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Colombian Retirement Visa: The Gateway to Your New Life!

  • Writer: Juliana Rey, Attorney
    Juliana Rey, Attorney
  • Oct 5
  • 10 min read

Updated: Oct 29

Colombian retirement visa
Colombian retirement visa

Discover why Colombia is a top retirement destination for expats. Learn how the M-Type Retirement Visa allows you to retire legally, affordably, and stress-free in Colombia.


Dreaming of Retiring Abroad? Discover Why Colombia Is a Top Haven for Expats


Can you picture yourself spending your golden years in a peaceful yet vibrant country—Where the weather is spring-like year-round,high-quality healthcare is accessible and affordable, andyour pension stretches further than it does back home?


If this resonates with you, Colombia might just be the retirement destination you’ve been looking for.


Why is Colombia Climbing the Global Retirement Rankings?


Over the past few years, Colombia has gained increasing recognition among international retirees—and it’s easy to see why. From charming mountain villages to modern cities and tropical coastal escapes, Colombia offers an ideal balance of lifestyle, culture, and affordability.


What Makes Colombia the Ideal Retirement Destination?


It’s not just one thing. It’s a perfect combination of factors that create an exceptional retirement experience:


✅ Pleasant Year-Round Weather

Cities like Medellín, famously known as "The City of Eternal Spring," offer a mild, consistent climate.


✅ World-Class Healthcare System

Colombia’s healthcare ranks among the best in Latin America—modern, efficient, and budget-friendly.


✅ Low Cost of Living

Live comfortably on a modest pension. Enjoy high-quality food, services, and housing for less.


✅ Friendly, Welcoming Communities

Expats are warmly embraced by locals. Feel at home in a country known for its hospitality.


✅ Vibrant Culture & Modern Infrastructure

From traditional music and cuisine to shopping malls and fiber-optic internet—Colombia blends old and new with ease.


💡The M-Type Retirement Visa: Your Gateway to Living in Colombia


To help retirees transition easily, Colombia offers the M-Type Retirement Visa—also known as the Colombian Pensioner Visa. This special visa is tailored for foreign nationals who receive a steady monthly pension or retirement income.


Whether you’re looking for adventure, tranquility, or something in between—this visa is your legal key to living in Colombia.


Benefits of the Colombian Retirement Visa


With the M-Type visa, you can:

  • Reside legally in Colombia for up to three years per visa

  • Enter and leave the country freely with multiple entries

  • Renew your visa easily, with the possibility of permanent residency

  • Access Colombia’s healthcare system and open local bank accounts

  • Enjoy an affordable, high-quality lifestyle in one of Latin America’s most expat-friendly countries


Whether you’re picturing a relaxed life in a peaceful pueblo or prefer the energy of cities like Bogotá or Medellín, the Colombian retirement visa is your key to a fulfilling, affordable life abroad.


Through this updated guide on the Colombian Retirement Visa, you will learn the key information you need to know about this type of visa, as well as the most frequently asked questions by foreigners who are interested in applying for this Colombian migrant visa.


M-type Retirement Visa Colombia: a Legal Pathway to Retire Comfortably


What Is the Colombian Retirement Visa, and Who Is It For?


The M-Type Retirement Visa is a migrant visa that grants temporary residency in Colombia, typically issued for up to three years at a time.


This visa is ideal for retirees who receive a lifetime pension or disability income from their home country. Unlike many countries, Colombia does not impose an age limit, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.


By proving a stable monthly income from a qualified source, you can enjoy the following:

  • Legal residency

  • The right to renew and pursue permanent residency

  • The ability to establish a long-term home in a culturally rich, welcoming country


💡 Pro tip: The process becomes much easier with support from professionals who understand Colombian immigration law and requirements


What Is the Minimum Monthly Pension Required for a Colombian Retirement Visa?


To qualify for the Colombian retirement visa, you must earn at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage through a lifetime pension, social security, or disability income.


In 2025, the minimum legal monthly wage (SMMLV) in Colombia is COP 1,423,500, meaning you must prove a steady income of approximately COP 4,270,500.


That’s roughly $1,000 to $1,100 USD per month, depending on exchange rates.


Important: This income must be lifetime and verifiable. One-time savings, investments, or temporary earnings do not qualify.


Is There an Age Limit to Apply for a Colombian Retirement Visa?


No. There is no age requirement or upper limit for applying.

Whether you're 30, 50 or 75, the main eligibility factor is your guaranteed pension income—not your age.

 

How Long Does the Colombian Retirement Visa Application Process Take?


The Colombian government typically takes up to 30 calendar days to review your visa application.


However, authorities have the right to:

  • Request additional documentation

  • Contact you for clarifications

  • Extend the process depending on workload or incomplete submissions


💡Tip from the experts: Submitting a complete and professionally organized application from the start avoids unnecessary delays.


How Long Is the Colombian Retirement Visa Valid?


The M-Type Retirement Visa can be granted for up to 3 years.


However, here’s what often happens:

  • First-time applicants are frequently granted a 1-year visa, especially if it’s your first entry into Colombia.

  • Upon renewal, once you've demonstrated consistent compliance with all requirements, the government often grants the full 3-year validity.


As long as you maintain eligibility (especially your minimum pension income and required documents), you can renew your visa before it expires and continue living in Colombia legally.


What Are the Restrictions of the Colombian Retirement Visa?


The Colombian Retirement Visa is designed strictly for retirees and comes with specific legal limitations:


🚫 No Work Authorization

You cannot engage in paid employment or commercial activities in Colombia.This includes:

  • Working for Colombian companies

  • Freelancing locally

  • Any job that involves receiving income from Colombian sources

✅ What You Can Do:

  • Study or take classes

  • Volunteer

  • Manage your own financial assets (e.g., property, investments)

  • Work remotely for foreign companies (as long as income is not derived from Colombian sources)


⚠️ Health System Limitation:


Under current regulations, retirement visa holders are not allowed to enroll in the Colombian EPS public health system.


However, you can still access private health insurance and international medical plans that meet Colombian requirements.


Is There a Minimum Stay Requirement to Keep the Colombian Retirement Visa?

Yes—Colombian law requires retirement visa holders to stay at least 180 days per calendar year in the country to keep their visa valid.


⚠️ Warning: If you stay outside Colombia for more than 180 consecutive days, even if your visa is still valid, Migración Colombia may cancel it on the grounds of “abandonment of territory.”

So while you're free to travel, it’s essential to plan your trips carefully and not exceed 6 continuous months outside the country.


Can I Obtain a Cédula de Extranjería With a Colombian Retirement Visa?


Absolutely. In fact, it’s legally required.


Once you’re granted a Colombian retirement visa, you're eligible—and obligated—to apply for a Cédula de Extranjería, which is your official Colombian ID for foreigners.


When Should You Apply for your “Cédula de Extranjería”?


You have 15 calendar days to apply for the cédula either:

  • After entering Colombia with your retirement visa, or

  • After receiving your visa approval while already in Colombia

The application is submitted at Migración Colombia, and you'll need:

  • Your passport with the valid visa

  • An appointment (usually required)

  • Payment of a small government fee


What Is the “Cédula of extranjería” Good For?


With your cédula, you can:

  • Open a Colombian bank account

  • Apply for a Colombian driver’s license

  • Access more local services and healthcare options


Important: The cédula is mandatory for anyone with a visa valid for over 3 months.


Can My Spouse and Children Get Visas Too?


Yes! One of the most attractive benefits of the Colombian M-Type Retirement Visa is that it allows you to bring your immediate family with you under beneficiary visas.


Who Qualifies as a Beneficiary?


  • Your spouse or common-law partner

  • Children under 25 years old who are financially dependent on you

 

How Does It Work?

  • Their visas are linked to your retirement visa

  • If your visa is canceled or expires, theirs does too

  • Their visas do not permit employment in Colombia


Their occupation will be recorded as “student” or “dedicated to home” unless they change visa type.


✅This is a great option if you're relocating as a family or want to bring your loved ones to enjoy your retirement years with you in Colombia.


Specific Requirements to Apply for a Colombian Retirement Visa


Learn the official requirements to apply for a Colombian Retirement Visa, including pension proof, health insurance, and apostilled documents.


To successfully apply, you must submit the following official documentation:


Apostilled Pension Certificate


  • Issued by the entity paying your pension (public or private)

  • Must state:

    • Your full name

    • The monthly pension amount

    • Confirmation that the pension is for life

  • Must be:

    • Apostilled or legalized in the country of origin

    • Officially translated into Spanish (if applicable)



  • Can be international or local

  • Must cover:

    • Accidents

    • Illness

    • Maternity

    • Disability

    • Hospitalization

    • Death or repatriation

  • Minimum validity: 12 months

 

Criminal Background Certificate


  • Issued by:

    • Your country of origin

    • Any countries where you’ve resided in the past 3 years

  • Must be:

    • Apostilled or legalized

    • Translated into Spanish (if necessary)

    • Issued no more than 6 months before the application


 Medical Certificate of Good Health


  • Issued by a licensed doctor (in Colombia or your country)

  • Must confirm:

    • You are in good physical and mental condition

    • Fit to reside in Colombia

  • Must be:

    • Apostilled or legalized

    • Translated into Spanish, if not already


Important Note:All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized, and officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator.





Retirement Visa as a Path to Permanent Residency in Colombia


Can I Obtain Permanent Residency with a Colombian Retirement Visa?

Yes. Your M-Type Retirement Visa provides a clear legal pathway toward permanent residency—and eventually even Colombian citizenship.


Here's How It Works:

  • Hold a valid Colombian retirement visa for 5 continuous years

  • Maintain compliance with all visa conditions (especially minimum stay and income)

  • After 5 years, you're eligible to apply for the Colombian Resident Visa (R-Type)


This R-Type visa grants you permanent legal residency in Colombia, with fewer restrictions and no need for ongoing renewals.


From Permanent Residency to Colombian Citizenship


Can I become a Colombian citizen as a retiree living in Colombia?

Yes! After holding a Colombian retirement visa for five continuous years, you become eligible to apply for the Resident (R) Visa. If you hold the R Visa for another five years, you can apply for Colombian citizenship — without giving up your current nationality.


Do I Have to Renounce My Original Nationality?

No. Colombia allows dual citizenship.

That means you can keep your original passport and nationality while gaining the rights and privileges of a Colombian citizen.


The Citizenship Path:

  1. Obtain and maintain permanent residency for 5 years

  2. Apply for Colombian citizenship

  3. Pass language and cultural knowledge requirements (if applicable)


Benefits of Becoming a Citizen:

  • Full voting rights

  • Greater legal security

  • Easier travel within South America

  • Unrestricted access to work or government benefits.


Even if you don’t pursue citizenship, permanent residency allows you to live in Colombia indefinitely.


Tax Considerations For Foreign Retirees In Colombia: What You Need To Know About Pension Taxes.


Discover how pensions are taxed in Colombia and whether you'll become a tax resident with a retirement visa. Learn about tax exemptions, UVT limits, and filing obligations for expats.


Understanding Taxes as a Retiree in Colombia


If you're planning to retire in Colombia, tax implications are an essential part of the picture. The good news? Colombia provides favorable tax treatment for foreign pensions—especially for middle-income retirees.


However, as with any tax system, there are important rules and thresholds you should be aware of.


Do I Become a Tax Resident in Colombia If I Have a Retirement Visa?


Not necessarily. Simply holding a Colombian retirement visa does not automatically make you a tax resident.


Here's How It Works:

You become a Colombian tax resident if:

  • You spend more than 183 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) in Colombia within a 365-day rolling period.


Since the Colombian retirement visa requires at least 180 days of stay per year to remain valid, many retirees naturally meet the residency threshold.


What Does It Mean to Be a Tax Resident?


If you become a Colombian tax resident, you are required to:

  • File an annual Colombian income tax return

  • Declare your worldwide income (not just income earned in Colombia)


💡But don’t worry—being required to declare income doesn’t always mean you’ll owe taxes. Tax is assessed based on income level, exemptions, and deductions.


Are Foreign Pensions Taxed in Colombia?


This is the most common and important question for retirees—and the answer is mostly good news.


Colombia’s Foreign Pension Tax Exemption:

Under current Colombian tax law, retirement pensions are exempt from income tax as long as they do not exceed 1,000 UVT per month. UVT stands for Unidad de Valor Tributario (Tax Value Unit). It is used by Colombia’s DIAN (tax authority) to define thresholds and tax calculations.

  • In 2025, 1,000 UVT = COP 49,799,000/month

  • This is approximately USD $12,100/month


✅ What This Means for You:

  • If your monthly pension income is below USD $12,100, it is fully exempt from income tax in Colombia

  • If your pension exceeds that amount, only the portion above the limit is taxed

  • The excess is subject to progressive tax rates, just like local income


In practical terms, most foreign retirees do not pay income tax on their pensions in Colombia.


Example:

Let’s say your pension is USD $3,000/month.That’s well below the 1,000 UVT threshold. You’ll file your taxes (if required), but you’ll owe no tax on your pension income.

 

Summary: Colombia is quickly emerging as one of the top retirement destinations for expats—and for good reason. With its affordable cost of living, high-quality lifestyle, and world-class healthcare, the country offers everything retirees need to enjoy their golden years in comfort and peace.


From the breathtaking coastlines of the Caribbean to the cool, green mountains of the Andes, Colombia’s diverse landscapes cater to every lifestyle. Add to that a growing economy and a welcoming culture, and it’s easy to see why more and more retirees are making Colombia their permanent home.


✅ If you're considering retiring abroad, take the time to explore all the options Colombia has to offer. With the right planning and support, you can turn your retirement dreams into reality in one of Latin America’s most vibrant and rewarding countries.







 
 
 

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