Four Visas You Can Apply for to Live in Colombia

Did you know that there are four types of visas you can apply for to come live in Colombia if you are a foreigner or a citizen of another country?

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These are four visas that offer excellent alternatives if you are a foreigner who wishes to reside legally in Colombia.

Visas to Live Legally in Colombia

If you’re considering living legally in Colombia, it’s essential to understand the different Colombian visas available.

The country offers several pathways to obtain legal residency in Colombia, depending on your personal, professional, or financial situation.

You may also read the Spanish version of this article: Cuatro Visas que Puedes Solicitar para Vivir en Colombia

Among the most popular options are the Mercosur Visa, the Spouse Visa, the Pensioner Visa, and the Rentista Visa. Below, we break down each one in detail.

Don’t miss a single line of this article because we explain the most important aspects of each of these visas, in detail.

1. Mercosur Visa: Ideal for Citizens of the Region

The Mercosur Visa is designed for citizens of member countries of the Southern Common Market (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and other associated nations).

This visa makes it easier to live legally in Colombia without the strict requirements imposed on nationals from other regions.

With this visa, you can work, study, or establish yourself as a freelancer, making it an attractive option for those looking to obtain legal residency in Colombia smoothly.

The Mercosur Visa is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for permanent residency. It’s worth noting that although Venezuela was temporarily suspended from the bloc, its citizens may still access similar immigration benefits.

2. M-Type or Spouse Visa: For Family Reunification

If your partner is Colombian or holds residency in the country, the Spouse Visa or Marriage Visa is the best option to live legally in Colombia.

This visa allows spouses or permanent partners of Colombian citizens or foreign residents to settle in the country.

In order to apply for this visa, you must prove the relationship through a marriage certificate or a sworn statement of a de facto union.

The Spouse Visa is valid for up to three years and can lead to permanent residency.

This is one of the most commonly used Colombian visas for binational families who wish to obtain legal residency in Colombia without relying on investments or pensions.

3. Pensioner Visa: For Retirees with Stable Income

The Pensioner Visa is designed for foreigners who receive a pension or retirement income from their home country.

This visa is ideal for those who want to live legally in Colombia while enjoying a low cost of living and pleasant weather.

The main requirement is to prove a monthly income equivalent to at least three Colombian minimum wages.

With the Pensioner Visa, you can obtain legal residency in Colombia for an initial period of three years, renewable for permanent residency.

This is one of the most sought-after Colombian visas among U.S., Canadian, and European citizens looking to settle in the country.

4. Rentier Visa: For Those with Passive Income

If you don’t have a pension but earn passive income (such as rental earnings, dividends, or investments), the Rentier Visa, Annuity Visa or Passive Income Visa, may be your best option to live legally in Colombia.

This visa requires proof of a monthly income equivalent to ten Colombian minimum wages for at least six months before applying.

The Rentista Visa allows you to obtain legal residency in Colombia for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal.

This is one of the most flexible Colombian visas for those who don’t work actively in the country but wish to reside there with legal security.

Final Considerations…

Colombia offers multiple options to live legally in Colombia, from the Mercosur Visa for regional citizens to the Spouse Visa or M-Type Visa for family reunification, along with the Pensioner Visa and Passive Income Visa for those with stable income.

Each of these pathways allows you to obtain legal residency in Colombia safely and in compliance with the law.

In addition to these main options, Colombia also offers other types of visas, such as investor, student, and work visas, each with its own specific legal requirements.

However, the four visas mentioned in this article stand out as affordable options, sought after by foreigners looking to settle in the country for the medium or long term.

It is important to carefully evaluate which one best suits your profile before beginning the application process.

Please consider that requirements and decrees regarding visas and immigration documents can change at any time.

Therefore, it is essential to obtain timely professional advice from experts in Colombian Visas processing for non-Colombian citizens.

Going to the right visa agency or professional will prevent you from many problems, not to mention the undeniable savings in time, money, and resources you will achieve.

At Mi Visa Hoy S.A.S., we have immigration advisors who are experts in Colombian visas processing for foreigners and citizens of other countries.

If you found the content of this article useful and valuable, please share the link through your social media and WhatsApp statuses so that your foreign friends, family, and acquaintances—who are not Colombian nationals—can learn about the four Colombian Visas they can apply for to legally reside in Colombia.

¡Mensaje Importante!

Mi Visa Hoy emphasizes the importance of verifying the information provided in this and any other article, publication, or advertisement owned by Mi Visa Hoy S.A.S., as it may vary due to changes and updates in immigration policies and visa requirements between the aforementioned countries, as well as other factors beyond our control.

Therefore, Mi Visa Hoy S.A.S. is not responsible for any decisions made by any person, whether natural or legal, based on the information contained in this publication. It is your personal and individual responsibility to seek appropriate advice from your agency or trusted advisor in a timely manner.

For this reason, it is recommended to consult directly with the embassies or consulates, with a specialized immigration advisor or with a professional agency in visa processing such as Mi Visa Hoy.

If you need advice on applying for any type of these visas, don’t hesitate to contact us now.

Don’t leave your process to the last minute. Start everything well in advance and enjoy planning your trip with peace of mind.

Happy travel!