To qualify for the Transeúnte Rentista visa, applicants must demonstrate a foreign-source income of no less than US$1,200 a month for a main applicant, as well as an additional US$500 a month per dependent. 

This income may take the form of a pension, or any other legal form of income.

Additionally, the applicant must provide a number of documents, including

– Original and copy of the passport;
– Passport photos;
– A roundtrip or exit ticket to Venezuela;
– A Medical certificate;
– Proof of payment of the consular fee, which varies by diplomatic mission.

The Rentista visa has a validity of one year and is renewable indefinitely as long as the applicant continues to meet the conditions. 

After two years of temporary stay (transeúnte status), the applicant can obtain permanent residency in Venezuela (residente). 

Program benefits

• No contribution requirement
• Visa-free travel within MERCOSUR;
• Path to citizenship;
• Permits dual/multiple citizenship;
• Lower cost of living;
• Warm climate;

The initial Rentista visa is issued for one year with the Transeúnte (transitory) status.

After two continuous years of residency, typically monitored by evidence of entry and exit stamps in the individual’s passport, the individual may apply for a Residente status (effectively permanent residency), which has a validity of five years and which is renewable.

To maintain the Residente status, the applicant must not be absent from Venezuela for more than 24 consecutive months. A return to Venezuelan territory within 24 months, even if only briefly, suffices to reset the clock.

After ten years of legal residency (five for those married to a Venezuelan and for natural-born citizens of Spain, Portugal, Latin-American, or Caribbean countries), the individual may apply for citizenship in Venezuela. 

Applications for this program may be directed to:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Legislation upon which this program is based:

LEY DE EXTRANJERÍA Y MIGRACIÓN N° 37. 944