Colombia - retirement
Retirement Visa (Pensionado)M-11
The M-11 Retirement (Pensionado) visa is for foreigners receiving a lifetime pension from a government, private fund or social security system. In 2026 it requires a monthly pension of roughly USD 1,382 (3 times the Colombian minimum wage) - one of the lowest thresholds worldwide. It is valid up to 3 years renewable and counts toward the 5-year Resident (R) visa track. Combined with Colombia's low cost of living, it is a popular choice for North American and European retirees.
Who this visa is for
- Retirees with a government, military or private pension
- Recipients of permanent disability annuities
- Expats relocating to Colombia for a low-cost retirement
Requirements
- Proof of pension
Official letter from the pension-paying entity certifying the monthly amount, lifetime nature and payment currency. Apostilled and translated to Spanish.
- Minimum monthly pension
At least 3 times Colombian minimum wage - approximately USD 1,382 in 2026 (based on SMMLV of COP 1,623,500/month indexed to 2026).
- Valid passport
Minimum 6 months remaining validity.
- Photo
3x4 cm white background.
- Health insurance
International coverage valid in Colombia.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Study fee | USD 54 | |
| Issuance fee | USD 230 |
Application steps
- 1. Obtain pension certificate
Request official letter from your pension provider, apostille it in the issuing country and translate into Spanish by an official translator.
- 2. Apply on SITAC
Complete M-11 application at cancilleria.gov.co.
- 3. Pay study fee
USD 54 online.
- 4. Pay issuance fee on approval
USD 230.
- 5. Register with Migracion Colombia
Within 15 days of arrival to receive Cedula de Extranjeria.
Medellin vs Bogota on an M visa: the 2026 cost gap
Every M-category visa, this one included, carries private health cover as a standing condition for the whole validity period. That line item plus rent in the expat-friendly barrios drives almost the entire cost gap between the two cities most retirees compare.
Per Numbeo (April 2026), Bogota is 13.7% cheaper than Medellin on rent and around 7% cheaper overall, which inverts the usual forum narrative. El Poblado gringo pricing is now well documented: landlords there quote in USD to foreigners for short furnished rentals.
| Category | Medellin (El Poblado) | Bogota (Chapinero) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent (furnished) | $1,400 | $750 | Top third of market |
| Groceries | $150 | $150 | Near-identical per Numbeo |
| Utilities (elec/water/gas) | $50 | $45 | Bogota cheaper, no AC |
| Internet (300 Mbps fiber) | $35 | $30 | Claro/Tigo/Movistar |
| Private health insurance (required) | $100 | $100 | 40yo expat policy |
| Gym | $40 | $35 | Mid-range chain |
| Eating out (8x/month) | $100 | $90 | Mid-range dinner |
| Transport (Metro + Uber) | $60 | $60 | Metro plus occasional rideshare |
| Total | $1,935 | $1,260 | Gap = $675/month |
The insurance line is the one most applicants under-budget. Once you hold the visa the practical setup is EPS plus a prepaid layer rather than a travel policy, and how those two tiers stack is worth reading before you buy anything. If you are weighing this route against the digital nomad visa, the two also diverge sharply on tax.
| Medellin | Bogota | |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 1,495 m (4,905 ft) | 2,640 m (8,660 ft) |
| Temperature (year-round) | 18-28 C / 64-82 F | 10-20 C / 50-68 F |
| Nickname | City of Eternal Spring | The Fridge |
| AC or heating needed | Neither | Portable heater in some apartments |
| Altitude acclimation | None required | 1-3 days, breathing effort |
| Rainy season | Apr-May, Sep-Nov | Apr-May, Oct-Nov |
Neither city is safe or unsafe as a whole: both have barrios of each kind, so verify on a neighbourhood basis rather than a city basis. For pure budget optimisation Bogota wins by roughly USD 675 a month at a mid-comfort level; for climate and walkability most retirees still choose Medellin and accept the premium.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Retirement VisaM-11
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does Social Security count for the Colombia Retirement Visa?
Yes. US Social Security, Canada Pension Plan, UK State Pension, military pensions and most national and private pension plans qualify, as long as the provider can issue an official letter certifying the lifetime nature of the monthly payment.
How much money do I need to retire in Colombia?
The M-11 Pensionado Visa requires approximately USD 1,382 per month in pension income in 2026. Outside major cities, many retirees live comfortably on USD 1,500-2,000/month total including rent. Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena are more expensive than Pereira, Manizales or smaller coastal towns.
Do I need to stay in Colombia full-time on the Pensionado Visa?
No, but you must visit Colombia at least once every 180 days to avoid losing the visa. To have the time count toward the 5-year R (Resident) track, avoid absences over 180 continuous days.
Can I get Colombian healthcare as a Pensionado?
Yes. Once you have your Cedula de Extranjeria, you can enroll in Colombia EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud) healthcare system. Monthly cost is typically 12% of reported income. Private international insurance is also an option.
Related articles
Deeper reading on the money, tax and paperwork side of the Retirement Visa.