Visa guide · Americas
TP-4 Visa for Teaching English in Colombia
Colombia's sponsored work visa for foreign teachers. Less common than informal pathways.
The TP-4 (Visa de Migrante, type M) is Colombia's sponsored work visa for foreign professionals, including ESL teachers. In practice, many teachers in Colombia work informally on tourist visas or use the new Digital Nomad visa. The TP-4 is the legal route for institutional positions (universities, large language institutes).
Duration
Up to 3 years, matched to your contract. Renewable.
Cost
USD 70 visa fee plus around USD 100 for the cédula de extranjería. Document apostille and translation costs add $100-$200.
What you need
- Bachelor's degree (any field)
- 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate
- Letter of sponsorship from a registered Colombian employer
- Apostilled criminal background check from your home country
- Passport-style photos and a clean passport
- Health insurance covering your stay in Colombia
The process
1. Secure a job offer
Universities, business English institutes, or bilingual schools. Most informal language schools won't sponsor TP-4 visas — they prefer teachers on tourist or digital nomad visas.
2. Employer prepares sponsorship
Your employer files paperwork with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería). They need to demonstrate why a Colombian couldn't fill the role.
3. Apply online via Cancillería portal
Submit your documents through Colombia's Cancillería website. Approval typically takes 2-4 weeks.
4. Enter Colombia, register for the cédula de extranjería
Within 15 days of arrival, register at Migración Colombia and get your foreigner ID card.
Common questions
Why do many teachers in Colombia avoid the TP-4?
The TP-4 ties you to one employer. Many ESL teachers prefer the flexibility of private classes plus a tourist or digital nomad visa, even though it's a gray area legally.
What's the Digital Nomad visa instead?
Colombia introduced a Digital Nomad visa in 2022 (V Visa for remote workers). It allows up to 2 years with proof of remote income — many ESL teachers use it for online teaching plus side income from private classes in Colombia.
Can I save money in Colombia?
Most teachers break even or save 200-400 USD per month in Bogotá or Medellín. Cost of living is low; pay is also low. Colombia is for the lifestyle, not the savings.
Tools you'll need
Resources for teachers preparing to apply. Links are partner affiliates that fund the site at no cost to you.
Country guide
Teach English in Colombia
Booming demand, low cost of living, growing tech-economy classes.
See the full Colombia guide →Other visa guides
E-2 Visa (South Korea)
Korea's standard work visa for native-English ESL teachers. Bachelor's, criminal check, sealed transcripts.
Z Visa (China)
China's work visa for foreign teachers. Two years' work experience, TEFL, and a notarized background check required.
Instructor Visa (Japan)
Japan's visa for K-12 ALT and public school teaching roles. Bachelor's required, native-English speaker preference.
Auxiliares de Conversación (Spain)
Spain's government language assistant program. Stipend plus a student visa for non-EU citizens.
Work Permit and TRC (Vietnam)
Vietnam's combination of Work Permit plus Temporary Residence Card. Bachelor's + TEFL + health check.
Non-Immigrant B Visa (Thailand)
Thailand's work visa for foreign teachers. Bachelor's + TEFL + Thai teacher license (waiverable for first 2 years).