Why Colombia
Colombia is one of the most accessible countries in the world for people who want to relocate on a modest income. The income thresholds for long-term visas are low by international standards, the path to permanent residency is clear, and the cost of living is roughly 60% below North America or northern Europe.
The climate at altitude — around Bogotá, in the Eje Cafetero, or in the mountains south of the city — is mild and stable year-round: typically 15–22°C with little seasonal variation. No need to heat or heavily cool a home. Food is abundant and cheap. Healthcare is genuinely good.
It is not without complexity. Bureaucracy moves slowly, and Spanish is practically necessary for everyday life outside tourist centres. But for people who are organised and patient, it's one of the better options available.
Visa-free stays
Citizens of approximately 100 countries — including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and all EU member states — can enter Colombia without a visa and receive a stamp allowing 90 days. This can be extended once for an additional 90 days, giving up to 180 days per calendar year without any formal application.
This is a reasonable way to test whether Colombia suits you before committing to a longer-term arrangement. You cannot legally work during this period (including remotely for a foreign employer, though enforcement is inconsistent), and you have no access to the public health system.
Extension fee: approximately $36 USD. No income requirement.
Long-term visa options
Colombia has three visa categories that are realistic for people without large savings or investment capital. All three are types of the M (Migrant) visa and lead to permanent residency after five continuous years.
Digital nomad visa
Introduced in 2022, this visa is for people employed by or running a foreign business remotely. It's the most flexible option for anyone with a regular remote income.
| Income required | 3× Colombia's monthly minimum wage — approximately $1,400/month USD in 2026 |
| Income source | Salary or business income from a foreign employer or clients. Must be demonstrably foreign-sourced. |
| Duration | Up to 2 years; renewable |
| Proof required | 3 months of bank statements — each month individually must meet the threshold (no averaging) |
| Also required | All-risk health insurance for the full visa duration; clean criminal record |
Processing time: 2–4 weeks. Visa fee: ~$55–70 USD.
Pensionado visa (retirement)
For people receiving a pension or permanent disability income. There is no age requirement — any lifetime pension qualifies. Social Security, government pensions, private pension funds, and lifetime annuities all count.
| Income required | 3× Colombia's monthly minimum wage — approximately $1,350/month USD in 2026 |
| Income source | Lifetime pension or disability income only. Lump-sum savings and self-employment income do not qualify. |
| Duration | 1–3 years; renewable |
| Proof required | Apostilled pension certificate stating your name, monthly amount, and lifetime status. Must be translated to Spanish if not already. |
| Also required | All-risk health insurance; criminal record certificate from your home country |
Processing time: 2–4 weeks. Visa fee: ~$55–70 USD.
Rentista visa (passive income)
For people with passive income — rental properties, investment dividends, structured annuities. The income threshold is considerably higher than the other two options.
| Income required | 10× Colombia's monthly minimum wage — approximately $4,670/month USD in 2026 |
| Income source | Passive income only: rental, dividends, annuities, financial returns. Employment income does not count. |
| Duration | 1–3 years; renewable |
Most people without significant investment income will find the digital nomad or pensionado route more accessible.
The path to permanent residency
After five continuous years on an M-category visa (digital nomad, pensionado, or rentista), you are eligible to apply for an R visa — Colombia's permanent residency. This grants full work rights and indefinite legal status. After a further five years on the R visa, you can apply for Colombian citizenship.
Healthcare
Colombia has one of the better healthcare systems in Latin America, with a mix of public and private options. Once you have a cédula, you can enrol in the public EPS system — contributions of roughly $30–35 USD per month cover basic care, medications, and hospitalisations.
All long-term visas require private all-risk health insurance as a condition of the application. International private insurance runs approximately $70–190 USD per month depending on age and coverage. Many people keep private insurance for peace of mind even after gaining EPS access.
Medications are a fraction of their US or European prices. Dental care is excellent and very affordable. Out-of-pocket consultations with a private GP are typically $10–15 USD.
What things cost
These are approximate monthly costs for a comfortable life in the Colombian highlands (Bogotá region or Eje Cafetero). Costs in smaller towns and rural areas will generally be lower.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Decent apartment; lower in smaller towns | $300–600 |
| Food | Cooking at home with local produce | $150–250 |
| Transport | Bus, occasional taxi or rideshare | $30–60 |
| Utilities | Electricity, water, gas (mild climate helps) | $40–70 |
| Health insurance | Private international cover | $70–190 |
| Internet | Fibre where available; otherwise 4G | $25–40 |
| Dining out / leisure | Restaurants, coffee, activities | $100–250 |
| Total | Comfortable, not extravagant | $715–1,460 |
Living on a project site with shared food production and infrastructure will reduce several of these categories substantially.
Tax
If you spend 183 or more days per year in Colombia, you become a Colombian tax resident and must declare worldwide income. Colombia has a progressive income tax up to 39%.
Colombia has tax treaties with Spain, France, the UK, Canada, and several other countries. There is no comprehensive tax treaty between Colombia and the United States. US citizens living in Colombia should take advice from an accountant familiar with both systems — the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit may apply, but the specifics depend on your income type.
This is a general overview, not tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for your situation.
Practical notes
- Spanish: Genuinely useful. Not strictly required in cities with large expat communities, but essential for rural life and bureaucratic processes.
- Banking: Opening a Colombian bank account requires a cédula. Some banks are more welcoming to foreigners than others; Bancolombia and Davivienda have the widest presence.
- Internet: Fibre is widely available in cities and increasingly in mid-sized towns. Rural coverage varies.
- Safety: Colombia's security situation has improved dramatically over the past 20 years. Most of the country — and all the areas we're considering — is straightforwardly safe for everyday life. Standard urban precautions apply.
- Income requirement changes: Colombia's minimum wage increases annually, so visa income thresholds rise each year. Budget some headroom.
Interested in the Colombia project?
Our first site is in the mountains south of Bogotá. Get on the list and we'll keep you updated as things develop.