How to obtain a pensioner visa in Colombia?

Colombia Pensioner Visa: A Complete Guide

Did you know that the Colombian Pensioner Visa is designed for foreigners who aspire to settle in the country? Therefore, if you want to legally live in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, or if you know someone who does, this article is for you. Stay and keep reading; at Servicio Legal we will tell you everything about this document! If you want to know more about the different visa options, consult our Complete Guide to Types of Visas in Colombia for Foreigners 2025.

What is this visa?

The Colombian Pensioner Visa is a type M visa that allows foreigners to obtain legal residency in the country only if they are retired or pensioners. If you are one, you must demonstrate that you have constant monthly income, which comes from the pension granted by the State or your private fund.

How to obtain it?

To obtain the Colombian Pensioner Visa, you must meet the same requirements as a regular visa and, in addition, meet 4 more. See the General Requirements for Colombian Visas 2023 for any type of application. These are:

1. Have a certificate that acknowledges the monthly payment of a lifetime pension in favor of the visa applicant. This must be for a minimum amount of 3 current legal minimum wages, which for this year, 2023, is equivalent to 3,480,000 Colombian pesos (COP), that is, 732 USD.

2. Have a certificate of judicial, criminal, or police records, which must be issued by the competent authority of the country.

3. Have a medical certificate that shows the applicant's psychophysical aptitude.

4. Have a health insurance policy with coverage throughout Colombian territory against all risks, which must cover the entire stay of the applicant.

To apply for a resident visa in Colombia, all these documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish, except for certificates or bank statements, in case they are in another language. If your goal is to obtain permanent residency, we invite you to read our Complete Guide to Obtaining a Resident Visa in Colombia 2025.

You might be interested in: Types of visas offered in Colombia according to Resolution 5477 of 2022.

How much does it cost?

Although there may be exceptions, to obtain the Colombian Pensioner Visa you will have to pay a study and issuance fee. If you are a European or Cuban citizen, you will pay 42.25 euros for the study and 149.98 euros for the issuance. But, if you are not, you will have to pay 54.92 USD and 70.4 USD, respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is its validity?

Three years, during which you cannot work in the national territory, nor join the Colombian social security system. If you are interested in working legally in the country, find out about the Colombian Worker Visa: how to apply.

How long does the process take?

Up to 30 calendar days, counted from the day you submitted the application.

If approved, when is it delivered?

Within 10 business days after the issuance payment.

Now that you know what you need and how you can obtain your Colombian Pensioner Visa, would you like to have one or help your family member or friend get one? At Servicio Legal we can help you with this process and more. Our Immigration Lawyers in Colombia are ready to provide you with the best advice.

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