Colombia Independent Means Visas

Individuals who obtain an income from abroad in the form of pensions, interest, dividends, or rental income, as well those who have professional incomes from abroad equivalent to at least 10 times the Colombian monthly minimum wage can obtain renewable temporary residency (M visa) with 3-year validity.

After five consecutive years of residency (subject to minimum stay requirements), the applicant is eligible for permanent residency.

After five years of holding permanent residency status, the applicant is eligible for Colombian citizenship, subject to proficiency in Spanish and the passing of a civics exam.

Depending on the nature of the income, the applicant must apply as a Rentista (rentier), Pensionado (pensioner), or Independent Professional.

• If applying as a Rentista, the applicant must demonstrate a monthly income of 10 times the Colombian minimum wage (COP 17,509,050) from recurring revenue sources, such as rental income, dividends, or other regularized and predictable passive income streams.
• If applying as a Pensionado, the applicant must demonstrate a monthly income of 3 times the Colombian minimum wage (COP 5,252,715) from a formal pension scheme (public or private) recognized by Colombia.
• If applying as an Independent Professional, the applicant must demonstrate a monthly income of 10 times the Colombian minimum wage (COP 17,509,050) and show at least three certificates of experience in the corresponding field of work.

Additionally, the applicant must hold an international health insurance with coverage of at least US$60,000 and pay the application fee of US$285.

The applicant may include a spouse and child dependents, though this will require demonstration of slightly additional income.

• No investment or donation requirement
• Path to citizenship
• Permits dual/multiple citizenship
• Lower cost of living
• Warm climate
• Enhanced business access to large economies
• Short processing time

The initial Rentista or Pensionado M visa is valid for up to 3 years and is indefinitely renewable as long as the applicant continues to meet the requirements.

Once the applicant has resided in Colombia for 5 consecutive years, they are eligible for a permanent residency in Colombia (R visa)*. The applicant must not have been absent from Colombia for more than 180 days in any of the preceding 5 years.

After 5 years of holding PR, the applicant is eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization. For naturalization, the applicant must have been physically present in Colombia for at least 183 days a year during each of the preceding 5 years.

Applicants for naturalization must pass a test on Colombia’s history, geography, and constitution, as well as a Spanish-language proficiency test (unless a native speaker).

Those who have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a Colombian university or are over 65 years old are exempt from both tests.

*1 year for nationals of Latin-American or Caribbean countries, 2 years for Spaniards, 2 years if married to a Colombian.

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Applications for this program may be directed to:

Cancillería:

• Pensionado or Rentista

• Independent Professional

Legislation upon which this program is based Resolution 6045 of 2017 Chapter 2 Article 17(11).