What if I told you that $2,000 a month could buy you a high-rise apartment, world-class healthcare, and perfect spring weather… year-round? And what if that life was just a 3-hour flight from Miami? Welcome to Colombia, the retirement haven 60,000 Americans already discovered… and you probably haven’t even considered.
In this video, I’ll show you exactly how to move here – legally, affordably, and stress-free – because I’ve done it myself. This is the Freedom Files’s guide to retiring early, affordably, and stress-free in Colombia.
We’re covering everything – from the visa you’ll need to the cities or pueblos where you’ll want to live, how much you’ll spend each month, what to expect with healthcare, and what it actually feels like to live here – having lived here myself for five years and even purchased property here.
But first things first: Why would you even move here in the first place?
WHY COLOMBIA?
In short, Colombia is not the country it used to be.
Yes, the ‘80s and ‘90s were rough thanks to a little character we all know but will refuse to mention on this channel out of respect for the Colombian people (they don’t like it when we talk about him).
But fast forward to today, and Colombia is one of Latin America’s fastest-growing economies, with modern infrastructure, a thriving expat community (especially in Medellín where I’ve been based for the last four years), and some of the best healthcare in the region.
In fact, 58,914 U.S. citizens have already made the move. So the question is – out of the 196 other options, why are they choosing Colombia?
- Cost of Living
Your retirement income goes much further here. In top-tier cities like Medellín (city of eternal spring) or Bogotá (the Andean megacity), $2,000-$3,000 a month covers:
- Rent in a modern furnished apartment with mountain views
- Groceries from local markets
- Really high quality private healthcare
- Dining out weekly
- Transportation
- And even a maid or gardener if you want it
- Healthcare
Now here’s where it gets wild… Healthcare? Colombia consistently ranks among the top healthcare systems in Latin America. Famous for its cosmetic surgery and medical tourism industry, Medellín specifically has world-class private clinics and hospitals, many with English-speaking doctors and costs 50% lower than in the U.S.
- Climate
Because the country is located on the equator, Colombian cities don’t really have seasons – just rainy and dry times throughout the year.
Medellín isn’t called La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera — “The City of Eternal Spring” — for nothing. Expect 70–80°F all year long. No A/C. No heating bills. Just sunshine and fresh air.
If you enjoy fall weather more, the capital city of roughly 12 million people, Bogotá has you covered.
And if you’re more of a beach-goer and enjoy an ocean swim every day, Cartagena is affordable but hot and humid year-round.
- Culture & Community
Colombians are warm, friendly, and proud of their traditions. Whether you’re learning salsa in Cali, sipping coffee in Salento, or joining expat meetups in Medellín, you’ll feel welcomed. With almost 60,000 US citizens and plenty of other foreigners in the country, there’s never an expat gathering far from where you are.
But on the other hand, if you came to Colombia to escape Western attitudes, you certainly can. (I feel this way sometimes too!)
Alright, let’s get practical and talk about three ways you can move to Colombia legally. Good news – You have several different options but one I do not recommend:
PENSIONER VISA
This is by far the most popular for a pensioned retiree, the Pensioner Visa (and this is an M Migrant Visa. If you have a monthly pension or Social Security income of about $1,500 or more, you can qualify. The visa is valid for up to 3 years, renewable provided you maintain the visa and continue meeting the same requirements, and it leads to permanent residency in five years, citizenship five years thereafter.
In order to apply, you’ll need to:
- Prove your income with official documentation (translated and apostilled)
- Provide a clean FBI background check (if you’re from the United States)
- Get private health insurance (local or international policies accepted)
A new stipulation of this visa is that you don’t drain the government’s coffers. So you can no longer qualify with a public health insurance policy in Colombia. But this isn’t an issue for most. Private healthcare plans in the country are extremely affordable (we’ll talk about this later in the video) and top-quality.
This visa does not require you to buy property or make a local investment. It’s designed for people like you: Retirees with reliable income.
INVESTOR VISA
All right, but what if you want to invest in the country or buy a home? Well, you can obtain residency at the same time.
If you invest at least $90,000 all-cash in Colombian real estate, you can apply for a Investor Visa (this is an M Migrant Visa), which can also lead to permanent residency and citizenship on the same path as the Pensioner Visa.
I myself got this Visa after I bought a 3-bedroom, 1200 sq ft, brand new apartment in a highrise here in Medellín for $110,000. I told you life is affordable here.
One stipulation of this visa is that you get those funds legally certified when they enter the country. Otherwise, you’ll buy a property and not qualify for residency. Nightmare situation.
So let us know if you’re interested and the Freedom Files can guide you through the process.
DIGITAL NOMAD VISA
If you’re not quite ready to retire – or maybe you still have remote income from freelance work, online business, or even rental properties – Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa is worth a look.
Here’s how this visa differs:
The income requirement is just $900/month – one of the lowest thresholds in the world. You heard that right. If you’re making even a modest online income, you could qualify.
It’s valid for up to two years and does not currently have a path to permanent residency or citizenship like the other visas. But here’s what nobody tells you: This is absolutely a temporary solution and not what the Freedom Files recommends for Americans trying to establish a life abroad.
I know people who got this visa just to see if they liked life in Medellín before committing to something more permanent. And for $900/month? It’s one of the most accessible pathways in Latin America. But permanently? You’re out of luck after two years and have to upgrade your visa to one of the earlier options.
Let us know if you’re interested — we can walk you through the application process, avoid the common mistakes, and make sure it’s the right fit for your goals.
HEALTHCARE
Let’s talk about the thing most retirees worry about overseas: healthcare.
More good news – You don’t have to worry in Colombia. Their healthcare system is ranked #22 in the world, higher than the U.S. by many measures. Many clinics operate on a pay-as-you-go system, and there are insurance companies that don’t deny coverage based on age.
With a premium private healthcare plan that costs about $100-120 a month, you have access to private hospitals, bilingual specialists, and cutting-edge treatment – at obviously a fraction of the price you’d pay in the U.S.
COST OF LIVING
Here’s what a typical monthly budget looks like in Medellín:
| Category |
Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Rent (1-bed apt in great area) |
$500–$700 |
| Groceries |
$150–$200 |
| Utilities + Internet |
$60–$80 |
| Healthcare (insurance or cash visits) |
$100 |
| Dining Out (3x/week) |
$150 |
| Transportation (Uber, metro) |
$50 |
| Misc. (gym, entertainment) |
$100 |
| Total |
$1,200–$1,500 |
WHERE TO LIVE IN COLOMBIA
Let’s break down a few cities you’ll want to consider:
Bogotá
If you love big-city life with an international feel, Bogotá is for you. Great museums, fine dining, and major cultural events make this a dynamic place to live. Definitely Colombia’s most cosmopolitan, sophisticated city. Similar to a Washington, DC type city almost two miles in the sky.
Medellín
Expat favorite. I’m not sure what I’d compare this to in the States – maybe Austin or LA with a Midwest vibe? Perfect climate, safe neighborhoods like El Poblado and (what Conde Nast called the world’s top neighborhood to see) Laureles, excellent healthcare, lots of social life. The Paisas are a beautiful, welcoming, industrious people.
Pereira / Armenia / Manizales (Coffee Triangle)
Smaller cities with a slower pace, lush scenery, and very affordable living. Perfect for nature lovers. Becoming a bigger draw with expats lately.
Santa Marta / Cartagena
Beach towns for retirees who want coastal life. Hotter, more humid weather, but stunning views and a lively Costeño culture.
Let me know in the comments: Which Colombian city would YOU live in? Medellín? Cartagena? The Coffee Triangle? I read every reply, and I’ll answer your questions there.
TAXES
But there’s one catch I need to warn you about… Colombia taxes residents on worldwide income only if they spend more than 183 days per 365-day period in the country. And the tax rates are not friendly. They’re a flat 35% for foreigners.
The U.S. does not have a tax treaty with Colombia. But based on your finances and your setup, you may qualify for the $126,000 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or the Foreign Housing Credit.
(Don’t wing this – Talk to a Freedom Files tax advisor who understands international living.)
So let’s recap. Why retire in Colombia?
- $1,500/month is more than enough
- Legal visa options and pathways to permanent residency and citizenship are straightforward
- World-class, affordable healthcare
- Similar weather year-round (spring in Medellín, fall in Bogotá, summer in Cartagena)
- Vibrant culture, huge variety of fruits, welcoming people
- And… you can finally stop stressing about money
Look – You don’t have to keep grinding in the U.S. just to maybe afford retirement one day.
You don’t have to accept that aging means downsizing your dreams. Why? Because there’s a better life waiting for you – and it’s not some fantasy.
It’s in Colombia.
So the real question is: Are you ready to live better, sooner? Let’s make it happen.
If you’re even thinking about retiring abroad in the next 5–10 years, Colombia should be on your radar. And not just for the lifestyle but because the visa laws and costs are changing fast. We help Americans like you every day build their dream life overseas both much earlier and more easily than they ever expected.
Schedule a Freedom Consult, and we’ll show you how to move to Colombia — without stress or confusion. Or download our 162-page e-book on how to retire earlier and live better abroad. Talk to you next time.
