No, holders of the Retirement Visa are not permitted to work in Colombia or join the Colombian EPS health system.
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.
Whether you’re planning to relocate, start a new business venture, invest in real estate, or manage the legalization of your U.S. documents, we provide expert guidance every step of the way. Our team of specialists is dedicated to helping you navigate Colombian regulations, business requirements, and investment processes with ease and confidence. From visa applications and company formation to foreign investment certification and document apostilles, we offer personalized support tailored to your needs. Trust us to make your transition to Colombia smooth, efficient, and fully compliant with local laws.
No, holders of the Retirement Visa are not permitted to work in Colombia or join the Colombian EPS health system.
According to Resolution 5477 of 2022, the required documents for the M-type Retirement Visa include:
Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Proof of legal stay in Colombia (if applying within the country)
Recent 3×4 cm color photo with white background
Certificate of income proving a monthly pension of at least 3 minimum wages (official document, apostilled, and translated if not in Spanish)
Criminal background certificate (issued within the last 6 months, apostilled and translated)
International health insurance valid in Colombia for the duration of the visa
Completed online visa application form and payment
Additional documents may be requested by the Ministry on a case-by-case basis.
The average processing time for a Retirement Visa in Colombia is one to two months, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs typically taking around four weeks to review the application.
Colombia offers advantages for those considering retiring in Colombia, such as a diverse environment, easy Pensioner Visa access, low living costs, affordable healthcare, and a friendly, welcoming culture.
The M-type Retirement Visa allows foreigners to live in Colombia, making it a popular choice for retirees, especially American citizens. It is one of the easiest visas to process.
To teach in Colombia, you typically need a university degree and relevant teaching qualifications, such as a TEFL certificate. International schools may require additional experience and credentials.
Finding bar work is best done face-to-face at the locations, as online job platforms may have limited listings. Experience in high-class bars can lead to better job opportunities.
There is a high demand for job opportunities in digital services, including marketing, sales, and client service roles. Salaries range from 3,000,000 COP to 10,000,000 COP (approximately $770 to $2,560 USD) per month.
The most thriving industries for foreigners include Digital Services, Bar Work, Teaching, and Translation.
To qualify for the Investment/Real Estate visa, you must invest over 350 current monthly legal minimum wages in Colombia (approximately 119,000 USD) in real estate.
Yes, in most cases, you are required to have a visa that allows you to work in Colombia.
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