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The M type – Retirement Visa is one of Colombia’s most special and recurring visas. Probably, based on statistics, most applications are for American citizens; because of this, Colombia has become an increasingly great place to spend your retirement years.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Resolución 5477, which updates the regulations and procedures for the different types of Colombian visas. In October 2022, these changes came into effect. See the new requirements below if you want to apply for your Retirement Visa.
For more than 40 years, the International Living newsletter has been the best reference for choosing paradises abroad, where the slogan is «Live better, for less.»
What does “International Living” say about Colombia?
According to International Living’s Global Annual Retirement Index 2024, Colombia ranks tenth among global destinations for foreign retirees.
Among the advantages of retiring in Colombia, you can find the following:
Easy to get a Pensioner Visa
Low costs and quality health assistance
Warm and welcoming people
Why Medellín is one of the best cities to retire in Colombia?
First, Medellín is a charming city and one of the jewels of the Official Tourism Site of Colombia. Due to its climate and people, it has been known for decades as “the city of eternal spring.” Besides, Medellín offers all its visitors a significant cultural, gastronomic, landscape, and fun experience.
Medellín: The city of flowers
In the article “The city of flowers”, International Living explains Medelln’s lifestyle. Most noteworthy is that Medellín has a comfortable temperature that does not require heating or air conditioning, low humidity, and an insect-free environment.
It also mentions the advantages of having a pioneering transport system: Sistema Integrado de Transporte del Valle de Aburrá (SITVA), its cosmopolitan air, which includes universities, museums, theaters, restaurants, and sports centers, among others, and its world-famous festivals.
Besides, in the blog we find a standard example about the cost of living in Medellín, a proposal of 10 interesting things to do in the city, information on whether Medellin is a safe place to live, and other interesting details for foreigners who are thinking about choosing Medellín as their retirement place.
To sum up, for these reasons and more, Medellín is at the top of the places to retire in Colombia. You can find other details in this popular Medellin Guru article: «12 Reasons Why Medellín is a Top Foreign Retirement Location».
What about the cost of living in a city like Medellín?
In the above-mentioned Medellin Guru article, Jeff talks about his ex-pat experience with a family of three that lives very well on a monthly budget of less than $1,200 USD. Thanks to the exchange rate in Colombia, life has become increasingly cheaper in Medellín in terms of US dollars.
However, if you want to know more information about the reality of the budget to live in Medellín according to your particular case, we invite you to review the following articles:
- Medellín Cost of Living for a Couple with 3-Year History: Jeff an expat from the U.S. married to a Colombian shares their cost of living in Medellin
- Expat Cost of Living in Medellín for a Single Woman: Stephanie is an expat from the U.S. who moved to Medellín years ago. She shares her cost of living as a single woman living in the city
Why get a Colombian retirement visa?
Obtaining a Retirement Visa in Colombia will allow you to enjoy a magical paradise at a low cost. The retirement visa is one of the easiest and fastest visas to process. It takes about one month to approve your visa and Colombian ID card for foreigners (Cédula de Extranjería).
With the cédula de extranjería, you can open bank accounts and obtain a driver’s license, among other benefits. Remember that this is a visa to stay legally in Colombia. Still, as per the current legislation, you are not permitted to work in Colombia or become affiliated with the Colombian EPS system with this visa.
Also, you can enter and exit Colombia without any problem, but to keep your visa valid, you mustn’t stay outside of Colombia for more than 180 continuous days on the same departure. The retirement visa can be issued for one to three years, and you will always have the option to renew it. You can finally become a permanent resident when you accumulate five continuous years with this kind of visa.
What are the new requirements, according to Resolución 5477, for applying for a retirement visa?
To apply for a Retirement Visa, it is necessary to meet the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requirements based on the new Resolution Resolución 5477 of 2022. So, you will need to have the following documents:
Requirements for applying for a Retirement Visa
Passport and proof of legal permanence:
Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages and the proof can be a copy of tourism stamp (or extension), a valid visa or a Cédula de Extranjería.
Recent digital photograph:
3x4 cm, white background, without accessories or glasses, fully facing the camera, neutral expression, and ears uncovered.
Apostille and translation:
expatgroup.co offers additional apostille service USA. and official translation so that you can apply for the Retirement visa without any inconvenience.
Updated Psychophysical Medical Certificate
Physical and Mental Certificate, issued by the medical authority of the home country and/or residence.
Health Insurance Policy
The insurance must coverage Colombia and fullfill all the requirements for visa (all risks and repatriation). You can get it online at this link.
Certificate of criminal, or police record
From the home country and/or the country in which you have resided for the last three (3) years.
At expatgroup.co, we help you get your FBI background check from Colombia processed quickly and securely. Click the bottom and get the digital background certificate for American citizens that is valid before the Colombian government for visa applications, including fingerprinting, apostille and translation services
Costs, validity, and restrictions
Apply for your Retirement visa with expatgroup.co
If you want to minimize the risks, increase your chances of success, and have professional assistance during the whole process of your Colombian visa as a retired person, you can hire the services of a specialized agency. At expatgroup.co, we are an interdisciplinary team with more than 10 years of experience in services for foreigners, including the complete Colombian visa process.
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We offer expert guidance on immigration processes, business opportunities, housing, and investment, ensuring you have all the resources for a successful and smooth transition to life in Colombia.
