We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete 2026 guide to Colombia\u2019s M-Investor visa: eligibility, investment threshold, documents, fees, process, dependents, renewal, and PR path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-03-23<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colombia\u2019s Migrant Visa – Investor<\/strong> is a Migrant (M) category visa<\/strong> for foreigners who make a qualifying investment in Colombia and want to live in the country on a medium-term basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It exists to attract foreign capital into Colombia while giving the investor a legal immigration status stronger than a short-stay visitor status but not yet the same as permanent residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Colombia\u2019s immigration system, this is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official Spanish naming commonly used:<\/p>\n\n\n\n People often confuse it with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colombia generally uses three main visa classes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The M-Investor<\/strong> is in the middle: more stable than a visitor visa, but not yet permanent residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is usually best for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not the right choice if your purpose is only:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They should usually look at visa-free entry rules or a V visa<\/strong> where required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you only need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n the V business-related route<\/strong> is usually more suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your main purpose is being hired to work in Colombia, the investor route is usually the wrong category. A work-linked M visa or other employment-appropriate route may be the correct option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your main purpose is formal study, use the relevant study visa route, not the investor category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are working remotely for foreign clients\/employers and not making a qualifying Colombian investment, this is not the natural fit. Colombia has separate temporary and purpose-specific visa options that may be more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These groups generally have their own visa categories or visitor routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The M-Investor visa is used for residing in Colombia based on a qualifying investment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That generally means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on current visa wording and conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa should not<\/strong> be assumed to authorize every possible activity. Risk areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. The investment must meet the official qualifying type and threshold<\/strong>, and must be evidenced in the way Colombia requires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. It is an M visa<\/strong>, not an R visa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is not safely assumed from public summaries alone. Always check the activity wording on the issued visa and current official resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not clearly stated as the purpose of this visa. If you plan substantial remote work for a foreign employer, verify whether another category is more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colombia has changed visa rules over time through updated foreign ministry resolutions. Older articles may mention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Older blogs are often wrong because Colombian visa law has been updated multiple times. Always verify against the current Foreign Ministry rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To qualify, an applicant generally needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact qualifying threshold is set by Colombian regulation and may be expressed in relation to Colombian minimum wages<\/strong> or equivalent values under current rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For investor visas in Colombia, the threshold and the qualifying type of investment are highly important and may vary by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because these thresholds can change and older sources are frequently outdated, applicants should verify the current amount in the official visa resolution and guidance before filing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No general public rule indicates that only certain nationalities may apply. However:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants generally need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your passport will expire soon, renew it first where possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No general age bar is publicly emphasized for the principal investor, but applicants must have legal capacity to hold assets and apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not central requirements<\/strong> for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is generally no publicly stated mandatory:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not required<\/strong> as the main basis, because the visa is based on the applicant\u2019s own investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only relevant if adding beneficiaries such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key financial element is usually the investment itself<\/strong>, but applicants may also need to show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually the core legal basis for an investor visa, but these may still be asked for in practice during processing or entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public rules may not always require a universal insurance policy for every visa type in identical terms, but consular or case-specific requests can occur. Check the latest visa portal instructions and consular guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants may be refused for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether a police certificate is always required for this route can vary by case or applicant profile; verify the current checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Biometric capture may be requested depending on process and local implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applicant must genuinely qualify as an investor. The visa officer may assess whether:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foreigners holding Colombian visas for longer terms often must register with Migraci\u00f3n Colombia<\/strong> and obtain a foreigner ID card (c\u00e9dula de extranjer\u00eda)<\/strong> when required by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No publicly known quota or lottery system applies to this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, practical requirements can differ by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be ineligible or at high refusal risk if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If beneficiary visas are granted, family members may be able to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compared with short stays, this visa usually offers easier repeated travel in and out of Colombia during validity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the main attractions. M visa time can, in many cases, count toward later eligibility for an R visa<\/strong>, provided the law in force at that future time is met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact work rights should be verified carefully from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not assume unrestricted employment rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holding this visa does not automatically give entitlement to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The M-Investor visa is generally issued for up to 3 years<\/strong>. The exact period granted is discretionary and may depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n M visas are generally used as multiple-entry<\/strong> visas during validity unless the visa itself states otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike a short-stay visitor allowance, an M visa is for residence-type presence during its validity. You may remain in Colombia while the visa remains valid, subject to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visa validity usually runs from the issuance date shown on the visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you remain after visa expiry or violate conditions, consequences can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apply before expiry. Do not wait until the last moment, especially if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A formal \u201cgrace period\u201d should not be assumed unless expressly stated by the authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistake:<\/strong> uploading cropped, blurry, or password-protected scans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your investment is through a company or corporate structure, you may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually central for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For beneficiaries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not always core, but in some cases useful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not central unless someone in Colombia is helping explain residence arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check current official instructions. Insurance may be requested depending on case handling or consular practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on nationality or place of application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foreign public documents often need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always check whether Colombia requires the translation to be done:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistake:<\/strong> apostilling the original but not properly handling the translation, or vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Digital photo requirements are usually embedded in the online visa system instructions. Use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The central requirement is the minimum qualifying investment amount<\/strong> under current Colombian rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Colombia\u2019s investor thresholds have changed historically and may be tied to statutory salary values or updated regulatory criteria, applicants must confirm the current amount from the official visa rules before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the investor stream and current resolution, the investment may involve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good evidence usually includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expect scrutiny if the funds come from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In those cases, provide a paper trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public summaries do not always state a separate maintenance amount per dependent for this visa, but applicants should be prepared to show sufficient support for accompanying family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because thresholds may be expressed in Colombian legal reference units or wages, exchange-rate assumptions can be risky. Use the official rule and current equivalent at the time of application.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Colombia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Migrant Visa – Investor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n M-Investor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Migrant (M) visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Longer-term residence in Colombia based on qualifying direct investment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Foreign national who makes a qualifying investment in Colombia and wants medium-term residence rights<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Up to 3 years, subject to the visa authority\u2019s decision and supporting documents<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Continuous residence permitted during visa validity, subject to registration\/compliance rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Typically multiple entries during validity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Yes, usually by applying for a new\/renewed visa if requirements still exist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Limited\/conditional: visa holder may generally engage in lawful activities linked to status, but exact work scope should be verified against current visa resolution and visa text<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Limited\/yes: study is generally not the main purpose but short or even formal study may be possible unless the visa label limits activity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, beneficiaries\/dependents are generally possible under Colombia\u2019s beneficiary rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Possible: M visas can count toward eligibility for a Resident (R) visa if requirements are later met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect: after qualifying residence and other legal requirements, naturalization may become possible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
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Where it fits in Colombia\u2019s visa structure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Best-fit applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who this visa is usually not for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tourists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Business visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Job seekers and employees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Digital nomads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical travelers, religious workers, journalists, artists, athletes, transit passengers, and officials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Quick fit guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nApplicant type<\/th>\n M-Investor fit?<\/th>\n Better alternative if not<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourist<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Visa-free\/Visitor route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business visitor<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n V visa\/business visitor route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employee<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Work-appropriate M visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Student visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Founder investing own funds<\/td>\n Yes, often<\/td>\n Sometimes business visitor first, then investor if investment qualifies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passive investor<\/td>\n Yes, if investment qualifies<\/td>\n Possibly R investor later if threshold is met<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse\/child of investor<\/td>\n As beneficiary, not as principal<\/td>\n Beneficiary visa route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomad<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Remote-work or visitor-appropriate route if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted core purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Activities often associated with this visa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Prohibited or risky uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I buy anything in Colombia, I get the visa.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is the same as permanent residence.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can do any job with this visa.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRemote work is automatically allowed.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Short name \/ code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Long name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Related categories people confuse it with<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nCategory<\/th>\n Main difference<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n V visa<\/td>\n Temporary\/visitor purposes, not medium-term residence based on investment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n M spouse\/partner<\/td>\n Residence based on family relationship, not investment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n M worker<\/td>\n Residence based on employment, not investment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n R visa<\/td>\n Resident\/permanent-type category, often requiring more time or higher qualifying conditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Real estate investor routes under other rules<\/td>\n Must verify whether the investment qualifies for M or R under current thresholds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Old vs current naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Investment requirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Education, language, work experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sponsorship\/job offer\/invitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Relationship proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Funds\/maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Accommodation and onward travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health and insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Character \/ criminal record<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Local registration rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quotas\/caps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Not eligible or high-risk applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Investment proof problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Financial red flags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Identity and document issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Purpose mismatch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Immigration history issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Incomplete application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Family benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Travel flexibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Business and planning benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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PR pathway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Key restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Work restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Compliance restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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No public guarantee of benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Entries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stay duration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When the clock starts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Renewal timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grace periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Format<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application form<\/td>\n Online application through official system<\/td>\n Starts the case<\/td>\n Digital<\/td>\n Wrong visa class selected<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Proof of fee payment<\/td>\n Payment receipt<\/td>\n Required to process<\/td>\n Digital PDF\/image<\/td>\n Paying wrong fee or not retaining receipt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cover letter\/explanation<\/td>\n Applicant statement<\/td>\n Clarifies purpose and evidence<\/td>\n Signed PDF if used<\/td>\n Vague explanation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core financial requirement: qualifying investment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What usually counts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Proof of funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Source of funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dependents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Currency issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hidden costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n