We have been advising individuals on how to visit, live, and invest in Colombia for over a decade. We can advise you on how to get your Colombian Pension Visa - otherwise known as a Retirement Visa - and take the stress of the application process away.
Whether you're looking to eventually become a Colombian Citizen, or you just want to spend a long period of time in the country, we can advise you on the best process.
Daniela Cordoba is a lawyer specializing in immigration and commercial law. Daniela Cordoba has helped individuals and businesses live and operate in Colombia for over a decade. She also has training in compliance with the respective accreditations to serve as Compliance Officer.
Mike co-founded Colombian Visa Services after moving to Colombia from the United States and finding the process of obtaining a visa difficult and frustrating. Daniela helped make the process so simple and stress-free that he partnered with her to provide the to help others.
For the past decade we have been helping travelers secure visas to Colombia.
We work with you 1:1 to ensure you not only have the best chance of getting approval, but that you have every one of your questions answers.
You don't have to worry about having to translate emails or communication, our team is fluent in English and can help you with whatever you need.
These are the specific requirements to apply for a Colombian Retirement Visa however you may be required to submit additional documentation.
"The Colombian Visa team was great. They answered all of my questions from the first meeting I had with them and it was a painless experience throughout." - Brad W
Brad W
We will meet with you to determine what your goals in Colombia are so we can determine the best path forward. In this meeting we'll also be able to answer any questions you have about the process and procedures.
"The team was great. I needed a lot of documents for my visa application and Dani and her team made it a painless experience for me."
Ashton L
Once we determine what the best strategy for obtaining a Colombian Visa, we'll work with you on obtaining all the documents you need for your application. This typically requires translated and apostilled documents which we can help you obtain.
"Not only did the team help me submit my application for a resident visa, but when I was asked to submit additional documentation, Dani helped me obtain the documents and successfully get my visa!"
Sarah M.
Once we have all of your documentation, we will help you file your application on your behalf with Foreign Affair Ministry of Colombia (FAMC).
Typically this is where other providers stop. However if the FAMC requires additional documentation or explanatory documentation, we'll see your application through to completion.
We'll meet with you and strategize the best path forward based on your needs and answer any questions you may have.
We'll help you determine which documents you need and certify, appostille, and translate any documents that require it.
We will file your application on your behalf and see it through to completion.
We spend the time to get to know you and your story so your application is perfect the first time.
We will help you every step of the way, so you can focus on the enjoying everything Colombia has to offer.
Schedule A ConsultationLearn more about what you need to obtain a Colombian Visa and how we can help.
To apply for a Colombian retirement visa, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Determine if you are eligible:
To qualify for a retirement visa in Colombia, you must have a have a minimum monthly income from a pension or disability of three times the minimum wage in Colombia. In 2023, this is around $750-$800 USD per month.
2. Gather the necessary documents:
You will need to provide the following documents when you apply for your retirement visa:
- A valid passport
- A Passport Style Photo In A Digital Format
-An official background check certificate
- A medical certificate
- Proof of your income or pension
- A letter explaining your reasons for applying for the retirement visa
- A completed visa application form
All official documents will need to be apostilled in their country of origin and officially translated to Spanish before submitting them with your visa application.
3. Submit your application:
You can submit your application at the Cancillería's website.
4. Wait for the visa to be processed:
The processing time for a retirement visa can vary, but you should receive a response to your application within 30 days.
5. Travel to Colombia:
Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Colombia and present your visa to immigration officials upon arrival.
Note that visa requirements and application procedures can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check with the Colombian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.
In Colombia there is not an age requirement to apply for the retirement visa. You simply need to make more than 3 times minimum salary from a pension or social security. The minimum salary can change, and currency exchange rates can vary, but in 2023 the required amount is about $750-$850 USD.
Keep in mind that visa requirements and eligibility criteria can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check with the Colombian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.
The cost of a retirement visa in Colombia is approximately $226. This includes a $50 fee for the Cancillería to "study" the visa and a $175 USD to receive the visa.
However, it's important to note that you may incurr fees to obtain documents, apostilles, and health insurance throughout the process. Fees are subject to change and may also vary depending on the exchange rate at the time of your application.
The Colombian retirement visa can be difficult to obtain, especially if you don't have experience with official documents. You'll need to obtain multiple official documents, have a background check done, visit a doctor, submit the application to Cancillería and answer any questions they have.
It is recommended to work with a professional Immigration Attorney with your process if you haven't applied for a visa in Colombia before.
The Colombian government has to respond to your application within 30 days. Therefore, It typically takes a few weeks to the full 30 days to get your visa approved and obtain a Colombian ID card for foreigners (Cédula de Extranjería).
We typically tell our clients that 45-60 days is a good timeline, including obtaining all of your documents, apostilles, and official translations.