Colombia’s rentista visa is intended for foreigners who receive income from a fixed income source like an annuity, rent from a rental property, dividends or interest. We provide 2023 updates on the Colombia rentista visa rules.
Acceptable sources of income for a Colombia rentista visa include:
- Payments from an annuity
- Rents from rental properties
- Interest received from loaning money
- Dividends or interest payments from investments in companies
- Disability payments from an insurance settlement
- Payments over time from the sale of a business
Has the visa process changed in Colombia due to the new Resolution 5477?
According to ExpatGroup, the visa agency we partnered with, tells us that with the new resolution, the government has introduced new application requirements, in addition to the change of category of some visas, such as the M visa for rentista, which is now a visitor visa, or the R visa for parent of Colombian child, which is now an M visa.
The visa agency we partnered with has helped many foreigners obtain visas during the pandemic including retirement visas, marriage visas, student visas, investment visas and resident visas.
How to Apply for a Colombia Rentista Visa
You can apply for a Colombia rentista 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 fairly easy as it’s done online. You can apply for a Colombia 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.
Also, another big benefit of using a visa agency is that they help you gather all the information and documents necessary for the visa application. The cost of the service includes immigration advice, visa application, visa registration, and application for a foreigner identification card.
So, 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 and you can avoid a trip to Bogotá.
Medellin Guru Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.377 Medellin Guru reader
expatgroup.co
Income Requirement for a Colombia Rentista Visa
Currently and due to Resolution 5477, the Rentista visa, which used to be type M migrant, has changed its category to visitor type, however, the income required to apply for this visa remains the same.
So, in 2023 you need an income of 11,600,000 pesos per month ($2,577 USD at the exchange rate of 4,500 pesos to USD) to qualify for the Colombia rentista visa. Note that the minimum monthly salary in Colombia increases each year.
Requirements for a Colombia Rentista Visa
Documents required for the Colombia rentista visa are as follows:
- Photocopy of the first page of your passport with a minimum validity of six months where your personal data is displayed.
- Photocopy of the page of your passport with the last stamp of entry or departure of Colombia is located.
- If you’ve had a previous Colombian visa, a photocopy of this visa.
- Certificate issued by a public entity or private company, specifying the income paid to the foreign visa applicant and the amount must be over 10 times the monthly minimum wage in Colombia.
- Criminal record certificate issued by the authority of the country where it has remained during the last three (3) years with the formalities of apostille or legalization and translation.
- Mandatory health insurance policy that covers Colombian territory, all risks, death, and repatriation
- Passport style face photo with a white background, sized at 3 cm width X 4 cm height, maximum size of 300 kb jpg file for online application.
Having an international health insurance policy is a new visa requirement in 2023 for the rentista visa, use the Medellin Guru insurance service.
Medellin Guru Insurance Service
Medellin Guru partnered with an insurance agent to offer Colombian insurance services to foreigners including health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners’ insurance, travel insurance and life insurance.
Using a Visa Agency for a Colombia Rentista Visa
If you are in Colombia, you can use a visa agency to obtain a Colombia rentista visa. A visa agency can handle the online application and ensure you have all the required documentation and you benefit from the visa agency experience.
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.
- Online quotes – get immediate visa quotes.
- Bilingual team.
- Office in El Poblado in Medellín.
- Competitive price compared to other visa services.
The Medellin Guru visa service partnership was launched in March 2019. And in 47 months, 630 visas were successfully received by clients.
Also, our visa service renewed 68 American passports in Bogotá using our passport renewal service. In addition, 57 clients extended tourist visas using our tourist visa extension service.
So, in total we had 755 clients of the Medellin Guru visa service in 47 months.
In addition, many more visas are in process – short, medium or longer term, depending on client needs.
expatgroup.co
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, videocall, 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 visa agency we partnered with offers visa services anywhere in Colombia. So, if you are located in another city in Colombia you can use this service.
Getting a Colombian Cedula
After you have successfully received your Colombian Visa you 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.
Due to being photographed and fingerprinted this must be done in-person at a Migración Colombia office.
Especially relevant, it is very important to register your Colombian visa within the allowed 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 $1,160,000 COP per month in 2023. So, the fine is up to 8,120,000 COP pesos in 2023.
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
Now it is not possible to obtain residency with a rentista visa because it is not possible to accumulate time, but after having a migrant (M) for five years you are eligible to receive a resident (R) visa. And after having an R visa for five additional 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 countries 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. And 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.
Furthermore, a complete list of the requirements for Colombian citizenship is found on the Cancillería website here.
Medellin Guru's Comprehensive Visa and Passport Series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in mid-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
- 9 Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the seven most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
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 were updated in 2022 to ensure they are up-to-date and are being updated again in 2023. In addition, all visa articles on this website will be kept up-to-date as new details are disclosed.
The Bottom Line: Obtaining a Colombia Rentista Visa
Colombia’s rentista visa is relatively easy to get. But this visa is only intended for foreigners with a fixed income source like an annuity, rent from a rental property, dividends or interest.
Several other visas in Colombia are more popular with foreigners including the retirement visa, marriage visa, investment visa, work visa, student visa and resident visa.
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 68 Medellin Guru readers obtain visas and U.S. passport renewals.
Medellin Guru Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.377 Medellin Guru reader
Editors note: updated on June 28, 2023, with new images.
28 thoughts on “How to Obtain a Colombia Rentista Visa (Annuity Visa) – 2023 Update”
Hi Jeff,
My wife and I are interested in immigrating to Colombia, but are still a few years from retirement age, so the Rentista Visa seems like it may be the best option for us. We have adequate savings to cover our expenses until then, but if a regular fixed income must be demonstrated it sounds like we’d need to invest in an annuity. If so, what is the required term for the annuity? Presumably not perpetual…?
Best to ask the visa agency we partnered with – click on this link and there is a chat during business hours (not on the weekend) – https://expatgroup.co/english/visasincolombia/
Hi, I do have a house in US which I have been renting since Oct. 2020, I do have mortgage from the bank, I do not own it yet.
The rent I received is more than 10x than Colombian base salary which is a requirement for Rentista visa.
what kind of documents it will require to file for Rentista visa? and how long is the process?
Contact the visa agency we partnered with to answer your questions, click on this link and there is a chat during business hours- https://expatgroup.co/english/visasincolombia/
Regarding the new International Health Insurance requirement, as I already have visa – can I enroll in EPS and use that to meet the requirement when its time to renew visa?
I didnt enroll in EPS as only in Colombia 2-4 weeks a year and have established relationship (Cash) with two private hospitals
Contact the visa agency we partnered with that can best tell you, click here: https://expatgroup.co/english/visasincolombia/ and there is a chat at bottom right during business hours.
I am a youngish (37) disabled australian (amputee) with savings of $500kaud and $50k a year insurance payments though can be cut soon. If you have savings of $500k Australian is that sufficient enough to apply for a resident visa? In sayimg that i have BASIC spanish thougj I’m very keen to learn the language and get employment during this period. Thank you.
See our article about the resident visa for the requirements – https://medellinguru.com/resident-visa/
How do I show income from rental properties?? My tenants deposit directly into my checking accounts. They initial deposit slips or transfer direct. Thanks
That is a detailed question more appropriate for a visa agency. Click on the blue “Use the Medellin Guru Visa Service” button in the article and you can ask your question during business hours directly to the visa agency using the chat at the bottom right of the screen.
If you feel the calculation will be a close call, you might consider a VISA agency as I have done.
Why risk receiving a denial when you can get it right the first time
All the Best,
Steve
I am just wondering if I am receiving SSI for 770.00 US/ MONTH and three months salary is now 780.00 US might I be allowed to include my 150.00/month annuity to put me above the pensionado visa line??
Click on the blue “Use the Medellin Guru Visa Service” button in the article and you can ask your question directly to the visa agency using the chat at the bottom right of the screen.
Hello Jeff, Good over view of the retirement visa.But you forgot to mention the 19% and up taxes on foreign pensions which happens after five years of living in Colombia.Your format covered everything but that,but overall informative though.I’m sure many retired foreigners would like a heads up after the five years are up, because after that it’s mandatory to file taxes on income abroad each year through DIAN.As far as hiring a visa agency ie lawyer to handle the visa process, that’s an easy fix and less expensive too.Gather the documents nesessary hire an interpreter to draft the documents into Spanish.Most interpretors are licensed notaries.English is readily spoken in Medellin at migracion, so presenting the documents shouldn’t be any problem.Pay the visa fee and interpreter fee and you’re done.Its totally legal my friends said that live in Colombia.My friends have been trying to get me to retire in Medellin for over eight years now,but it doesn’t make good since to retire in Colombia and pay taxes on my retirement pension especially since I’d be contributing to Colombias economy purchasing items paying rent etc. Best regards
This article is about the rentista visa – here is our article about the retirement visa – https://medellinguru.com/retirement-visa/
Foreigners become tax residents of Colombia if in Colombia over 183 days. That 5 year rule is completely out of date. Also, foreign pensions are no longer taxed in Colombia up to a limit according to my Colombian tax accountant. In addition, no interpreters in Colombia are notaries. And Migracion is not involved in Colombian visas – it is the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores in Bogotá that issues Colombian visa. Plus Colombian visas are applied for online. Migracion registers a visa once you have one and issues cedulas (Colombian IDs).
Using a visa agency permits you to avoid a trip to Bogotá to the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office where you get the visa stamped in your passport. So, yes you you can save money if you use a low cost visa agency versus a trip to Bogotá.
Thanks for your reply Jeff and answering my question about being taxed on my retirement pension in Colombia.My monthly pension would be over the limit much thanks. Jack
Hi Jeff,
Where’s the source data on the comment above that “foreign pensions are no longer taxed in Colombia up to a limit…”
Just arrived in Colombia under a family visa but beginning to worry about the tax situation.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
w/r,
Chris
Jeff, That was very helpful…and quick.
Thanks so much for sharing. Great Blog!
Thank you the very comprehensive information. My wife and I are looking at a Rentista Visa as we have no pension and are still a little too you to receive Social Security (U.S.).
Is the income requirement per person or per married couple? Do we need to show proof of $2,671 total to cover the requirements as a couple or would we need double that amount ($5,342.00)?
Thanks for any clarification you can offer.
The income requirement is per person. And the other would have to apply for a separate visa. But since you are married, once one of you has a Migrant visa the other could get a beneficiary visa, see: https://medellinguru.com/beneficiary-visa/.
Colombian M-Visa
Good Afternoon to our Moderator and Medellin Guru members. I have followed this blog for a couple of years and have always found the information offered as most accurate. So today, I have a Visa question caused by my poor time management. In advance, I apologize for a long winded question but there is no abbreviated version. For the last three years, I have lived in Cali with my TP-10 Visa. I retired from the United States and am disabled in a wheelchair or mobility device. Both my Passport and Visa will expire almost together. So, I have time before expiration to obtain a new US Passport and Apply for the new Colombian M-Visa. The Visa will expire while the renewal is in process. The new Passport must be done first as Colombia will not affix a Visa into an expired US Passport. So my question…..Is it OK to apply with a recently about to expire or expired Visa, or should I terminate the old Visa by flying to Miami in the early morning and returning to Colombia in the late afternoon? I appreciate all comments but am really seeking a legally correct answer. I guess the question becomes, at what point is it too late to apply for the M Visa without penalty?
For my Passport and Visa, I plan to use a local agency as I could never make it to Bogota. The same day flight to Miami is pushing the needle. In advance, my thanks to All!!!!!!!!
Hi Steve, you really should ask a visa agency listed in the article. I believe to apply for a Colombia visa you need a passport that isn’t about to expire. That isn’t listed in the new Colombia visa regulations but I seem to recall that was a requirement in the past.
I would like to know more about the dual citizenship with Colombia. My mother was born in Colombia in 1929. She left the country and eventually came to the US. I was born in 1958 in the US and she became a US citizen following that. She has since passed. I have read that if your parent was Colombian, it is possible to apply for dual citizenship. Does anyone know if it matters that she became an American citizen? It is difficult to get an answer by calling the Colombian embassies here in the states To talk to them personally, I would have to fly to San Francisco from Seattle.
Seems your dual citizenship is more than a possibility. My wife is Colombian and earned US citizenship while living in the United States. Our son was born in the US. The Colombian consulate in the United States granted him Colombia citizenship based on his mamma being a Colombian National. Hope this helps!
Hey I got some real visa issues .. I legally changed my name oct 2018 but USA passport still has old name. I am disabled and get a government pension. My 180 days will be up aug 1… but I did go back to USA in May for 9 days… so do I need to go to Belen and show them to get extra 9 days.. I’m low on cash and traveling to bogota is not possible .. I will be getting more money in 2 weeks. The local lawyer here told me my government pension is enough but my passport doesn’t match my bank or social security statement .. I have legal documents showing the change of name plus have the old drivers liscense and the new one.. I also have old social security card with old name same number I have the new social security card with new name same social .. I have fear of being deported. I brought my dog and my photos and have decided to live here forever + 1 day.. 9 years of coming here and it’s been wonderful.. I defend this country from any negative comments and love the people here any help thanks ..
I recommend talking with a visa agency or law firm – you can click on the blue button “Use the Medellin Guru visa service” in this article which will bring up a page with a chat box at the bottom right This will permit you to chat directly with the visa agency we partnered with or you can schedule an appointment to talk with them. If you plan to apply for a retirement visa you need to do this ASAP. Also, we have a list of other visa agencies and law firms offering visa services in this article – https://medellinguru.com/visa-agencies-colombia/
I have gone through the VISA and Passport renewal in the past and both take time which you do not have.
My suggestion is to see a Visa Agency or lawyer immediately. I kn ow that if you illegally overstay your VISA welcome, you could create serious problems with Migration in future Visa requests. I do not believe you can extend your visa because you visited the United States for nine days. The expiration date stamped on the visa is the expiration…….
Good luck!
Thanks this is a helpful post and thanks for all your visa articles. Your Colombia visa articles have likely helped thousands of people. Keep up the good work.
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