Residency in Colombia
The perfect connection between an affordable, comfortable life and a path to a fast and secure Plan B.
Colombia: The Shortest Path to Your Second Citizenship
Why put off the life you deserve?
Sun, Caribbean beaches, mountains, rich culture, welcoming people, and the best coffee in the world. Find the ideal place in Colombia to recharge your energy and live unforgettable moments.
Enjoy one of the lowest costs of living in the world—cheaper and with more favorable taxation than Brazil, plus a strategic location between South and Central America. And, if you like, gain access to one of the fastest and easiest second citizenships, with the right to a new passport that guarantees visa-free entry to Mexico and over 88 other jurisdictions.
More than just a new residence, embrace a new perspective on life.
Easy, Fast, and Affordable: The Advantages of Colombian Residency
Some of the World's Lowest Costs
More affordable than Brazil, the cost of living in Colombia is lower than in 90% of countries around the world.
By choosing cities like Manizales, Bogotá, and Pereira, you can live comfortably for just US$ 1,000 per month. Even in popular destinations like Medellín and Cartagena, the cost of living remains affordable, ranging between US$ 1,500 and US$ 2,000 per month.
Tax Optimization
Although Colombia adopts global taxation, which applies to both national and international income, the country offers a surprisingly low tax burden, ranging between 1.2% and 11.6%, through the Simple Tax Regime (RST), aimed at micro and small entrepreneurs with annual gross income below 100,000 UVT (~$1,130,500 USD). Additionally, dividends and capital gains are taxed at 10%, and the country has over 100 Free Trade Zones.
Ease of Access
Enjoy a simplified migration process, especially if you are a Mercosur citizen, like Brazilians, and can obtain a temporary visa valid for 2 years, with the right to live and work in the country. After 2 years, you can apply for permanent residency. For other nationalities, the country offers visa options such as investor, business, retirement, and immigrant visas.
Plenty of Leisure
From tropical rainforests to Caribbean beaches and Andean mountains, there is no shortage of outdoor activities in Colombia. But it’s not just the nature that draws attention; Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena have a vibrant nightlife, full of parties and events that keep the region buzzing day and night.
Strategic Location
Connecting South America to Central America, Colombia provides easy access to markets and opportunities in both the south and north of the continent, making it an ideal choice for those looking to expand their business or establish a new life in a country with significant economic growth potential.
Fast-Track Second Citizenship
Colombian citizenship is one of the fastest and easiest to obtain. For Spanish citizens, spouses of Colombian nationals, or parents of Colombian children, naturalization takes 2 years. For other foreigners, citizenship is granted after 5 years of permanent residency.
Who is Residency in Colombia For?
Different types of visas allow you to reside in Colombia; Settee can assist you with the following:
Mercosur Citizens
If you are a citizen of a Mercosur country, such as Brazil, immigrating to Colombia is easy! With a temporary visa, you can live and work for 2 years, and after 2 years, apply for permanent residency, followed by citizenship after another year.
Digital Nomads
Work from anywhere! Prove a minimum income of $1,000 USD per month and be eligible for a residency visa for up to 2 years. However, this option does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.
Students
Study Spanish or enroll in a university. The student visa will allow you to stay in Colombia for the duration of your studies, provided you show proof of enrollment and have health insurance.
Family Reunification
If you are the spouse or partner of a Colombian citizen, or an adopted child, you can apply for a family reunification visa that leads to permanent residency and citizenship.
Employees
After receiving an offer from a local employer and signing a contract, you can apply for your work visa and start your new career in Colombia. This option leads to permanent residency and citizenship. For Brazilians, Mercosur residency provides the same right to work with lower costs and less bureaucracy.
Retirees
Retirees with an income exceeding $1,000 USD per month can obtain a visa to reside in the country for up to 3 years. This visa leads to permanent residency and citizenship.
Real Estate and Business Investors
Invest at least 100 Colombian minimum wages (~35,000 USD in 2024) in a business or 350 minimum wages (~107,000 USD in 2024) in real estate to obtain a migrant visa that leads to permanent residency and citizenship.
We handle the visa, you enjoy the move!
Get Your Questions Answered in Our Resources:
Full support for the visa you need!
All options include:
- Initial Application or Renewal of the visa in question.
- Payment of all government visa and ID card fees
- Legal Counsel: Full support throughout the process.
- Documentation: Review and compliance of all documents.
- Scheduling and Communication: Management of appointments and contact with immigration authorities.
- Concierge Services: Assistance with notary services, ID cards, consulting, representation, and legal translation.
Is Colombian Residency right for me?
Colombian Residency is recommended for:
- Those seeking a low cost of living: With a cost of living lower than 90% of the world's countries, Colombia offers affordable housing, food, and services, while maintaining a high quality of life.
- Those who want proximity to Brazil and a similar lifestyle: A strong culture, pleasant climate, and relaxed lifestyle, combined with a strategic location that facilitates quick connections to Brazil.
- International entrepreneurs seeking low taxation: Reduced taxes for small businesses, exemptions on active offshore entities, and exemptions on cryptocurrency gains.
- Clients who value a strategic location: An ideal position between the US and Brazil, with excellent international connections.
Colombian Residency is not recommended for:
- Clients seeking residency without frequent stay requirements: Colombia requires regular visits (every 6 months) to maintain temporary residency. For greater flexibility, Panama or Paraguay are more suitable options.
- Those seeking a country with territorial taxation: Despite offering tax advantages, Colombia may not be the best choice for those seeking territorial taxation. Countries like Uruguay, Paraguay, or Panama offer more favorable conditions.
- Clients who prioritize safety: While Colombia has safe areas, countries like Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, the USA, Portugal, and Spain may offer higher levels of security.
Additional Settee Services
Opening Bank Accounts
Simplify your entry into the financial system. Whether for business or personal use, we handle the entire bureaucratic process, ensuring you have smooth access to a Colombian bank account.
Real Estate Investment
Enjoy a simplified migration process, especially if you are a Mercosur citizen, such as a Brazilian, and are eligible for a temporary visa valid for 2 years, with the right to live and work in the country. After 2 years, you may apply for permanent residency. For other nationalities, the country offers visa options such as investor, business, retirement, and immigrant visas.
Company Incorporation
Receive all the support you need to establish your company in Colombia, from choosing the right corporate structure to legal registration, with complete security and transparency.
Accounting
Our accountants can help you structure and process the most advantageous tax option for your residency in Colombia.
Colombian Citizenship
Looking to apply for Colombian citizenship? Whether through marriage, descent, or naturalization, we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The visa process takes up to 30 days to complete, which may be extended by the visa office if additional information is required.
After approval, you must apply for your cédula (Colombian identity card for foreigners) within 30 days.
- Initial Visa Application or Renewal
- Payment of all government visa and ID card fees
- Legal Advice: Support throughout the entire process
- Documentation: Review, compliance, and due diligence of documents
- Appointments and Communication: Management of appointments and all communication with immigration authorities
- Concierge Services: Assistance with appointments at notary offices and for ID cards, including legal consulting, representation, and legal translation services
One of the great advantages of the Mercosur agreement is the ease of obtaining a temporary residence permit in any member country: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and, of course, Colombia.
The agreement promotes the free movement of citizens between the countries of the bloc. With a Mercosur residence permit in Colombia, you will have the same rights as local citizens to carry out activities such as:
- Work formally in the country;
- Work remotely for foreign companies;
- Start your own business;
- Open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions;
- Enter and leave Colombia as a resident.
While most foreign residents in Colombia must wait 5 years to apply for permanent residency, Mercosur residents can apply for permanent residency in just 2 years.
The Mercosur temporary visa grants the right to live and work in the country for 2 years. After the second year, it is possible to obtain a permanent resident visa.
The digital nomad visa can be granted for up to 2 years, but most people initially receive 1 year. It is renewable as long as you continue to meet the requirements. You will never obtain permanent residency or citizenship in Colombia with a digital nomad visa.
Yes. The application for Colombian residency can be done online, but the application for the cédula (ID card) must be done in person. Once ready, the cédula must be collected within 30 days.
If your country is not on Colombia's restricted list, you can work remotely for up to 180 days per year with a standard visitor visa. However, Colombia also offers a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing you to stay for more than 180 days per year.
You need to earn more than 3 times the Colombian minimum wage, whether from a foreign employer or a business you manage remotely. In 2024, this is equivalent to approximately $1,000, or 3,900,000 Colombian pesos.
There is no minimum age to apply for a retirement visa in Colombia. You only need to receive more than 3 times the minimum wage from a pension or social security. In 2024, this is equivalent to approximately $1,000 to $1,100 USD.
A properly incorporated company in Colombia.
With a type (M) temporary residency, you must be physically present in the country at least one day every 180 days. Once you obtain permanent residency (R), you only need to be present one day every 2 years.
No. Tax residency in Colombia is defined strictly by spending more than 183 days in the country within a 1-year period. If you do not exceed this period, you will not become a tax resident, even if you maintain legal residency in the country.
If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
There are several advantages to obtaining Colombian residency even if you continue to live in Brazil.
- It starts counting time toward citizenship by naturalization in Colombia.
- It allows you to open accounts at Colombian banks and cooperatives.
- It makes it easier to invest, study, and do business in Colombia.
- It allows you to obtain a Colombian driver's license to drive in other countries.
- If you decide to move to Colombia at any point, you will already have all your documents in hand—you can just go.
Yes. The step-by-step process is as follows:
- Temporary residency: This service covers your temporary residency application.
- Permanent residency: After 2 years of temporary residency, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
We can provide an invoice for the service. Please send us your preferred billing address.
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