of visa use.

If the application is submitted on a personal or individual basis or with the endorsement and sponsorship of a natural person:

  1. A letter signed by the applicant or by the person endorsing the application that includes: Full identification of the applicant or the person endorsing the visa (as it appears in the passport or citizenship card), an explanation of the connection to the foreigner, the reason for the trip and statement of economic responsibility for accommodation and travel expenses of the person or the foreigner.
  2. Bank statements of the applicant or the person who endorses the application for the six (6) months prior to the visa application.

If the application is submitted with the endorsement of one or more legal entities:

  1. A letter signed by the legal representative of the institution or company that includes.
    1. Name of the institution or company, Tax ID Number (if legally incorporated in Colombia), and contact information.
    2. Complete identification of the foreigner as it appears in the passport.
    3. Foreigner’s agenda, activity, and duration.
    4. Connection to the foreigner and qualification or expertise.
    5. Statement of economic responsibility for the foreigner’s accommodation and travel expenses.
  2. When the institution or company that endorses the application is private and incorporated abroad, it must provide a certificate of existence and legal representation or equivalent document.
  3. Demonstrate liquidity by presenting bank statements of the institution or company for the 6 months prior to the application. Public entities do not need to comply with this requirement.

TYPE V – INTRA-CORPORATE TRANSFER VISA:

To occupy a position in a Colombian office of a company with offices abroad, by virtue of intra-corporate personnel transfer. The intra-corporate transfer of personnel is a figure for the mobility of people that has been agreed upon in trade agreements (such as FTAs), where a work permit is granted to admit the temporary entry of “business persons” linked to companies or corporations domiciled in the territory of countries party to the agreements. The visa can be granted for up to 2 years taking into account the activity that the foreigner proposes in Colombia.

If the application is submitted with the endorsement of one or more legal entities:

  1. A letter signed by the legal representative of the institution or company that includes:
    1. Name of the institution or company, Tax ID Number (if legally incorporated in Colombia), and contact information.
    2. Complete identification of the foreigner as it appears in the passport.
    3. Foreigner’s agenda, activity, and duration.
    4. Connection to the foreigner and qualification or expertise.
    5. Statement of economic responsibility for the foreigner’s accommodation and travel expenses.
  2. When the institution or company that endorses the application is private and incorporated abroad, it must provide a certificate of existence and legal representation or equivalent document.
  3. Demonstrate liquidity by presenting bank statements of the institution or company for the 6 months prior to the application. Public entities do not need to comply with this requirement.

 

MIGRANT VISA – TYPE M:

For the foreigner who wishes to enter or remain in the national territory with the intention of establishing himself/herself and does not meet the conditions for a type R Visa.

TYPE M – OWNER / SHAREHOLDER OF COMPANY ESTABLISHED IN COLOMBIA VISA:

The foreign partner or owner of a commercial company, with an amount not less than one hundred (100) legal monthly minimum wages in force, may apply.

The M-type visa will be valid for 3 years.

Specific Requirements:

  1. Application letter accurately informing company name, address, and Tax Identification Number (NIT) of the incorporated commercial company or in which it invests.
  2. Certificate of share configuration signed by a public accountant, indicating the amount of registered and paid assets or capital of the foreigner applying for the visa, which may not be less than the equivalent of one hundred (100) legal monthly minimum wages in force when referring to stock companies.

The visa authority may require the presentation of the original partnership agreement, incorporation document or financial information of the company when the documentation provided is insufficient, it has inconsistencies or requires clarification.

TYPE M – REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT:

A foreigner who has acquired a property in Colombia for an amount not less than three hundred and fifty (350) minimum legal monthly salaries in force may apply.

Specific Requirements:

  1. Ownership history and no-lien certificate of the acquired property that proves ownership of the domain.
  2. Communication issued by the Office of International Exchange of the Central Bank, which records the direct foreign investment for the purchase of real estate in the name of the foreigner applying for the visa, for an amount not less than three hundred and fifty (350) legal monthly minimum wages in force.

RESIDENT VISA – TYPE R: 

For those aspiring to establish themselves or begin a permanent residency in Colombia.

TYPE R – DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT VISA:

A foreigner who has registered, before the International Exchange Office of the Central Bank, direct foreign investment the amount of which is greater than six hundred and fifty (650) minimum legal monthly salaries in force may apply. The type R visa will be valid indefinitely. The time of residence authorized in the national territory to the holder of the type R visa will be equal to the time of validity.

Specific Requirements:

Certification issued by the Office of International Exchange of the Central Bank that records the direct foreign investment in the name of the foreigner and the amount of which is greater than six hundred and fifty (650) legal monthly minimum wages in force.

e-Valuation

A Case e-Valuation is a detailed written analysis of your immigration case, sent to you electronically. Your e-Valuation provides you with an outline of the best legal strategy for avoiding a visa denial, penalty, and subsequent delay of your application.

The following are just some of the benefits of a Case e-Valuation:

  • It’s Confidential: No one has to know you have contacted an attorney.

  • It’s Convenient: You need not leave the comfort of your home.

  • It’s In Writing: If you visit an attorney’s office you will receive valuable information, but given the complexity of immigration laws, you may not remember it all after you get home. With a Case e-Valuation you will have a written analysis of your case and of your options that you can refer to at any time.

  • It’s a Credit: The cost of your Case e-Valuation will be deducted from the cost of any legal work done on your behalf.

Submitting your information for a Case e-Valuation:

The more information you provide about your situation the more accurate and thorough the Case e-Valuation will be. Because any information you provide is protected by the attorney/client privilege you should feel comfortable disclosing all details that are relevant to your case. In addition to the written explanation you will provide on the application form, you should provide us with copies of all documents relevant to your case.

It is important that you provide all of your information at the same time. If I am required to reevaluate your case because you submit additional information or documents after the original submission additional fees will be required. The exception to this is where you need to submit copies of documents separately. You will have an opportunity to designate this on your application and I will wait for the receipt of all your documents to begin evaluating your case.

The Process

While securing a visa can be quite complicated, I make the process simple for you.

Testimonials

“In addition to being a voluntary, and hard-working lawyer, Owen has a double culture Colombian and North American, he is bilingual which makes every procedure way more easy and understandable for every expat. Recommended!”

Benoit de VilmorinFrance - Investor visa.

“Owen Taylor did the whole process for me and it was fast and painless. Highly recommended!

Kellie McDermottUnited States - Permanent resident visa.

“Hey all, just want to put in a good word for Owen Taylor. He worked with us to get my migrant visa and it was completely stress-free. He is super organized, very quick to respond, and is so thorough in his explanation of things. I never felt confused or unsure working with him at all. He is fluent in Spanish and English which was also helpful. It was just a great experience and I highly recommend him for all your immigration and investments needs!”

Gillian MayCanada - Migrant visa

“I highly recommend Mr. Owen Taylor, an OUTSTANDING lawyer. Very fair prices!”

David JamesUnited States - Migrant visa

Get In Touch

If you would like to know more or if you have a query please use the contact form. If you are ready to book a 45 minutes consultation for $70 USD, click the button below.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. None of the information on this website should be construed as legal advice.

While I endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, I assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents on the site. I reserve the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on the site at any time without prior notice.

Owen Taylor Attorney at Law website may contain links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with me. Please note that I do not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites.