To qualify for a Type M Business Visa, you need to invest more than USD 32,500 in a Colombian organization.

To apply for a Business Visa in Colombia, you need:

• A passport valid for more than six months
• A recent 3×4 cm photograph
• An application letter signed by you
• A Chamber of Commerce Certificate proving your investment
• Supporting documents like bank statements and income tax returns
• A certificate of shareholding composition signed by a Colombian accountant

Yes, foreigners must obtain a Business Visa (Type M) to start a business in Colombia. This visa is essential for entrepreneurs planning to invest in the country.

Yes, the Retirement Visa allows for beneficiaries, including a spouse or permanent partner and children up to 25 years of age or those with disabilities.

The Retirement Visa can be issued for a period ranging from one to three years, with the possibility of renewal.

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.