At a Glance
Colombian nationals can use the E-2 treaty investor visa as well as EB-5, O-1A, EB-1A and the National Interest Waiver.
Colombia has been an E-1 and E-2 treaty country since June 10, 1848, and Colombian companies can also transfer managers and executives on the L-1.
Samper Law advises Colombian clients nationwide in Spanish and English, with Lidice Samper, Esq. leading the legal strategy and Gerardo Kloss working alongside her on structure and source of funds.
Is Colombia an E-2 Treaty Country?
Yes.
Colombia appears on the State Department treaty country list for both E-1 and E-2, in force since June 10, 1848.
A Colombian citizen may apply for E-2 status to develop and direct a U.S. business in which they have made a substantial investment, provided at least 50 percent of the business is owned by Colombian nationals.
State Department treaty country list | Accurate as of October 22, 2026
Comparing Your U.S. Routes
| Route | What it is | When it fits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-2 Treaty Investor | Renewable nonimmigrant visa to develop and direct a U.S. business in which you have made a substantial investment that is at risk. | You are a national of a treaty country and want to run your own U.S. business without a green card requirement. | Open |
| EB-5 Immigrant Investor | Green card based on a qualifying investment in a U.S. enterprise that creates at least 10 full time jobs, directly or through a regional center. | You want permanent residence for yourself, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 and can document a lawful source for the full investment. | Open |
| O-1A Extraordinary Ability | Nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in business, science, education or athletics. | You are a founder or executive with a documented record such as significant funding, press, awards, judging or high compensation. | Open |
| EB-1A Extraordinary Ability | Self petitioned green card for individuals with sustained national or international acclaim. No employer or job offer is required. | Your record already meets at least three of the ten regulatory criteria and shows you are among the small percentage at the top of your field. | Open |
| EB-2 National Interest Waiver | Green card that waives the job offer and labor certification when your proposed work has substantial merit and national importance. | You hold an advanced degree or exceptional ability and have a credible plan for work that benefits the United States. | Open |
| L-1 Intracompany Transfer | Visa for managers, executives and specialized knowledge staff of a foreign company opening or expanding a related U.S. office. | You have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year in the last three, and it will keep operating abroad. | Open |
Source of Funds From Colombia
Every dollar of the investment has to be traced to a lawful source. For Colombian investors the record usually includes the following.
Banking records
Extractos bancarios for each account that held the funds, with the records of the sale, salary, dividend or loan that produced them.
Tax filings
Declaraciones de renta filed with the DIAN, and the escritura for any property sale that generated the funds.
Currency transfer documentation
The foreign exchange declaration the bank files with the Banco de la República for the outbound transfer, with the wire confirmation and conversion record.
The general EB-5 and E-2 paper trail, from origin of funds to the U.S. account, is set out in EB-5 Source of Funds: Build the Paper Trail Before You Wire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colombia an E-2 treaty country?
Yes. Colombia has been an E-1 and E-2 treaty country since June 10, 1848, according to the State Department treaty country list.
Do I have to apply from Colombia?
Eligibility depends on your Colombian nationality, not where you live. Most applicants apply at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá; applicants who live in another country may be able to apply at the U.S. consulate where they reside, subject to that post's rules.
How do I prove the source of funds coming from Colombia?
With bank statements, DIAN tax returns, the documents behind the original source of the money, and the foreign exchange and wire records for each transfer.
Does Samper Law work in Spanish?
Yes. Consultations, document review and client communication are available in Spanish and English.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. General information only; not legal advice and does not create an attorney client relationship. Treaty status and agency policy can change; confirm with counsel before you invest. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.