Colombia’s retirement visa is intended for retired persons receiving a retirement income. This retirement visa is relatively easy to get with a low-income requirement and only a few documents needed. Medellín, particularly in Colombia, is gaining a reputation as a top foreign retirement location.
The Colombia retirement (pensionado) visa was previously known as the TP-7 visa in 2017. This TP-7 visa was valid for only one year and needed to be renewed each year. However, Colombia changed its Colombian visa rules, which went into effect on October 21, 2022.
So, starting on October 21, 2022, the Colombian retirement visa brought new changes due to Resolution 5477. The biggest change is that this visa no longer allows affiliation to the Colombian health system, it does not allow working in Colombia, and the validity can be up to three years.
The cost for the M- retirement visa is $326 USD, which is higher than the previous TP-7 visa that cost $263. So, the new Colombia retirement visa price is a bit higher.
Note that a M- retirement visa loses its validity if you leave Colombia for a period of over six months without returning to Colombia. You can re-enter Colombia before the six months are up and leave again. You just can’t leave one time for more than six months. Also, we have this article about how to obtain a Colombia retirement visa in Spanish.
Has the visa process changed in Colombia due to the new Resolution 5477?
According to expatgroup.co, the visa agency Medellin Guru recommends, with the new resolution, the government has introduced new application requirements, in addition to having eliminated some visas, such as the M student visa, and changed the category, for example, the R type visa for Colombian child, it is now M category.
In the case of retirees, it is now necessary to have medical insurance, a criminal record, and a medical certificate to apply for the Colombian visa for pensioners.
expatgroup.co has helped many foreigners obtain visas, including retirement visas, marriage visas, student visas, investment visas, and resident visas.
2025 Income Requirement for Colombia Retirement Visa
The income requirement for the Colombian M- retirement must exceed three times the minimum wage in Colombia. The minimum salary in Colombia is 1,423,500 pesos per month in 2025.
So in 2025, you need an income of only 4,270,500 pesos per month (which is only 975 USD / Month Approx. to qualify for the Colombia retirement visa.
The minimum monthly salary in Colombia increases each year.
In addition, Colombia prefers official government pension certifications like from the U.S. Social Security Administration. It can be more difficult to be approved with private pension plans.
How to Apply for a Colombia Retirement Visa
You can apply for a Colombia retirement visa online. In addition, you can obtain Colombian visas at Colombian consulates around the world. In the U.S., Colombia has consulates located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Newark, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC.
The Colombian visa process is done online. You can apply for a Colombia retirement visa online here. This application will require scans of all required documents in PDF files plus the photo in jpg format. In addition, a detailed guide for applying online is found here.
Visas in Colombia are issued by the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. Since the coronavirus, all visas are issued electronically, so you do not have to travel to Bogota for the stamp.
I successfully obtained three Colombian visas that I applied for my own in the past that were good for a total of five years. But the biggest challenge with doing a Colombian visa yourself is not benefiting from the experiences of a visa agency, which has processed hundreds of visas and knows exactly what is needed for each type of visa. So, I now recommend using a visa agency.
For my latest visa received in 2018, a Colombia resident visa, I used a visa agency. And I found the experience painless and now highly recommend using a visa service over doing a Colombia visa application yourself. The bottom line is with a visa agency, you are less likely to run into problems.
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Documents Required for the Colombia Retirement Visa
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- Filling out the FBI form
- Fingerprinting (Medellín)
- International shipment to USA
- FBI criminal record certificate
- Authentication of the certificate through a public notary in the USA
- Apostille certificate
- Official translations into Spanish
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Medellín a Top Foreign Retirement Location
Medellín continues to attract more foreign retirees with its low cost of living, “eternal spring” climate and good healthcare. Colombia has 24 of the best hospitals in Latin America and nine of these are in Medellín.
Also, the city has been described by a number of publications including U.S. News as a top foreign retirement location. Also, we have looked at 12 reasons why Medellín is considered a top foreign retirement location.
In addition, Medellín has been touted for many years as a top foreign retirement location by the foreign retirement publications. I have lived in Medellín for over eight years. And each year it seems that I see more foreign retirees in the city. While I’m not retired, I previously wrote about 27 reasons why I chose to live in Medellín.
Many of these 27 reasons are attracting foreign retirees to Medellín, particularly the climate, low cost of living, good public transportation and good and inexpensive healthcare. But there are also some downsides to living in Medellín that should be considered by foreign retirees looking at moving to the city of Medellín.
Retiring in Colombia vs. Other Latin American Countries
When planning to retire abroad, comparing options is crucial. Latin America continues to attract retirees due to its pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, and accessible residency programs. Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Panama remain top choices, but each country offers distinct advantages depending on the retiree’s priorities.
Ecuador’s retirement visa in 2025 requires a minimum monthly income of approximately $1,375, slightly higher than Colombia’s. The country offers tax exemptions on certain services and discounts for seniors, but the cost of living in key cities like Quito and Cuenca has risen in recent years. Mexico’s temporary resident visa requires a monthly income of around $2,700, making it a pricier option. Additionally, healthcare accessibility varies depending on the region. Panama’s Pensionado Program continues to offer appealing benefits such as discounts on entertainment, healthcare, and travel, but the cost of living—especially in Panama City—remains significantly higher than in Colombia.
Cost of Living for Retirees in Colombia: How Much Do You Need?
Colombia remains one of the most affordable retirement destinations in Latin America. Cities like Medellín, Bucaramanga, and Pereira provide a high standard of living at lower costs compared to the U.S. and Europe. In 2025, a retiree can live comfortably on a budget ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and location.
Medellín remains a favorite among retirees due to its year-round spring-like climate and excellent infrastructure. The cost of rent has increased slightly in sought-after neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles, but it remains more affordable than comparable areas in Mexico or Panama. Bogotá, while offering a metropolitan lifestyle, comes with slightly higher expenses, particularly in dining and entertainment. Coastal cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta have also experienced rising prices in recent years, especially in tourist zones, but overall remain viable options for pensioners seeking a beachfront lifestyle.
Taxes on Foreign Retirement Income
A common concern for retirees is taxation. Colombia taxes worldwide income for individuals who qualify as tax residents—those staying in the country for more than 183 days within a 365-day period. However, foreign pension income remains exempt from taxation, making Colombia particularly attractive for retirees who rely on their pensions.
Tax treaties between Colombia and certain countries, such as Spain and Canada, help prevent double taxation. U.S. citizens should consult a tax professional to ensure compliance with IRS regulations while benefiting from Colombia’s tax policies.
Is Colombia Safe for Retirees?
Safety remains a common concern for prospective retirees. While Colombia has seen dramatic improvements in security over the past decades, conditions vary by city and neighborhood. Medellín, for instance, has transformed into a modern, safe, and vibrant city, attracting a large expat community. Bucaramanga and Pereira are also recognized for their peaceful environment and high quality of life.
Bogotá, being the capital, offers a mix of safe and high-risk areas, so selecting the right neighborhood is key. In all cities, exercising common sense—such as avoiding isolated areas at night, being mindful of personal belongings, and choosing well-established residential zones—can enhance safety and quality of life.
Colombia has also been strengthening its security measures to ensure a safer environment for both residents and newcomers. One of the recent improvements includes more robust background verification processes for individuals applying for long-term visas, such as the retirement visa.
Is It Mandatory to Provide a Criminal Background Check for a Colombian Visa?
Criminal background checks have long been mandatory for retirement and rentista visas in Colombia. However, starting in 2024, this requirement expanded to include digital nomad visas, and in 2025, it has broadened further to cover nearly all visa categories. Applicants from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are among the most impacted, but these changes are increasingly affecting foreigners from all nationalities.
ARTICLE 26. CONSULTATION OF JUDICIAL OR CRIMINAL RECORD. The Visa and Immigration Authority may verify online the judicial record of the visa applicant in the database of the Colombian National Police and other databases to which it may have access, or require the applicant to submit a record from his country of nationality or residence.
Treat this requirement as essential when applying for a Colombia Visa. It’s important to understand that even if your visa application does not explicitly require a Background Check, you must provide one immediately if requested by the Chancellery. The government is committed to ensuring the safety of both locals and foreigners, and it’s crucial to align with their efforts. Being proactive about this documentation will strengthen your application process.
For U.S. citizens or individuals who have recently lived in the United States, obtaining an FBI Background Check remains a critical step. Fortunately, expatgroup.co offers services to assist with this process, simplifying compliance with these updated immigration requirements. No matter your specific situation, the most important factor is ensuring that your fingerprints are taken correctly in Colombia.
Using a professional service guarantees accuracy and comfort, allowing you to confidently meet this crucial requirement and avoid potential delays in your legal and personal processes.
FBI Background Check Service
- Filling out the FBI form
- Fingerprinting (Medellín)
- International shipment to USA
- FBI criminal record certificate
- Authentication of the certificate through a public notary in the USA
- Apostille certificate
- Official translations into Spanish
expatgroup.co
Proof of Pension Required
The proof of pension for the retirement visa typically needs to be apostilled. For a pension from the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) this proof of pension is a SSA Benefit Verification letter. To get this letter the easiest method is via the Social Security web site.
To get this SSA Benefit Verification letter on this site, you will need to create an account, found on the left side of the SSA’s main home page: “my Social Security”. Create an account, log in and go to your Benefit & Payment Details link found on the top menu bar. Then, click on this, and the middle of the page you will see “Get a Benefit Verification Letter”. Click on this link and it will open your SSA Benefit Verification letter, which you can then print.
After you have your SSA Benefit Verification you need to verify this for it to be used in Colombia.
In the past, one way to verify this document was to get an apostille for this letter to use it in Colombia. An “apostille” is a type of authentication that is attached to a document so it is certified legally for use in other countries.
The SSA Benefit Verification Letter is a federal document so the only place you could can get it authenticated was by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Several expats have reported that the U.S. Department of State no longer will apostille a SSA Benefit Verification letter, since there is no signature. But some readers have reported that you can get the letter signed by an SSA officer at an SSA office and then get an apostille.
How to Get a Benefits Verification Letter from the U.S. Embassy
Previously, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia offered the service of the letter of benefits so that pensioners could obtain this indispensable requirement to apply for the M retirement visa.
However, as of August 11, 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia suspended the income certification letter service for U.S. citizens in Colombia.
In its replacement, U.S. citizens may request the benefit verification letter directly to the office or entity where the benefit comes from, which must be translated and apostilled in the state where it is issued in the U.S. only.
Or, instead of doing this visa process yourself, you can use a visa agency that will take care of everything for you. So you will avoid a stressful process.
Using a Visa Agency to Obtain a Colombian Visa
If you are in Colombia, you can use a visa agency to obtain a Colombia visa. A visa agency can handle the online application and ensure you have the required paperwork.
Medellin Guru has partnered with what we believe is the best visa agency in Medellín to offer Colombia visa services. Features of this service include:
- Online chat – get visa questions answered fast.
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- Office in El Poblado in Medellín.
- Competitive price compared to other visa services.
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We reviewed all the Colombia visa agency services in Medellín and found one agency that offers a more efficient visa service with more features and more comprehensive communications including online chat, WhatsApp, video call, email and phone plus a low price and a convenient office in El Poblado.
Our visa partnership is an affiliate relationship (like the Amazon affiliate program). If you use our visa partner, Medellin Guru receives a small commission and you support the website. This is at no additional cost to you. The price remains the same whether you use a button or affiliate link on this website or not.
Furthermore, the partner visa agency offers visa services anywhere in Colombia. So, if you are located in another city in Colombia, you can use this service.
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Getting a Colombian Cedula
After you have successfully received your Colombian Visa you normally have a maximum of 15 calendar days to register your visa with Migración Colombia to get a Cedula de Extranjeria (Colombian ID for foreigners). Or if you received your visa at a consulate, you will have 15 calendar days after you arrive in Colombia to register your visa.
Especially relevant, it is very important to register your Colombian Beneficiary visa within the allotted time frame. If not, you will be liable for a big fine of up to seven times the minimum monthly salary in Colombia. The minimum salary in Colombia is $1,300,000 COP per month in 2024. So, the fine is up to 9,100,000 COP pesos in 2024.
Due to being photographed and fingerprinted this must be done in-person at a Migración Colombia office.
To register your visa and apply for a cedula this must be done at one of the Migración Colombia offices. You can find Migración Colombia offices in major cities in Colombia.
- Barranquilla – Carrera 42 # 54-77, Barrio El Recreo
- Bogotá – Calle 100 #11B-27
- Cali – Avenida 3 norte # 50N-20
- Cartagena – Carrera 20 B # 29-18, Barrio pie de la Popa
- Medellín – Calle 19 #80A-40, Barrio Belén (the entrance is on the other side of the building on Calle 19A)
A complete list of the Migración Colombia offices is found here. In addition, we have a guide to applying for a Cedula Extranjeria in Colombia.
Dual Citizenship
After having an migrant (M) retirement visa for five years you are eligible to receive a resident (R) visa. And after having an R visa for five years you can apply to become a citizen of Colombia.
Also, you won’t have to give up your existing citizenship. Colombia permits dual-citizenship, as does the U.S. and many other countries.
Once you become a dual citizen with Colombian citizenship, you will no longer need to deal with visas anymore. Also, you will be able to travel to a few counties as a Colombian citizen without a visa such as Russia, which require a visa for U.S. citizens.
Also, if you have Colombian citizenship, this benefits you with the Mercosur trade block. Nationals of Member States (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) and Associated States (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) do not need a passport or visa to travel around the region, with only a national identity card required.
In addition, the Mercosur Agreement grants the right to residence and work for citizens with no requirement other than nationality. Citizens of the Member States and Associated States that are part of the agreement enjoy a facilitated procedure for applying for a residence visa, as long as they have a valid passport, birth certificate and a negative certificate of criminal record.
To become a citizen, Colombia requires a citizenship test, just like the U.S. does. You will be required to pass a test related to Colombian history, geography and the constitution. Also, a basic Spanish oral test is required. Those who have a bachelor’s degree from a Colombian university or are over 65 years old are exempt from these tests.
Medellin Guru's comprehensive visa and passport series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:
- Colombia Visa Guide: Ultimate Guide How to Get a Colombian Visa
- How to Obtain a Colombian Visa with Up-to-Date Info – an overview of all the Colombian visas
- Popular Colombian Visas for Foreigners: Which Visa is the Most Popular?
- Coronavirus Impacts on Colombian Visas and Tourist Visas
- Visa Agencies: A Guide to Visa Agencies in Medellín and Colombia
- 9Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Retirement visa
- Marriage visa
- Investment visa
- Business Visa
- Resident visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Visitor visa
Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:
- Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
- Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
- Expertise visa – for professionals
In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.
Furthermore, we provide information about travel insurance that meets the insurance requirement for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.
All of our Colombia visa articles are up to date (2024) and constantly receive updates in 2025.
The Bottom Line: Obtaining a Colombia Retirement Visa
Colombia’s retirement visa remains an attractive option for retirees in 2025, thanks to its low-income requirement and straightforward application process. The country’s commitment to enhancing safety through robust background checks, such as the FBI background check for U.S. citizens, further ensures a secure environment for new residents. Additionally, the exemption of foreign pension income from taxation continues to make Colombia a financially appealing destination. With its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and affordable cost of living, Colombia offers retirees a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle.
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