What it is
The Pensionado (M) visa lets retirees live in Colombia on a lifetime pension. It is a popular and relatively affordable residency route, with no large investment required — just proof of steady pension income.
Time on this visa counts toward an eventual Resident (R) visa.
Who qualifies
- A pension certificate (government, social security, or qualifying private pension) showing monthly income of at least 3× the Colombian minimum wage (2026: COP 5,252,715 / month — about US$1,460 at ~3,600 COP/US$).
- The pension must be for life or long-term, paid from a recognised source.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining.
- Health insurance valid in Colombia for the stay.
How long it takes
Validity: Up to 3 years
Processing: About 2–4 weeks after filing. Timelines depend on the Ministry's workload and whether they request additional documents — we monitor your file and respond fast to keep it moving.
Government fees
Government fees: ≈ US$52 study fee (paid when you file), plus an M-visa issuance fee of roughly US$230–350 once approved. These are paid by you directly to the Colombian government and are separate from our service fee.
Step by step
- 1Initial Zoom call — we verify your pension meets the income multiple.
- 2Data-gathering call — we list the exact pension and identity documents required.
- 3You obtain an official pension letter and recent payment evidence.
- 4We coordinate apostille and certified translation of the pension documents.
- 5Submission session — we file online with you and pay the study fee.
- 6On approval you pay the issuance fee and we guide you through the e-visa and cédula.