Foreign-born population – 2024 | 5.8% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
3.1 million, 50% women | Evolution since 2015: +2 005% | Venezuela (95%), United States (1%), Ecuador (1%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
Venezuela, the United States and Peru were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2021. Among the top 15 countries of origin, the United States registered the strongest increase (2 700) and Venezuela the largest decrease (‑38 000) in flows to Colombia compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 22%, to reach around 7 100. The majority of applicants came from Venezuela (6 400), Cuba (300) and Ecuador (89). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Venezuela (700) and the largest decrease nationals of Russia (‑7). Of the 1 590 decisions taken in 2024, 1% were positive.
Emigration of Colombian citizens to OECD countries increased by 3% in 2023, to 227 000. Approximately 75% of this group migrated to Spain, 12% to the United States and 3% to Germany.
According to the Administrative Unity of Colombian Migration (UAEMC), the migratory control authority, 53 283 foreign identity cards were issued in 2024, of which 20% were from Venezuela, 13% from the United States, 8% from Ecuador, 5% from Mexico and 5% from Peru. In this way, in 2024, Colombia continued the implementation of the Temporal Statute of Protection to Venezuelan migration (ETPV) established through the 216 Decree in 2021, to regularise the status of Venezuelan migrants, with the aim of facilitating their economic and social integration. Currently the pre‑registration on the ETPV is available exclusively for the underaged. Moreover, in September 2024, the government signed the 1209 Decree under which special stay permits to approximately 540 000 Venezuelan migrants who are guardians of minors residing in the country were issued. This initiative aimed at integrating adults responsible for around 270 000 children and adolescents, who already held temporary protection permits.
In December 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs introduced a two‑year Special Visitor Visa (Visa de Visitante Especial) designed for eligible Venezuelan nationals. This visa offers a valuable opportunity for those who meet specific criteria to regularise their status in Colombia and to access employment, healthcare and education.
Many Venezuelan nationals have faced persistent challenges in renewing their passports, which has significantly affected their ability to travel and complete immigration procedures. In response, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Resolution 2231 of 2021, which recognises expired Venezuelan passports – or those nearing expiration – as valid for purposes of entry, transit, legal stay or departure from Colombian territory. This recognition applies for a period of ten years from the expiration date of the passport or the extension stamped within it.
To be eligible for the Special Visitor Visa, applicants must be Venezuelan nationals without any other nationality, have resided in Colombia as of 4 December 2024. This visa grants a work permit, allowing holders to be employed by any company or be self-employed, and provides access to healthcare and education services. Together with Resolution 2231 of 2021, which recognises expired Venezuelan passports for migration purposes, this visa has played a vital role in supporting legal entry, stay, and integration of Venezuelan nationals through both regular and humanitarian pathways. In February 2025, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants conducted an official visit to Colombia. The visit focussed on assessing the human rights situation of migrants and asylum seekers, particularly at border areas with Panama. The rapporteur emphasised the need to enhance state presence in border areas, establish state‑run shelters, and raise awareness about the risks of crossing the Darien jungle.
In September 2024, Colombia launched the 2024‑2025 programme for the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD).
For further information: www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/
