Colombia

Residency Requirements

Under the updated visa regulations in Resolution 5477, holders of all Migrant visas, including the M-11, must remain in Colombia for at least 180 days each year to maintain their visa. Exceeding 180 consecutive days outside the country may result in the visa being canceled upon reentry. If your visa is invalidated, immigration officials may allow you to enter as a tourist, but your previous visa status will be revoked.

Income Requirements for the M-11 Visa

The minimum income requirement for the Colombian retirement visa is three times the country’s legal minimum wage. As of 2024, the minimum wage in Colombia is COP 1,300,000 per month, translating to a required monthly pension income of at least COP 3,900,000 (approximately $1,000 USD). Pension payments must be officially certified and legalized to be accepted by the Colombian government. Public pensions are typically easier to certify than private pensions. It is worth noting that the applicable exchange rates for these calculations are not frequently updated by Colombian consulates or ministries.

Private pensions are now accepted under the pension law that went into effect on November 15, 2017. The required pension value adjusts annually for inflation in line with the minimum wage adjustments on January 1.

Visa Requirements and Documentation

Applicants for the M-11 retirement visa must submit the following documents:

1. Health Certificate: A valid health certificate is required. Note that pension holders are now prohibited from enrolling in the EPS health insurance system after October 21, 2022. However, EPS remains a cost-effective health insurance option for general coverage within Colombia.
2. Criminal Background Check: A certificate issued by either Colombia or the applicant’s country of residence for the last three years is mandatory.
3. Passport Photocopy: A copy of the passport’s biographical page, in either color or black-and-white.
4. Entry or Exit Stamp: A copy of the most recent Colombian entry or exit stamp, depending on the applicant’s location at the time of application.
5. Previous Visa Copy: If applicable, a photocopy of any previously held Colombian visa.
6. Proof of Pension: A notarized and apostilled certificate from a recognized government or private entity indicating the applicant’s pension income meets the minimum requirement.
7. Passport Photo: A digital photo meeting specific requirements (white background, no accessories like hats or earrings, file size under 100 KB in JPG format).
8. Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance that covers repatriation expenses in the event of death is required. Many applicants opt for traveler’s insurance to meet these requirements, as premium Colombian insurance policies may not include repatriation coverage.

Recent Changes and Additional Considerations

The Ministry of Foreign Relations introduced new rules under Resolution 5477 on July 22, 2022, which became effective on October 22, 2022. These rules apply to several visa categories, including the M-11 retirement visa. Key updates include:

• A requirement for a mental and physical fitness certificate to ensure applicants are not suffering from serious health conditions, such as PTSD.
• A shift in pension certification processes; notarized and apostilled pension documents are now mandatory.
• Greater emphasis on compliance with health insurance requirements, particularly concerning repatriation coverage.

Assistance with Your Colombian Visa Application

Navigating the process of obtaining a Colombian retirement visa can be complex. Change of Phase Consulting Ltdspecializes in assisting clients with visa applications, including the M-11 retirement visa. Our team provides comprehensive guidance on document preparation, certification, and submission, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

For assistance, contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Toll-Free: 1-866-960-9296