Colombia has transformed dramatically over the past decade : Medellín was named the world's most innovative city, and cities like Bogotá, Cartagena and Santa Marta offer a rich mix of culture, climate and affordability. Colombia's digital nomad visa and affordable EPS health system make it increasingly popular with expats.
Updated: 20 May 2026 : Editorial Team, eVisa-Card.com
Important 2026 update : Colombia: long-stay visa financial thresholds raised +22.7%
From 1 January 2026, the financial thresholds for long-stay visas (Digital Nomad, Retirement, M and R categories) were raised by 22.7%, tracking the annual revaluation of the Colombian minimum wage. Travel health insurance is now mandatory for all visa categories. The Check-Mig form remains mandatory (72h-1h before flight). Tourist extension fee: USD 27.
Effective: 1 January 2026 (annual SMMLV indexation)
Source: Cancillería de Colombia
Colombia at a Glance
| Capital | Bogotá |
| Currency | Colombian Peso (COP) |
| Language | Spanish |
| Monthly cost | ~$1,000-2,000/month |
Work, study and residence
A tourist exemption or visitor visa does not automatically authorise employment, long-term study or residence. Check the appropriate permission before starting these activities.
Check your own nationality, passport type, residence, route and travel dates with the official authority. The French-passport summary is not an eligibility decision for another nationality.
Use the official checklist for passport validity, permitted entry points, accommodation, funds, onward travel and insurance where required. Requirements for minors, emergency passports and dual nationals can differ.
Choose the category matching the actual purpose of travel. Apply through the government portal or its appointed provider, check the fee before paying, and allow for requests for additional documents. Approval and entry are decided by the competent authorities.
Apply to the competent authority before your current permission expires. An extension, change of status or re-entry is subject to its own conditions; submitting a request does not by itself establish a right to remain.
Colombia — Visa and entry requirements 2026Healthcare in Colombia
Public Healthcare
Colombia has a unique dual healthcare system. The EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud) system provides universal coverage to all legal residents. Foreigners with a Cédula de Extranjería can enrol in EPS for ~$50-200/month (based on income). Quality varies enormously by city and provider.
Private Healthcare
Colombia also has excellent private hospitals that are much cheaper than US/European equivalents. Medellín is a world-renowned medical tourism destination: Clínica El Rosario, Clínica del Country (Bogotá), Hospital Pablo Tobón (Medellín). Dental and cosmetic surgery are 60-80% cheaper than in the US.
Typical Healthcare Costs
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| EPS monthly premium (foreigner) | ~$50-200/month (income-based) |
| EPS GP consultation (co-payment) | ~$0-5 (nearly free) |
| Private specialist consultation | COP 80,000-200,000 (~$20-50) |
| Private emergency room | COP 200,000-800,000 (~$50-200) |
| Dental cleaning (private) | COP 60,000-120,000 (~$15-30) |
| Major private surgery | 60-80% cheaper than US equivalent |
Supplementary Health Insurance
While EPS provides solid basic coverage, wait times for specialists and certain services can be long. A supplementary private plan (medicina prepagada) gives immediate access to private hospitals and specialists.
Top Providers for Expats
Colombia's most prestigious private health insurer. Full access to Clínica del Country and Clínica de La Sabana. From ~$200/month.
EPS + private plan combined. Strong in Bogotá. From ~$150/month.
Large network, good app, strong emergency coverage. From ~$160/month.
International plan for expats needing US or European coverage. From ~$100/month.
International plan with Latin America coverage. Good for frequent travellers. From ~$120/month.
Opening a Bank Account in Colombia
A Colombian bank account simplifies daily life : rent payments, utility bills, salary receipt and online shopping. The process requires a Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner ID).
Recommended Banks
Required Documents
- Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner ID card) : mandatory
- Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill)
- Colombian phone number
- RUT (tax ID) for some account types
- Minimum initial deposit (varies by bank and account type)
Step-by-Step Process
- Obtain your Cédula de Extranjería at Migración Colombia first
- Visit bank branch or apply digitally (Nubank, Nequi)
- Present Cédula and proof of address
- Account opened same day in most cases
- Receive debit card within 5-7 business days
Buying Property in Colombia
Foreigners can freely buy property in Colombia with no restrictions. Colombia is one of the most accessible property markets in Latin America for foreigners. Medellín has become a hotspot, with Bogotá, Cartagena and Santa Marta also very popular.
Ownership Options for Foreigners
Full ownership, no restrictions for foreigners. Standard method for all property types.
Owning property worth ≥350 SMMLV (~$100,000) qualifies you for a Migrant Visa (2 years, renewable).
Common in Medellín and Bogotá. Typically 15-30% cheaper than finished properties. Developers offer payment plans during construction.
Purchase Process
- Obtain a RUT (Colombian tax ID) at the DIAN : required for property purchase
- Hire a Colombian real estate lawyer (abogado)
- Sign a Promesa de Compraventa (preliminary agreement) : pay 10-30% deposit
- Lawyer conducts title search at the Public Instruments Registry
- Sign the Escritura Pública (deed) before a Notario
- Register at the Public Instruments Registry (Registro de Instrumentos Públicos)
- Pay transfer taxes
Typical Purchase Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Property transfer tax (Impuesto de Registro) | 0.5-1% of transaction value |
| Notary fees | ~0.3-0.5% of transaction value (split buyer/seller) |
| Registration fee | 0.5-1% |
| Lawyer fees | 1-2% |
| Annual property tax (Predial) | 0.5-1.2% of assessed value |
| Agent commission | 3-5% (paid by seller) |
About This Guide
This guide is researched and maintained by the editorial team at eVisa-Card.com. Last updated: 20 May 2026. We strive to keep all information current but visa rules, healthcare costs and property regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consult a licensed professional before making major decisions.