Lesotho (Mosotho) Expats in Colombia — 2026 Guide | CoVisas Colombia

Why Basotho Nationals Choose Colombia

Lesotho — the "Kingdom in the Sky" and one of only three countries in the world that is completely surrounded by another nation (South Africa) — is home to a resilient people who have long looked beyond their highland borders for opportunity. King Letsie III's constitutional monarchy has maintained relative political stability, while key economic pillars include the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), textile manufacturing under AGOA, and the Letšeng diamond mine, which produces diamonds with the world's highest average value per carat. Despite this resource wealth, high unemployment and one of the world's highest HIV prevalence rates (approximately 23%) push many educated Basotho to seek better prospects abroad.

Colombia offers Basotho nationals an attractive combination of economic opportunity, warm climate, affordable healthcare, and a structured immigration pathway through the Visa M program. Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín have growing international communities, strong university sectors, and booming industries in technology, agriculture, and tourism. For English-speaking Basotho — whose national language is also Sesotho — Spanish is learnable within months of immersion, and Colombia's welcoming culture makes the social integration process relatively smooth.

Colombian Migrant Visa (Visa M) — Categories & Fees 2026

The Visa Migrante (Visa M) is Colombia's primary long-stay visa for non-nationals. It is valid for up to three years and is the pathway to permanent residency after five continuous years. Basotho nationals apply through the Colombian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.

SMMLV 2026 = COP 1,423,500/month. Study fee (USD 255) is non-refundable and paid at application. Issuance fee (USD 232) paid only upon approval.

Mandatory Health Insurance in Colombia

All Visa M holders must maintain health coverage in Colombia under Decreto 1067 de 2015 and Resolución 3167 de 2019. In Lesotho, the Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital in Maseru (operated in a public-private partnership with South Africa's Netcare) represents the flagship facility. Medical evacuations typically go to Bloemfontein or Johannesburg, and PEPFAR-funded HIV programs are outstanding. The NSSA and LNPF provide limited pension coverage. However, Lesotho has no bilateral social security agreement with Colombia.

Upon arriving in Colombia, Basotho nationals should immediately obtain a qualifying private health insurance policy or join an EPS upon formal employment. CoVisas Colombia helps Basotho nationals navigate plan selection quickly and efficiently, ensuring continuous Migración Colombia-compliant coverage from day one of their residency.

Tax Residency in Colombia: No Double-Taxation Treaty with Lesotho

There is no Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation (CDI) between Colombia and Lesotho. Basotho nationals who become Colombian tax residents — by spending more than 183 days in Colombia in any 365-day period — are subject to Colombian income tax on their worldwide income at progressive rates up to 39%, with no formal offset for taxes paid in Lesotho.

In Lesotho, the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) administers a progressive personal income tax system with rates up to 35%. The country levies a VAT of 15% and NSSA social security contributions. Income sources include water royalties from the LHWP, textiles exports under AGOA, and diamond revenue from the Letšeng mine. There is no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax in Lesotho. Basotho nationals who retain income or assets in Lesotho while living in Colombia should seek professional cross-border tax advice, as the absence of a CDI means potential double taxation exposure on income from both countries.

Document Legalization for Colombia — Apostille (Hague Convention Member)

Lesotho is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (acceded in 2013). This means that Lesotho-issued documents only need a three-step process to be recognized in Colombia — significantly simpler than the four-step process required for non-Hague countries. You do NOT need to visit the Colombian Embassy for document legalization.

1. Ensure the document is original and properly signed by the relevant Lesotho authority — for example, a court, civil registry, police, or government ministry. The document must carry an original official signature and seal.
2. Obtain the Apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lesotho in Maseru — the MoFA is the competent authority to affix the Hague Apostille stamp, which certifies the document's authenticity for international use in all Hague Convention member countries, including Colombia.
3. Certified English-to-Spanish translation — documents issued in English (or Sesotho) must be translated into Spanish by a translator certified by the Colombian Superior Council of the Judicature (Consejo Superior de la Judicatura) or recognized by the Colombian Consulate.

Police Clearance Certificate (CID, Lesotho Mounted Police Service)

For the Visa M application, Colombia requires a police clearance covering the last three years. Basotho nationals obtain their Police Clearance Certificate from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service in Maseru. Nationals residing abroad may approach the Lesotho High Commission in South Africa or the United Kingdom. Once obtained, the certificate must receive an Apostille from the MoFA Maseru, then be translated from English to Spanish by a certified translator.