Retiring Abroad? Here Are the Latest Visa Requirements for Colombia in 2025

If you’re considering retiring abroad, Colombia offers attractive visa options. Here are the most recent visa requirements for Colombia in 2025! And while you’re at it, we highly recommend an excellent visa service to help you kickstart your dream expat lifestyle.

Whether you’re a retiree, professional, or investor seeking a second home, permanent residence, or a fresh adventure, this guide is tailored for you!

Top 6 Visa Requirements for Colombia

When applying for a Colombian visa, make sure to pay close attention to the first two requirements, as they might involve traveling back to your home country to obtain necessary paperwork. Visa requirements in Colombia have changed significantly, and we want to ensure you don’t miss out on the savings and benefits of living in this beautiful country.

1. Background Check: You must provide an apostilled copy of an official background check from your local police department. In many situations in Colombia in 2025, you are now required to have an FBI Background Check. This should cover the last 3 years of your judicial history in order to qualify for a Colombian visa and as stated must be apostilled.
2. Benefit Letter (Retiree/Pension Visa): If you’re applying for a retiree or pension visa, you will need an apostilled copy of your benefit letter from the Social Security Administration or its equivalent if you are coming from the US, Canada, UK, or Australia.
3. Timely Application Submission: Don’t wait until the last minute to renew your visa while in Colombia. If you leave the country and re-enter on a tourist visa, your status will be marked as irregular, which could lead to a visa denial. Start your application process 45 to 60 days before your current visa expires.

1. Health Insurance, Proof of Funds, and Key Visa Terms for Colombia

   1. Health Insurance: To be approved for any Colombian visa, you must have full-coverage travel health insurance. Since May 2023 and enduring into 2025, there is an added requirement for up to one year of coverage, particularly for senior citizens. In some recent situations expats who bought two years of coverage received a 2 year visa. EPS does not qualify.
   2. Proof of Funds: For a retirement or pension visa, you must show that you have at least three times the minimum wage as your monthly income. One minimum wage is 1,160,000 Colombian pesos (approximately $250 USD, 1 USD = ~4,000 COP). If you are not retired but earn income through rent or other economic activities, you must demonstrate that 10 minimum wages are deposited into your bank account each month. For an Investment Visa, you must purchase or own property valued at 350 minimum wages to qualify for the M – Migrant Visa.
   3. Understand Prorroga vs. Salvoconducto: When navigating the visa process, you may encounter the terms Prorroga and Salvoconducto. Here’s what they mean:
      • Prorroga: This refers to extending your stay while waiting for your visa request to be processed. You must visit Migracion Colombia up to a week before your current visa expires (but not more than 10 to 15 days in advance) to apply for an extension.
      • Salvoconducto: This is used when you need extra time in Colombia, such as for medical treatment, beyond the expiration of your visa. You can apply for a Salvoconducto online.

Why Have Colombia’s Visa Requirements Become Stricter?

There are several understandable reasons behind the increased difficulty of obtaining a visa for Colombia. Recent issues, such as foreigners ending up homeless and addicted to drugs, the collapse of health insurance, and criminal activities by some visitors, have all contributed to the tightening of visa requirements.

In October 2022, visa processes were suspended for over a month while the Cancillería (the government body responsible for approving visas) reviewed and revamped existing procedures. Since then, the process of obtaining a visa in Colombia has become more rigorous, aimed at ensuring that those who move here contribute positively to the country’s quality of life and economy.

There are many reasons for this – which are quite understandable. Recent scandals regarding foreigners who have ended up on the streets living homeless and addicted to drugs, the collapse of health insurance in Colombia and criminal activities by visitors are only a few of the reasons that the government has upped the ante.

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Regarding Visa Regulations in 2025

As of February 2025, there have been significant developments affecting visa requirements in Colombia:

• U.S.-Colombia Relations: Recent diplomatic tensions have led to changes in deportation policies and visa agreements between the U.S. and Colombia. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for expats and travelers.

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• European Travel Requirements: Starting in 2025, travelers to Europe from visa-exempt countries, including Colombia, will need to obtain a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorization. While not a visa, it’s a mandatory requirement for short-term stays.

It’s essential to consult official government sources or legal experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa regulations.

Cedula (ID CARD) Update for 2025

In 2025, applicants should be aware that processing times for a new Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner ID card) have significantly increased. After submitting your application and paying the required fee at your local Migración Colombiaoffice, it may take up to four months for your cédula to be issued. This delay can impact your ability to complete essential tasks such as opening a bank account, signing rental agreements, or accessing other services that require official identification. It’s highly recommended to plan accordingly and ensure you have alternative documentation if needed.

While this may seem like a giant headache – ultimately it will improve the quality of lifestyle and tourism for foreign residents in Colombia.

Of course we aren’t going to tackle a problem like this without providing a carefully vetted solution which we know our readers will appreciate! So let’s talk about the person who we felt is a great solution for visa requirements for Colombia…

Visa Services in Colombia: Expert Assistance You Can Trust

You’re not alone in navigating the complexities of Colombian visa requirements—and we highly recommend seeking a competent visa professional who understands the new regulations without charging exorbitant fees!

There have been numerous horror stories about lawyers who charge clients a premium but fail to deliver, leaving them stranded. Even worse, some may abandon their clients when the process gets challenging, leaving nothing accomplished.

That’s why we sought out a skilled visa attorney with a proven track record of handling complex cases—those where it seemed like there was no solution in sight. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what her clients are saying:

• “I was irregular in Colombia for over a year. Maria negotiated with Migración on my behalf, preventing me from being deported. She helped me get my visa approved!” – Adam S., 32, Washington D.C., USA
• “Maria Jose is young, driven, and extremely professional. You can tell she loves her work. I had a fantastic experience working with her. She’s punctual and responsive.” – Wes, 32, Los Angeles, USA
• “I was completely lost with my visa extension and at odds with the Cancillería. In one day, Maria fixed everything and helped me get my life in Colombia back on track!” – Josh, 53, Arizona, USA

Who is Maria Jose Gonzales Giraldo?

Maria Jose Gonzales Giraldo is a highly skilled Colombian visa expert and lawyer who graduated with honors from the Universidad Libre de Pereira. Early in her career, she worked in the Camara de Representantes (the Colombian Congress), where she gained valuable insights into the inner workings of the country’s political and legal systems. During this time, she worked closely with General Secretary Jorge Humberto Mantilla Serrano, which provided her with a unique perspective on Colombian governance at the highest levels.

Maria Jose’s expertise in navigating Colombia’s complex visa processes became widely recognized after she helped her American husband resolve a challenging visa situation. Since then, she has become known as a go-to expert for complex visa requirements in Colombia, earning a reputation as a trusted visa fixer for individuals facing challenging legal situations.

“I know how to fight for my clients and am willing to do so because the outcome can change my clients life.” – Maria Jose

Maria Jose Gonzales Giraldo – Expert Immigration Lawyer

As an experienced immigration lawyer, Maria Jose specializes in Colombian visa issues and offers professional legal advice for individuals navigating Colombia’s complex visa requirements. Fluent in English, she can efficiently communicate with English-speaking clients, ensuring smooth and clear consultations.

Contact Maria Jose for expert visa services via WhatsApp at +57 305 305-4405 or via email at Maria@LawColombia.com.

Follow her on Instagram: @LawColombia and visit her website at www.LawColombia.com.

Did you know we have a whole segment dedicated to Colombian Law Topics? Check it out here:

https://coffeeaxistravel.com/category/colombian-law-topics/

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