Americans Live in Colombia
Americans Live in Colombia
Retire to Colombia
Ditch high costs, expensive and inadequate healthcare, and a boring lifestyle. The eternal spring in Medellín or the megacity of Bogotá can offer a significant lifestyle upgrade on a fraction of your U.S. budget.
How to Retire to Colombia
Pensioner Visa
If you have US$1,500 in monthly pension income, you can qualify for a three-year, renewable Migrant visa in Colombia.
Investor Visa
Want a long-term solution in Colombia? Invest US$80,000 in Colombian real estate on your way to permanent residency.
Spousal Visa
If you’re married or in a civil partnership with a Colombian citizen, you qualify for a Migrant visa and permanent residency in three years.
Nomad Visa
Although it doesn’t provide a pathway to residency or citizenship, a digital nomad visa can offer a temporary stay.
Tourist Visa
As a U.S. citizen, you’re free to remain in Colombia 180 days a year, 90 days at a time.
Colombia in Photos
Affordable Cost of Living
Think you have to sacrifice your quality of life by spending less? In Colombia, it’s possible to live like royalty on US$3,000 a month.
Top-Tier Healthcare
The Prosperity Institute ranks Colombian healthcare #36 in the world (U.S. is #69) for its affordability and quality.
Fresh Fruit & Coffee
Colombia is home to some of the world’s best coffee, freshest tropical fruits, and cleanest food.
Tax-Friendliness
You only become a Colombian tax resident if you spend 183+ days in the country per year.
Vibrant Communities
With active social scenes, bilingual services, and expat-friendly businesses, expats thrive in cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena.
Easy U.S. Travel
With short, direct flights from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and New York, Colombia keeps you connected with the United States.
Natural beauty
From the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains to white-sand beaches, Colombian nature is breathtaking – its people too!
Perfect Climate
Enjoy eternal spring in Medellín or autumn in Bogotá. Because it’s located on the equator, Colombian climate does not waver.
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How Life in Colombia Compares
Cost of Living in Colombia
Rent, dining, and healthcare in Colombia cost up to 50% less than in major American cities. While imported luxury and tech products can be expensive, the overall affordability makes it one of the best-value destinations for retirees and expats.
Taxes in Colombia
Colombia only taxes individuals who spend 183+ days per year in the country. If you become a tax resident, Colombia taxes worldwide income at high rates, but there are legal ways to manage your taxes here.
Community in Colombia
Medellín and Bogotá are growing international expat hubs, which make relocation easier. Also, locals are quite accepting of foreigners. However, outside of these cities, English is rare and cultural differences can be substantial.
Quality of Life in Colombia
With its year-round climate, low cost of living, and top-notch healthcare, Colombia can offer a comfortable lifestyle for retirees. However, bureaucracy and safety concerns can impact peace of mind. Adjusting to Colombian quirks can take time.
Safety in Colombia
While expat-friendly cities like Medellín and Bogotá have safe neighborhoods, Colombia still struggles with crime – mostly scams and petty theft. Expats must practice situational awareness and precautions. While most live safely here, security should be a concern.
Travel Connectivity in Colombia
Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Cartagena, and some smaller Colombian cities offer direct flights (some are under 3 hours!) to the U.S. International travel is convenient, but domestic travel requires patience.
Infrastructure in Colombia
Colombia’s major cities have modern malls, highways, and metro systems. But outside of urban centers, roads and utilities can be unreliable. Internet speeds are generally good, but expats in rural or smaller towns should expect infrastructure challenges.
Healthcare in Colombia
No wonder many Americans travel to Colombia for operations. While the public healthcare system can be slow, the private healthcare system ranks among the best and most affordable in the region. We suggest private insurance for better service and care.
English Proficiency in Colombia
Most Colombians do not speak English fluently, and outside of tourist areas, expats will need basic Spanish to navigate daily life and integrate fully. Banking, government offices, and local markets operate in Spanish.
Bureaucracy in Colombia
Generally, patience is key in Latin America: Government and business systems can be slow and inefficient. Most information you do find is typically inconsistent and unclear. We recommend Freedom Files’ resources and contacts to guide your new life in Colombia.
Where to Live in Colombia
Population: 4,055,296
Medellín
Medellín is Colombia’s most popular expat city. With a world-class metro system, Latin America’s top hospitals, and some of the best infrastructure in the region, it’s no surprise retirees love it here.
Population: 8,034,649
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.
Population: 1,002,800
Cartagena
Cartagena offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle with colonial architecture, world-class seafood, and a strong expat presence. Some even call it the “Colombian Miami” because of its skyline and environment.
Pueblos
The Andean mountainside is dotted with small towns (aka “pueblos”) and large “finca” properties like the one pictured. If you prefer a slower, quieter lifestyle to that of the big city, Colombian pueblos may provide your perfect escape.
FAQs About Colombia
Can I Live Well In Colombia On My Retirement Income?
Yes, and then some. Most American retirees live comfortably on just US$2,000 a month in major Colombian cities like Cartagena, Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín. Rent, healthcare, fresh food, and domestic help are all incredibly affordable.
Is Colombia Actually Safe for Retirees?
Parts of it, yes. Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena have safe, expat-friendly neighborhoods. But scams and petty theft still happen. You’ll need street smarts and a bit of caution, but it’s not the wild west you’re imagining from Netflix.
How Hard Is It to Actually Move to Colombia?
It’s a bit of a process, but totally manageable. Between the paperwork, apartment hunting, tax setup, and healthcare plans, it helps to have a guide. That’s where Freedom Files steps in, so you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Bureaucracy is not your friend.
How Good is Colombian Healthcare?
Surprisingly great, especially in private hospitals. Medellín specifically is home to some of the best hospitals and private clinics in the Americas, which is a major reason for its boom in medical tourism. We recommend private insurance, which costs far less than what you’re paying in the US.
Will Colombia Tax My US Retirement Income?
If you stay more than 183 days per 365 days in Colombia, you should file a tax return in the country. But even if you do become a Colombian tax resident, there are legal ways to reduce or offset those taxes. The Freedom Files can help you sort through your options.
