Residence in Colombia
A complete guide to residency in Colombia for Italian citizens. Colombia offers a three-category visa system (V, M, R), with options for investors, retirees, workers, and family members. Visas are applied for online through the Cancillería portal, and costs range from $52 to $177. On this page: all available visas, requirements, documents, procedures, 2026 fees, cities to live in, and FAQs.
See the infographic on residency in Colombia (PDF)
How to obtain residency in Colombia
Taking up residency in Colombia is an excellent decision if you want to live in a rapidly growing, extremely young, and dynamic country, where the opportunities for innovation and starting a business from scratch are impressive. Moving to Colombia offers, especially for young people, an interesting and vibrant environment where they can gain work experience. Moving to Colombia requires obtaining a Colombian residence permit, which isn't too difficult. In fact, transferring residency to Colombia doesn't even require a criminal record or pending criminal charges, as required in other countries.
The application process for a residence visa or residency visa in Colombia is completed through a legal process with our qualified lawyer for Italians. Therefore, obtaining residency in Colombia for Italians is simple with our legal assistance. In practical terms, moving to Colombia requires just a few steps and minimal documentation.
We work with a qualified lawyer and coordinate the entire process, from preparing the documents in Italy to collecting the visa and the Cédula de Extranjería.
Why Colombia is an interesting destination for residence
- No criminal record or pending charges are required —the paperwork process is simplified compared to other countries.
- Unlimited residence abroad — you can maintain your R visa even while residing outside Colombia.
- No company required — you don't need to open a company to obtain residency.
- Affordable EPS health insurance — Colombia's private healthcare system is excellent.
- Path to Citizenship — After 5 years of permanent residency (R visa), you can apply for naturalization.
- Three visa categories — V (Visitor), M (Migrant) and R (Resident) cover every need.
- Strategic location — Pacific and Atlantic coasts, international air hub, UTC-5 time zone.
Transferring residency to Colombia: country information
Colombia is an attractive country for digital nomads from around the world. Located in the far northwestern corner of South America, with a surface area of 1,141,748 km², it has both Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Crossed from south to north by the Andes, which, near the southern border, divide into three branches: the Western, Central, and Eastern mountain ranges. East of the Eastern mountain range lies the Orinoquía or Llanos and the Colombian Amazon. Beyond the Andes are the Serranía del Baudó and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. There are six peaks over 5,000 meters.
Precipitation levels determine different climates, of which two can be distinguished: the plain climate, with altitudes below 500 meters and average annual temperatures of 25°C; and the mountain, slope, or valley climate, with altitudes above 500 meters, with very humid, dry, or very dry climates.
Based on its GDP, Colombia is the fourth-largest economy in Latin America and the 39th largest in the world. The Colombian minimum monthly wage (SMMLV) for 2026 is COP$1,423,500, a significant figure since many visa requirements are expressed as multiples of this value. The value of the Unidad de Valor Tributario (UVT) for 2026 is COP$52,374, according to DIAN Resolution 000238 of December 15, 2025.
The visa system in Colombia: V, M and R
Living in Colombia as a resident is fairly easy. To move to Colombia, you need to apply for residency. Residency in Colombia is initially temporary. Currently, as of October 21, 2022, instant permanent residency permits are no longer available, according to government provision 5477.Only temporary visas are available, which can be renewed and converted to permanent over time.
All permanent residence visas can only be obtained by first having a migrant visa for 2–5 years. The migrant visa is called an M. There are 14 types of M visas, which can be converted to permanent residence over the years if you live permanently in the country. If you're a digital nomad, the best country to take up residency might be Panama or Paraguay.
To move to Colombia, you can decide to apply for a Resident Visa through Real Estate Investment (R), a Stock Investment Visa (M-6), a Migrant Visa through Real Estate Investment (M-10), or a Beneficiary Visa for dependents of those who have already obtained another R or M visa. All of them require mandatory health insurance to be able to live in Colombia.
You can move to Colombia as a tourist for a limited period. A tourist can stay in Colombia for a maximum of 180 days. The tourist visa is valid for 90 days and can be extended to a total of 180 days, starting 20 days before the initial 90-day expiration date, either online or in person. To enter Colombia, you must have an exit flight within the timeframe set by your tourist visa. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a fine and a ban from re-entry for two consecutive years.
All available visas in Colombia
| Type | Category | Description | Duration | Convert to Residence? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Tourism | Tourism, short non-profit visits | 90 days (max 180 days/year) | No |
| V | Businesses | Commercial management, meetings, fairs | Up to 2 years | No |
| V | Nomada Digital | Remote work for a foreign company | Up to 2 years | No |
| V | Medical Treatment | Medical care in Colombia | Up to 1 year | No |
| V | Academic Exchange | Postgraduate studies, arts and crafts courses | Up to 2 years | No |
| V | Courtesy | International officials, diplomats | Up to 2 years | No |
| M-1 | Marriage | Spouse or permanent partner of a Colombian | Up to 3 years | Yes (2 years) |
| M-2 | Parent/Child | Parent or child of Colombian for adoption | Up to 3 years | Yes (2 years) |
| M-3 | Mercosur | Citizens of Mercosur, Bolivia, and Chile | Up to 3 years | Yes (2 years) |
| M-4 | Refugee | Recognition of refugee status | Up to 3 years | Yes (5 years) |
| M-5 | Work | Employment contract with a Colombian company | Up to 3 years | Yes (5 years) |
| M-6 | Stock Investment | Investment ≥ 100 SMMLV in Colombian company | Up to 3 years | Yes (5 years) |
| M-7 | Entrepreneur | Business activity in Colombia | Up to 3 years | Yes (5 years) |
| M-8 | Independent Profession | Exercise of a profession or independent activity | Up to 3 years | Yes (5 years) |
| M-9 | Religious | Official religious activity | Up to 3 years | Yes (5 years) |
| M-10 | Real Estate Investment | Property purchase ≥ 350 SMMLV (≈ USD 120,000) | Up to 3 years | Yes (5 years) |
| M-11 | Pensioner / Renter | Pension ≥ 3 SMMLV or annuity ≥ 10 SMMLV monthly | Up to 3 years | Yes (5 years) |
| M-12 | Student | Enrollment in primary, secondary or university school | Up to 3 years | Yes (5 years) |
| R | Renounce Nationality | Former Colombians who renounced their citizenship | Indefinite | — |
| R | Parent of Colombian | Father or mother of Colombian born in Colombia | Indefinite | — |
| R | Accumulated Time | 2 years with M-1/M-2/M-3 or 5 years with M-4 to M-12 | Indefinite | — |
| R | Direct Investment | Investment ≥ 650 SMMLV (≈ USD 230,000) | Indefinite | — |
R Visa – Permanent Residence in Colombia
The residence visa (R), offered in Colombia since December 2017, is the permanent visa you must apply for to become a permanent resident in Colombia. The R visa is valid indefinitely and allows you to work freely in Colombian territory. If you leave Colombia for a period exceeding two consecutive years without returning, the R visa expires and is no longer valid.
R Visa Categories
- Returning Colombian — Colombians who have renounced their citizenship
- Accumulated Time M-1/M-2/M-3 — after 2 uninterrupted years on an M visa category 1, 2 or 3
- Accumulated Time M-4 to M-12 — after 5 uninterrupted years on an M visa category 4 to 12
- R Beneficiary by Accumulated Time — after 5 uninterrupted years as an R visa beneficiary
- Direct investment — investment of more than 650 SMMLV (≈ USD 230,000 at current exchange rate)
Documents required for R Visa
- Photocopy of the first page of a valid passport
- Certificate attesting employment or source of income
- Certificate of Migration Movements issued by Migración Colombia (no older than 3 months)
- For investment: communication from the Departamento de Cambios Internacionales del Banco de la República
- Health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000 and validity of at least one year (or Colombian EPS affiliation)
- Passport-style photo with white background (3×4 cm, max 300 kb, JPG format)
M-6 Visa – Investment in Equity Securities
The M-6 visa for investing in equity in a Colombian company is a visa that allows for temporary residency only, subject to renewal. The basic investment is 100 times the Colombian minimum wage, or COP$142,350,000 in 2026. It requires a series of documents, including: a letter of application with the company's name and NIT, a certificate of shareholding signed by a certified public accountant, a certificate of opening a bank account in the company's name, an F4 foreign exchange declaration form, a foreign investment certificate from the Banco de la República, and bank statements for the last six months.
M-10 Visa – Real Estate Investment
Residency in Colombia as a real estate investor requires the purchase of property in Colombia. To obtain the M-10 visa, you must invest at least 350 SMMLV, equivalent to COP$498,225,000 in 2026 (≈ USD 120,000 at the current exchange rate). The property's Certificate of Libertad y Tradición (Certificate of Freedom and Tradition) and the communication from the Banco de la República registering the foreign direct investment are required. Residency is granted only if the property is registered in the Land Registry; it cannot be obtained by purchasing a project that is yet to be completed or has not yet been signed.
M-11 Visa – Pensioner or Rentista
The M-11 visa is intended for retirees with a monthly income of 3 SMMLV or more (COP 4,270,500 in 2026) or renters with a monthly income of 10 SMMLV or more. This visa is particularly suitable for Italian retirees wishing to relocate to Colombia.
Taxation of Italian pensions in Colombia
There is no double tax treaty (DTC) between Italy and Colombia. This means that your Italian pension may be subject to double taxation. Colombia applies worldwide taxation for tax residents: all global income, including your foreign pension, is taxable in Colombia. Tax exemption on your pension in Colombia is not automatic, as in countries with a DTC. Before moving, we recommend obtaining in-depth tax advice.
Beneficiary Visa for Dependent Family Members
The Beneficiary visa allows you to take up residency in Colombia as a dependent of a current resident. For example, if the husband obtains residency with an R or M-10 visa, the wife (or vice versa) can apply for a beneficiary visa. The following are required: a photocopy of the passport, a copy of the primary holder's visa, a certified copy of the document certifying the family relationship (apostille and translated into Spanish), a written declaration from the holder declaring economic dependence, and a passport-style photo.
Colombia Migration Rates 2026
Resolution No. 0599 of February 10, 2026, signed by Director General Gloria Esperanza Arriero López, established the updated rates for Migración Colombia services. The increase for fiscal year 2026 was applied based on the variation in the 2025 CPI (maximum 5.1%). The 2026 UVT value is COP 52,374.
| Through / Service | Tariff 2026 |
|---|---|
| Cédula de Extranjería | COP $294,000 |
| Duplicate Cédula de Extranjería | COP $293,000 |
| Permiso Temporal de Permanencia (PTP) – Prórroga | COP $150,000 |
| Safe conduct | COP $88,000 |
| Certificate of Migratory Movements | COP $89,000 |
| Automatic Migration Registry | COP $421,000 |
| Citizen Information Certificate | COP $1,800 |
| Duplicate Permiso Protección Temporal (PPT) | COP $20,000 |
| Permiso Special de Permanencia – PEP Tutor | COP $68,000 |
| Tours no regulars (12.87 UVT) | COP $674,053 |
| Permiso Otras Actividades – POA (2.90 UVT) | COP $151,884 |
| Migratory Control Platinum (canadienses) | COP $270,000 |
| Reciprocity of Nicaraguan citizens | USD 10 |
| Cédula de Extranjería – ecuatorianos (primera vez) | USD 5 |
| Cédula de Extranjería – ecuatorianos (renovación) | USD 16 |
| Cédula de Extranjería – ecuatorianos (duplicated/lost) | USD 16 |
Procedure for obtaining residency in Colombia
Time required to obtain a residence visa
The time required to obtain a residence visa ranges from 20 to 60 days. If you leave Colombia for more than two consecutive years on an R visa without returning, the visa expires. For Colombian citizens, the restriction is different: while you hold an R visa and are outside the country for more than one continuous year, you are not eligible for naturalization. You can work in Colombia with a Resident (R) visa.
Registro de Extranjeros e Cédula de Extranjería
Once you have obtained the visa
Once you have obtained a visa valid for more than three months, you must register with the UAEMC Registry of Foreigners within 15 days of entering the country (or from the date of issue of the visa if obtained in Colombia). The process begins online through the electronic single trámites form (e-FUT) and can be completed in person by appointment. The Cédula de Extranjería is issued within 10 business days of payment and costs COP$294,000 in 2026. Source: Migración Colombia – Trámites.
The Cédula de Extranjería is delivered within 10 working days of payment and costs COP$294,000 in 2026. Source: Migration Colombia – Transfers.Self-employed workers
For those wishing to practice independent work in Colombia, the M-8 visa is available. Proof of professional qualifications, registration with the relevant authorities, and financial solvency are required. Foreign self-employed workers can legally operate in Colombia with the corresponding M visa and the corresponding Cédula de Extranjería.
Which Colombian city should I move to?
Bogotá, the capital with an international soul
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia, located at 2,640 meters above sea level on the Cundiboyacense Plateau. With a metropolitan population of over 10 million, it is the country's economic, political, and cultural center. It offers modern neighborhoods such as Chapinero and Usaquén, a vibrant culinary scene, prestigious universities, and a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. The climate is cool year-round, with average temperatures around 14°C (57°F).
Medellín, Antioquia, the city of eternal spring
Medellín is Colombia's second-largest city, located in the Aburrá Valley at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. Known for its consistent spring-like climate (22–28°C), it has become a favorite destination for digital nomads and expats. It offers a modern subway system, neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles, which are highly sought after by foreigners, and a cost of living that remains competitive compared to Bogotá.
Cali, Valle del Cauca, warm and sunny
Cali is Colombia's third-largest city, located in the Cauca Valley. Known as the world's salsa capital, it offers a warm climate (25–30°C) and a vibrant cultural scene. The cost of living is lower than Bogotá and Medellín, making it attractive for those seeking an authentic Colombian experience on a budget.
Apply for your residency in Colombia
Contact us for a personalized consultation on the best procedure for your case.
✉️ Write to us on WhatsAppIn addition to obtaining your residency in Colombia, you'll likely be interested in securing your tax liability by taking up a second tax residence in a country with territorial taxation. You may also be interested in an offshore account to complement your Colombian residency.
