Myanmar Nationals Moving to Colombia — 2026 Guide | CoVisas Colombia

1. Myanmar at a Glance

2. Why Myanmar Nationals Choose Colombia

Myanmar's political and economic situation has changed dramatically since the February 2021 military coup. The resulting international sanctions, banking sector disruption, and contraction of the private economy have prompted significant emigration among the country's educated professional class, business community, and members of civil society. Many Burmese nationals — particularly those who previously worked in the technology sector, healthcare, finance, NGOs, or international business based in Yangon — have sought to establish stable residency in neutral third countries. Colombia, with its growing tech economy in Medellín (often called the "Silicon Valley of Latin America"), its Spanish language learning community, and its relatively affordable cost of living, has emerged as an option for Burmese professionals willing to relocate internationally.

The Myanmar diaspora in Latin America remains small but growing. Those with Schengen or US visas or residency — the qualifying condition for Colombia's Lista C exemption — often already possess the international financial profile needed to qualify for Colombia's Migrante investor visa (M-10) or to work with a Colombian employer (M-13). Medical tourism from Myanmar to Thailand is common; Colombia's hospitals, though geographically distant, are of comparable quality and far less costly than those in Singapore or Europe, making Colombia an attractive destination for Burmese healthcare workers and patients with longer-term relocation plans.

3. Colombian Consular Representation

4. Entry to Colombia — Conditional Visa Exemption (Lista C)

Myanmar passport holders appear on Lista C of Resolución 5488 de 2022. Entry without a prior Colombian visa is only permitted for those who present a valid qualifying document (Schengen/US residence permit or visa with 180+ days). Without such a document, you must obtain a prior Colombian visa through the Embassy of Colombia in Bangkok or via visa.cancilleria.gov.co. Given Myanmar's current political situation, verify document-processing capabilities with the Myanmar Embassy or local government offices before initiating any legalization process.

5. Migrante Visa (Visa M) — Long-Term Stay Pathways

To remain in Colombia beyond the visitor period — to work, invest, retire, or join a Colombian partner — you will need a Visa Migrante (M). The four most relevant subcategories are listed below. The SMMLV for 2026 is COP 1,423,500/month.

All Visa M applications require valid travel and health insurance. There is no double taxation treaty (CDI) between Myanmar and Colombia.

6. Travel & Health Insurance for Colombia

Migración Colombia mandates proof of health and travel insurance for all Visa M applicants. Myanmar's MOH (Ministry of Health) coverage does not extend to Colombia. International health NGOs such as MSF and IRC operating in Myanmar provide no coverage abroad. A CoVisas Colombia comprehensive policy covers all seven mandatory areas:

Myanmar's private healthcare — Asia Royal Hospital, Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospital, and Parami General Hospital (Yangon) — has been significantly disrupted since 2021. Many Burmese nationals with means have sought medical care in Bangkok. Colombia's hospitals offer comparable standards to Bangkok's leading private facilities at lower cost. Your CoVisas policy provides full continuity of coverage throughout your stay.

7. Tax Obligations — Myanmar & Colombia

In Myanmar: The Internal Revenue Department (IRD) administers a progressive income tax at rates up to 25% on Myanmar-source income. Residents are taxed on Myanmar-source income; non-residents pay at withholding rates on Myanmar-source income only. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offer tax incentives for qualifying investments. The economy has been severely disrupted since the 2021 military coup, with significant capital controls, banking restrictions, and exchange rate instability. Many Burmese nationals now receive income in foreign currencies through overseas channels.

In Colombia: More than 183 days in Colombia within a 365-day period creates Colombian tax residency, triggering income tax on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 39%. Non-residents pay flat rates only on Colombian-source income. There is no CDI between Myanmar and Colombia. Given the complexity of Myanmar's current financial environment, engage a certified Colombian contador público and a legal or financial advisor familiar with cross-border issues for Myanmar nationals before establishing Colombian residency.

8. Document Legalization — 4-Step Diplomatic Chain (Non-Hague)

Myanmar is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents issued in Myanmar cannot be apostilled and must go through a full diplomatic authentication chain before use in Colombia. The four-step process is:

1. Obtain and Notarize the Official Document from the issuing Myanmar authority: local notary/township courts for official records; Myanmar Police Force (local police station) for character certificates. Given Myanmar's current political situation, verify document availability and processing with your local township office or through the Myanmar Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence. All documents must carry original signatures and official seals before proceeding.
2. Authentication by Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Naypyidaw or Yangon. MOFA authentication confirms the document's official origin. Processing times and accessibility may be affected by Myanmar's current political situation — verify current procedures with MOFA or Myanmar consular offices abroad before initiating.
3. Authentication at the Colombian Embassy in Yangon (or the accredited Colombian consulate serving Myanmar). The Colombian Embassy verifies MOFA authentication and authenticates the document for use in Colombia. Contact the Embassy of Colombia in Bangkok (which may cover Myanmar) for current authentication procedures: etailandia@cancilleria.gov.co.
4. Certified Burmese-to-Spanish Translation in Colombia by a sworn translator registered with the Ministerio de Justicia y del Derecho. All authenticated documents must be accompanied by a certified translation into Spanish before submission with your Colombian visa or residency application.