Do Colombian citizens need a TB test for a UK visa?

No. Colombia is not on the Home Office list of countries requiring tuberculosis screening.

Do Colombian citizens need an English language test?

Yes. Colombia is not a majority English-speaking country. Colombian applicants must pass an approved SELT test at the required level for their visa route.

How do I get a Colombian police certificate?

Apply for a certificado de antecedentes judiciales from the Policia Nacional de Colombia. This can be done online through their website. The certificate is typically issued within a few days and is free of charge.

How much does it cost to move to the UK from Colombia?

A Skilled Worker visa costs £719 to £1,420 plus IHS of £1,035 per year. Budget approximately 10,000,000 to 25,000,000 COP for the visa process before relocation costs.

Moving to the UK from Colombia: Guide 2026

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.

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.

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.