Uzbek Expats in Colombia 2026 — Visa, Health Insurance & Legal Guide | CoVisas

1. Uzbekistan at a Glance

2. Why Uzbeks Choose Colombia

Uzbekistan has undergone sweeping economic and social reforms since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016. The country's liberalization — including currency reform, foreign investment incentives, and a growing digital economy — has produced a new generation of internationally mobile Uzbek professionals and entrepreneurs. Colombia appeals to this group for its affordable urban lifestyle, warm climate, and the significant reforms to its own business environment that have made it one of Latin America's most dynamic economies.

Uzbekistan has a strong tradition in traditional medicine (Tibb), engineering, and agriculture — all sectors with growing demand in Colombia. Uzbek IT professionals, attracted by Medellín's reputation as the "Silicon Valley of Latin America," have shown growing interest in Colombia's digital nomad and remote work visas. Uzbekistan's flat personal income tax rate of 12% — one of the lowest in Central Asia since the 2017 reforms — has also created a financially mobile class of entrepreneurs exploring international destinations with favorable tax environments. Colombia's warm hospitality and large Uzbek-speaking expat networks in Bogotá and Medellín provide a community anchor for new arrivals.

3. Colombian Embassy in Uzbekistan

4. Visa Requirements for Uzbek Nationals

Uzbek passport holders must obtain a Colombian visa before departure. Even transiting through a Colombian airport — for instance on a connection via Bogotá — requires an airport transit visa under Article 8. Apply at the Colombian Embassy in Tashkent well in advance, as processing can take 2–4 weeks.

5. Colombian Visa M — Cost Table 2026

Fees per person in USD. Biometrics collected in Colombia upon issuance. Verify current amounts at cancilleria.gov.co.

6. Health Insurance in Colombia for Uzbeks

Colombia requires all visa applicants and foreign residents to hold valid health insurance covering their stay in Colombia. Uzbekistan's Mandatory Health Insurance Fund (MHIF) — expanding since 2021 under the Mirziyoyev reforms — and private Tashkent clinics such as International SOS Clinic, Akfa-Medline, and Eurolab do not extend international coverage to Colombia. A Colombian-compliant policy must cover all seven mandatory areas:

7. Tax Considerations — No Double Taxation Treaty

Colombia and Uzbekistan have no Double Taxation Agreement (CDI). Uzbek nationals who become Colombian tax residents (more than 183 days per year) become subject to Colombian income tax on worldwide income. Uzbekistan's State Tax Committee (Davlat soliq qo'mitasi) levies a flat personal income tax of 12% — among the lowest in Central Asia since the 2017 reforms. Corporate tax stands at 15%; VAT at 12%. There is no capital gains tax on securities in Uzbekistan.

With no CDI between the two countries, there is no mechanism to credit Uzbek taxes against Colombian obligations. Uzbek entrepreneurs in the Navoi Free Economic Zone or those with significant property income in Uzbekistan should carefully plan their tax residency transitions and consult a Colombian tax attorney before the 183-day threshold is exceeded.

8. Document Legalization — Apostille (3 Steps)

Uzbekistan ratified the Hague Convention on Apostille in 2020. Uzbek documents require a 3-step apostille process for use in Colombia:

1. Obtain the original document: Criminal Record Certificates are obtained from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Ichki ishlar vazirligi) at the district police department in Tashkent or via Uzbek Embassy/Consulate abroad. Academic degrees come from the issuing university, and civil documents from the relevant civil registry.
2. Apostille: Request the Hague Apostille from the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Uzbekistan ratified the convention in 2020, so procedures are well-established — confirm current processing times with the Ministry of Justice.
3. Certified Translation (UZ/RU → ES): Documents in Uzbek or Russian must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor oficial) registered with the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Uzbek-to-Spanish is a specialized pair — allow additional time. Russian-to-Spanish translators are more readily available in Colombia.