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Deep Dive: Detailed Visa Requirements & FAQ
What are the specific requirements for the Colombian Pensioner Visa?
Certification proving monthly pension payments to the applicant, with an amount not less than three (3) legal minimum monthly wages in Colombia ($5,240,646 COP, or approximately 1,435 USD, based on the January 2026 exchange rate). Must be apostilled and officially translated to Spanish.
A certificate of judicial, criminal, or police background issued by the authority of the country where the applicant has resided for the last three (3) years. It must be apostilled and officially translated.
Attention US Citizens: You must provide the federal FBI Identity History Summary. State or local police certificates are strictly NOT accepted by the Colombian government.
A medical certificate issued by a Colombian authority or by the health authority of the country of origin, confirming physical and psychological fitness.
An "all risks" policy covering accidents, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, and repatriation of remains. Must guarantee coverage in Colombia for the entire visa duration.
Can I apply if I am already in Colombia on a tourist permit?
Yes, you can apply for the Pensioner Visa while physically in Colombia on a valid tourist permit. However, it is crucial that your foreign documents are properly apostilled. Specifically, you must apostille your criminal background check (the FBI Identity History Summary for US citizens) and your official pension letter. Without these apostilled documents, your application will be rejected.
Can I request the FBI background check while I am in Colombia?
Yes, you can. However, to do so, you must have your fingerprints taken physically here in Colombia (on standard FBI fingerprint cards) and mail them to the United States in order to generate the certificate and subsequently request the apostille.
Does the Pensioner Visa allow me to bring my family (beneficiaries)?
Yes. The Pensioner Visa allows you to apply for Beneficiary Visas for your dependents. This includes your spouse or permanent partner, children under 25 years old who are economically dependent on you, or children of any age if they have a certified disability. They will receive a visa linked to the validity of your primary Pensioner Visa.
Does the Pensioner Visa count towards Permanent Residency (Resident Visa)?
Yes. The Pensioner Visa is a Type M (Migrant) visa. It allows you to accumulate time towards permanent residency. After holding this visa continuously for 5 years, you are eligible to apply for the Type R (Resident) Visa, granting you permanent status in Colombia.
What are the exact government fees for this visa?
The Colombian government charges in two stages. First, a Study Fee of $54 USD must be paid when submitting the application. Once the visa is approved, you must pay an Issuance Fee of $270 USD. Additionally, once in Colombia, the Foreigner ID Card (Cédula de Extranjería) costs approximately $60 USD. The total government cost is roughly $384 USD.
How long does the Colombian visa process really take in 2026?
Based on our experience processing hundreds of cases, the timeline varies drastically depending on how you approach it:
- If you do it yourself (DIY): Plan for 14 to 17 weeks (3 to 4 months). You need a massive buffer for the learning curve, gathering and apostilling documents, navigating the unfriendly government platform (SITAC), and facing a high risk of "Inadmisiones" (returned applications requiring you to pay and start over) or "Rechazos" (strict rejections carrying a 6-month ban).
- If you hire our legal firm: We recommend starting 7 weeks before your trip or before your current tourist permit expires. We handle the strategy, audit your documents perfectly to avoid extra information requests, manage the government platforms, and fast-track the consular phase so you avoid rookie mistakes and delays.
Is the Travel All-risk Assistance Insurance mandatory?
Yes. You must have a Travel All-risk Assistance Insurance. It must include accidents, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, and fundamentally, repatriation of remains. The policy must guarantee coverage in Colombia for the entire duration of your visa.
Does the visa allow me to access the public health system (EPS)?
No, the Pensioner Visa does not grant access to the public health system. You can access Colombia's excellent medical network by paying full private rates for services. Alternatively, you can contract a private local health insurance plan. Colombian Passport can assist you through our network of expert partners specialized in global assistance for foreigners.
Real Success Stories
"My experience with Colombian Passport, specifically with Camila Ocampo Matiz, Esq. and Mariangela Colmenares Esq., was exceptional. I cannot recall the last time I received such outstanding service from a company. The communication, efficiency, and responsiveness were truly first-class."
"It has been a very gratifying experience meeting Camila for obtaining my Pensioner Visa for Colombia. Being able to talk to an expert lawyer in Migration issues makes things much easier. Camila explains in detail all the documents you must gather... The value is that Camila explains it very easily and you save a lot of time. It is not the same to deal with people who invest the time necessary to explain all your doubts than to talk to an AI."
"My case to migrate to Colombia was quite complicated. However, Camila and Mariangela did everything possible to ensure success. They are excellent communicators and were always one step ahead in answering my questions and making sure I was fully prepared at every step. I wish all lawyers were as professional as they are."
Stop Guessing. Book Your 1-on-1 Legal Strategy Session.
If you are reading this, your browser history is likely full of conflicting information. You have probably spent hours trying to decipher the latest visa requirements, calculating exchange rates, or wondering if your specific pension type qualifies.
Immigration law is not just paperwork; it is a life project. You need a strategy, not just a form. I have opened my calendar so you can eliminate uncertainty immediately without intermediaries.
What is included in the $80 USD session?
- 360° Case Analysis: Deep dive into your specific financial profile and background to find your perfect visa path.
- Tool Delivery: We provide our proven letter templates and instructions on how to fill them out correctly the first time.
- Clear Roadmap: I will tell you exactly which visa suits your profile and the real, current requirements (no outdated forum gossip).
- Financial Benefit: If you decide to hire our full service for your visa process, the $80 USD fee is 100% credited toward your total balance.
Transparent Pricing: No Hidden Fees
What's Included:
- Personalized Legal Strategy by Camila Ocampo.
- Full Document Review & Preparation.
- Government Platform Management.
- Continuous support until approval.
- Re-application at NO extra legal cost if needed.
Government Fees (Approx):
Study: $54 USD | Issuance: $270 USD | ID Card: $80.
Total Gov: ~$404 USD
Estimated Other Expenses
Please note: To comply with strict transparency standards, we want you to be aware of other potential expenses related to your visa process. These are estimates for other services you will likely need.
Universal Requirements (For all applicants):
- Travel All-risk Assistance Insurance: Usually ranges between $600 and $800 USD per year, depending on your age and the coverage provided by the insurance company.
- Official Spanish Translations: Approx. $20 USD per page (required for any document not originally issued in Spanish).
Specific to US Citizens & Applying from Colombia:
- US Apostille for Pension Letter & FBI Check: Approx. $150 USD per document.
- Physical FBI Fingerprinting in Colombia: Approx. $200 USD (Only required if you need to request the FBI background check while already physically in Colombia).
Your Trusted Partner: Why Choose Colombian Passport?
Meet Camila Ocampo: Your Dedicated Legal Partner
With extensive specialized experience in Colombian immigration law, Camila is known not only for her expertise but also for her personal, kind, and dedicated approach. She is committed to understanding your unique needs and ensuring your journey to retirement in Colombia is both successful and stress-free.
Our Commitment to Success
We only represent cases that meet legal requirements. If your visa is Inadmitted or Denied, we re-apply and adapt the strategy at no extra legal cost (you only cover the government's $54 USD study fee).
Navigate the Bureaucracy with Ease
Feeling overwhelmed by paperwork, apostilles, or specific document requirements like FBI checks? Our team expertly manages the entire documentation process, transforming a potentially stressful process into a smooth, worry-free experience.