Moving to Colombia from the United States
Colombia has emerged as one of the top destinations for American expats in South America. Significantly lower costs than Spain or Portugal, surprisingly good public healthcare, growing expat community in Medellín and Cartagena, and accessible immigration processes.
Residency visa types
- M-3 Visa (Pensionado) — For retirees with a minimum monthly pension of 3× the Colombian minimum wage (SMMLV). With the 2026 SMMLV of COP 1,750,905 (transitional Decreto 0159/2026, currently under court review), that is COP 5,252,715/month ≈ US$1,467 as of June 2026 — recomputed as the peso moves.
- M-11 Visa (Rentista) — For people with passive income of 10× SMMLV: COP 17,509,050/month ≈ US$4,889 as of June 2026 — recomputed as the peso moves.
The income thresholds are pegged to the SMMLV (Colombian monthly minimum wage), not to a fixed dollar amount — the USD equivalent changes with the exchange rate (TRM ~3,581 in June 2026) and the SMMLV resets each January.
Why Colombia
- Very low costs — $1,000-$2,000 USD/month comfortable life in Medellín, Cartagena, Bogotá
- Public healthcare (EPS) accessible to residents $60-$200/month
- Eternal spring climate in Medellín, Cali
- US expat community in El Poblado (Medellín), Cartagena, Bogotá
- US proximity — direct flights to Miami, Houston, NYC, Atlanta
- Citizenship path in 5 years (3 if married to Colombian)
- Dual nationality permitted
Typical cost of living (Medellín, El Poblado)
| Item | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Modern 1BR apartment | $400-$900 |
| Food (mix home + out) | $300-$500 |
| Utilities | $50-$150 |
| Transport | $100-$200 |
| EPS (public health) | $80-$150 |
| Comfortable total | $1,000-$2,000 USD/month |
Last verified: 2026-06-11. Verify with Cancillería de Colombia.
Last verified: 2026-06-11.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- USCIS Form I-407 — abandonment of LPR status — formal renunciation procedure
- IRS tax obligations as a US citizen abroad — citizens file regardless of residence
- Social Security totalization agreements — avoiding double SS coverage
- Find an international tax attorney — for renunciation and exit-tax cases
- Consulate of your destination country — pre-departure documentation