The Independent Means Visa in Colombia (often known as the Pensionado or Rentista visa) offers residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income from foreign sources, including pensions or investments.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Colombia provides a pathway to residency for financially self-sufficient individuals. This program is designed to attract retirees, investors, and other individuals looking to establish residency in a vibrant South American country with a lower cost of living, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Overview
A pathway to residency for qualified individuals with stable passive income in Colombia
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals with sufficient passive income from foreign sources
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
3-year residency, renewable
Months to Visa
2-3 months
Physical Presence Requirement
None specified, but must enter Colombia at least once every 6 months
Availability
Medium
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at a Colombian consulate in your country of residence.
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
The processing time is typically 2-3 months from the point of submission.
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application, with additional income requirements.
What types of income qualify for the Independent Means Visa?
Passive income can include pensions, rental income, dividends, and other forms of regular income not derived from employment in Colombia.
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
The initial residency permit is valid for 3 years, then renewable.
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Colombian citizenship?
Yes, visa holders can apply for Colombian citizenship after 5 years of continuous residency, subject to meeting other requirements such as basic Spanish language proficiency.
benefits
The program offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in Colombia's diverse and culturally rich environment.
Growing economy
Rich biodiversity
Affordable cost of living
Fast Processing Time
Path to citizenship allowed after 5 years of permanent residence
Online Submission Allowed
Visa-Free Travel Countries
118
Passport Validity
10 years
Overview
Colombia offers a diverse landscape, rich culture, and a welcoming environment for foreign residents.
Benefits:
Advantages:
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
The processing time is typically 2-3 months from the point of submission.
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application, with additional income requirements.
What types of income qualify for the Independent Means Visa?
Passive income can include pensions, rental income, dividends, and other forms of regular income not derived from employment in Colombia.
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
The initial residency permit is valid for 3 years, then renewable.
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Colombian citizenship?
Yes, visa holders can apply for Colombian citizenship after 5 years of continuous residency, subject to meeting other requirements such as basic Spanish language proficiency.
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the Independent Means Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their financial stability and self-sufficiency.
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify passive income sources
• Confirm income thresholds
• Review healthcare requirements
• Complete financial documentation
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review residency requirements
• Assess tax implications
• Select optimal visa category
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income
• Obtain health insurance
• Prepare bank statements
• Complete background verification
Submission
• Submit residency application
• Pay visa fees
• Schedule interview (if required)
• Provide biometric data
Residency Setup
• Receive residency permit
• Register with local authorities
• Set up banking/utilities
• Complete residency registration
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport+Digital photo 3x4cm
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Not applicable
Updated certificate of judicial, criminal or police record from the country of origin and/or residence
Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in Colombia
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
69
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
Program Stability
Based on years of activity
Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
Rankings
Safety
146
Cost of Living
102
Quality of Life
67
Healthcare Quality
72
Internet Speed
34
Human Freedom
96
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