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.
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.