Moving to the UK from Colombia: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Colombian nationals need a visa for all UK stays.
- •No TB test required, but English language test IS required.
- •Police certificate is free and available online.
- •Budget 10,000,000 to 25,000,000 COP for the visa process.
- •Colombia permits dual citizenship.
Colombia has a growing community in the UK, particularly in London. Colombian nationals need a visa to live and work in the UK. The most common routes are the Skilled Worker visa, student visa, and family visa. This guide covers the main pathways and practical requirements.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Visa Routes for Colombian Citizens
- Skilled Worker visa. Requires a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700.
- Student visa. With a CAS from a UK institution. Popular among Colombian students. See the student visa guide.
- Family visa. If your partner is a British citizen or settled person. See the spouse visa guide.
- Youth Mobility Scheme. Not currently available to Colombian nationals.
- Graduate route. 2 years after a UK degree. See the Graduate route guide.
Document Requirements
- Valid Colombian passport.
- No TB test required. Colombia is not on the designated list.
- English language test. Required. IELTS for UKVI and other SELT tests are available in Bogota and other major cities.
- Certificado de antecedentes judiciales. From the Policia Nacional, available online, free of charge.
- Certified English translation. Spanish-language documents must be translated by a certified translator.
Costs in Colombian Pesos
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately 3,800,000 to 8,000,000 COP)
- IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately 5,500,000 COP)
- English test: approximately 1,200,000 to 1,500,000 COP
- Police certificate: free
- Translations: approximately 200,000 to 500,000 COP
See our UK visa fees guide.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
The Colombian Community in the UK
The Colombian community in the UK is estimated at 25,000 to 40,000, concentrated in London (particularly Elephant and Castle, Seven Sisters, and Brixton), with smaller communities in Manchester and Birmingham. Colombian restaurants, cultural events, and community organisations are well established in London.
After Arrival
- Collect your BRP within 10 days
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
Path to Settlement
After 5 years on a qualifying visa, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Colombia permits dual citizenship.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the British Embassy Bogota page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
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Read guidePreparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.