MORE ABOUT Colombia

Colombia's Independent Means Visas

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

Discover the Independent Means Visa in Colombia

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.

Colombia
Mobility Asset Index Score
66.70%
Mobility Asset Type
Independent Means Visas
Official Name
Migrant Visa (Type M) - Pensionado Visa
Launched in:
2017
Online Submission:
Yes
Residency Privileges
(in months)
36
Adjudication Time
(in months)
2
Minimum Stay Requirement
(in days)
180
In-Country Presence Requirement
(in months)
6

Overview

A Snapshot of Independent Means Visa in Colombia

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

How to Apply for the Independent Means Visa in Colombia

Submit application online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at a Colombian consulate in your country of residence.

Overview

Discover How GlobalPassport Simplifies the Application Process for Colombia's Independent Means Visas

Step-by-Step Guidance

Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.

Document Preparation

We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.

Application Submission

Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?

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Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?

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What types of income qualify for the Independent Means Visa?

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How often do I need to renew my residency permit?

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Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Colombian citizenship?

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benefits

Benefits of Independent Means Visa in Colombia

The program offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in Colombia's diverse and culturally rich environment.

  • Path to permanent residency after 5 years
  • Access to Colombia's healthcare system
  • Freedom to travel within Colombia and many South American countries
  • Lower cost of living compared to many Western countries

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

Why Colombia

Colombia offers a diverse landscape, rich culture, and a welcoming environment for foreign residents.

Benefits:

  • Lower cost of living compared to many Western countries
  • Diverse climate zones from tropical beaches to cool mountain areas
  • Friendly and welcoming culture

Advantages:

  • Strategic location in South America
  • Improving security situation
  • Growing economy and infrastructure development

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?

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Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?

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What types of income qualify for the Independent Means Visa?

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How often do I need to renew my residency permit?

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Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Colombian citizenship?

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REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Colombia - Independent Means Visas

Check if you qualify based on your family history

Direct Ancestral Connection

Not applicable

Documentation

Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence

Unbroken Chain of Citizenship

Not applicable

Legal Compliance

Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Colombia's Independent Means Visa

To qualify for the Independent Means Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their financial stability and self-sufficiency.

  • Prove a monthly passive income of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage
  • Demonstrate that the income is stable and regular
  • Obtain health insurance coverage valid in Colombia
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Provide a letter stating the intention to reside in Colombia

PROCESS

Independent Means Visas Process

#1

Initial Assessment

• Verify passive income sources

• Confirm income thresholds

• Review healthcare requirements

• Complete financial documentation

#2

Selection Phase

• Choose destination country

• Review residency requirements

• Assess tax implications

• Select optimal visa category

#3

Application Preparation

• Gather proof of income

• Obtain health insurance

• Prepare bank statements

• Complete background verification

#4

Submission

• Submit residency application

• Pay visa fees

• Schedule interview (if required)

• Provide biometric data

#5

Residency Setup

• Receive residency permit

• Register with local authorities

• Set up banking/utilities

• Complete residency registration

Start now by taking our free assessment

START ASSESSMENT

PROCESS

Timeline for Colombia - Independent Means Visas

DOCUMENTS

Documents Needed for Colombia - Independent Means Visas

Important Notes
• All documents must be original or certified copies
• Non-English documents require certified translations
• Documents must be apostilled where applicable
Personal Identification Documents
Core identity documents required from the applicantis is some text inside of a div block.

Passport+Digital photo 3x4cm

Vital Records Documents
Birth, marriage, and death certificates from applicant and ancestors

Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)

Proof of Residence Documents
Evidence of current residence status

Not applicable

Criminal Clearance Documents
Background check documentation

Updated certificate of judicial, criminal or police record from the country of origin and/or residence

Financial Documents
Proof of payment and financial requirements

Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in Colombia

DOCUMENTS

Costs Associated with Colombia - Independent Means Visas

Pre-Application Costs
Essential document preparation and verification costs

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

Government Application Fees
Official fees charged by government authorities

Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees

$326

Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing

Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing

Post-Submission Costs
Costs after submitting your application

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

Professional Services
Optional external support services

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

Post-Acceptance Costs
Costs after approval

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

GlobalPassport™ Mobility Asset Index

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

Global Rankings/ Comparisions

Safety

Colombia

146

Cost of Living

Colombia

102

Quality of Life

Colombia

67

Healthcare Quality

Colombia

72

Internet Speed

Colombia

34

Human Freedom

Colombia

96

Discover More About Colombia

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