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The Colombian Retirement Visa or Pension Visa is meant for individuals who receive a pension, social security, or disability from their home country. It is a perfect option if you wish to retire in Colombia.
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The visa is intended for foreigners who earn more than 3x more the Colombian minimum wage through a pension, social security, or disability payment (Around $1,000 USD per month in 2024). Colombia does NOT have have an age requirement on the retirement visa.
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The visa is a migrant (Type M Visa) that lasts for 1-3 years at a time.
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Whether you're looking to eventually become a Colombian citizen, or you just want to spend a long period of time in the country, we can advise you on the best process.
From your first question, to the day you get an approval stamp, you'll have personalized support.
Our law firm specializes in immigration law which means we have been working with foreign travelers just like you for over a decade.
Unlike other firms, our team was born in Colombia and speaks fluent english.
Applying for a Colombian Visa isn't easy. Luckily we have over a decade of experience to advise you through the process.
Daniela Cordoba is a lawyer specializing in immigration and commercial law. Daniela Cordoba has helped individuals and businesses live and operate in Colombia for over a decade. She also has training in compliance with the respective accreditations to serve as Compliance Officer.
Mike co-founded Colombian Visa Services after moving to Colombia from the United States and finding the process of obtaining a visa difficult and frustrating. Daniela helped make the process so simple and stress-free that he partnered with her to provide the to help others.
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For the past decade we have been helping travelers move to Colombia.
We work with you 1:1 throughout your entire process.
You don't have to worry about having to translate, our team is fluent in English and can help you with whatever you need.
From determining if you are eligible for a visa to the application itself, we can help you every step of the way.
The first step to applying for the retirement visa in Colombia is to determine if you are eligible. You will need to pass a criminal background check, a health examination, and make more than $1,000 USD from a pension, social security, or disability. If you need help determining if you are eligible, we can help!
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In order to submit your visa application you'll need to have all of your official documents officially apostilled and translated. The next step will then be to submit your application online and answer any questions the government entity has. We can help you every step of the way.
The government has 30 days to respond to your visa application. Once you receive your visa, you will then need to go to a migration office near you to recieve your cédula de extranjería.
We spend the time to get to know you and your story so your application is perfect the first time.
We will help you every step of the way, so you can focus on the enjoying everything Colombia has to offer.
Schedule A ConsultationLearn more about what you need to obtain a Colombian Retirement Visa and how we can help.
To apply for a Colombian retirement visa, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Determine if you are eligible:
To qualify for a retirement visa in Colombia, you must have a have a minimum monthly income from a pension or disability of three times the minimum wage in Colombia. In 2024, this is around $1000-$1100 USD per month.
2. Gather the necessary documents:
You will need to provide the following documents when you apply for your retirement visa:
- A valid passport
- A Passport Style Photo In A Digital Format
-An official background check certificate
- A medical certificate
- Proof of your income or pension
All official documents will need to be apostilled in their country of origin and officially translated to Spanish before submitting them with your visa application.
3. Submit your application:
You can submit your application at the Cancillería's website.
4. Wait for the visa to be processed:
The processing time for a retirement visa can vary, but you should receive a response to your application within 30 days.
Note that visa requirements and application procedures can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check with the Colombian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.
In Colombia there is not an age requirement to apply for the retirement visa. You simply need to make more than 3 times minimum salary from a pension or social security. The minimum salary can change, and currency exchange rates can vary, but in 2024 the required amount is about $1000-$1100 USD.
Keep in mind that visa requirements and eligibility criteria can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check with the Colombian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.
You need make more than 3 times the monthly minimum salary from a pension, social security or disability. The minimum salary can change, and currency exchange rates can vary, but in 2024 the required amount is about $1000-$1100 USD or 3.900.000 Colombian pesos.
The Colombian retirement visa can be difficult to obtain, especially if you don't have experience with official documents. You'll need to obtain multiple official documents and have them apostilled, have a federal background check completed, visit a doctor, and answer additional questions from the Cancillería.
It is recommended to work with a professional Immigration Attorney with your process if you haven't applied for a visa in Colombia before.
The Colombian government has to respond to your application within 30 days. Therefore, It typically takes a few weeks to the full 30 days to get your visa approved and obtain a Colombian ID card for foreigners (Cédula de Extranjería).
We typically tell our clients that 45-60 days is a good timeline, including obtaining all of your documents, apostilles, and official translations.
The cost of a retirement visa in Colombia is approximately $226. This includes a $50 fee for the Cancillería to "study" the visa and a $175 USD to receive the visa.
However, it's important to note that you may incur fees to obtain documents, apostilles, and health insurance throughout the process. Fees are subject to change and may also vary depending on the exchange rate at the time of your application.
The Colombian retirement visa does not permit you to work in Colombia for a Colombian employer. However, if you are working remotely from Colombia or earning income from your country of residence, that is allowed.
All foreigners will need to first obtain a Migrant (Type M) Visa in Colombia before qualifying for a Resident Visa. In the case of a Retirement visa, you will need to continuously hold your Retirement Visa for 5 years before being eligible for a resident visa.
We may be biased, but we believe Colombia is one of the best countries in the world to retire. From sunny beaches and blue water, to lush forests and mountains, Colombia has something for everyone. The cost of living can be 70% less than in other countries like the United States and Canada, and in places like Medellin, the climate is perfect year round.
Additionally, Colombia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, #22 World Health Organization's list of the best healthcare systems.
Colombia has tax agreements with many countries preventing double taxation. Many individuals from the United States and Canada are not taxed on foreign earned income, however every situation is different and you should consult an accountant to be sure.
Just $1,000 to $1500 USD per month can allow you to live comfortably in most areas of Colombia. While the cost of living is increasing in popular destinations like Medellin, there are still many places around Colombia that are safe, comfortable, and affordable.
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