Retirement Visa (Visa M — Pensionado) — Colombia

You use the government’s Form formulario-unico-visa and submit directly to the immigration authority. Each visa pathway in Colombia serves a different purpose and legal basis. You need to distinguish the Retirement Visa from other options:

Visa M — Rentista (Passive Income Visa) is for applicants with passive income. Visa M — Cónyuge o Compañero Permanente is for spouses or permanent partners of Colombian nationals. Visa R is a separate resident category. Selecting the right visa type before you fill out the formulario-unico-visa is essential. The immigration authority reviews your application under the specific category you choose. Requirements and procedures can change, so check directly with the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancillería) for current rules.

Five uninterrupted years on a Migrant (M) visa count toward eligibility for the Resident Visa (Visa R). Your time as a pensionado adds up as long as you keep your status valid. The pensionado visa is granted for up to three years at a time. You’ll need to renew before it expires if you want your time to keep counting toward residence.

From Migrant (M) to Resident (R)

After five continuous years in M status, you can apply for the Resident Visa (Visa R). The immigration authority checks your record to confirm you maintained lawful status. Your progression is typically as follows:

If you marry or have a permanent partnership with a Colombian national, you might qualify under the Marriage / Permanent Partner Visa (Visa M — Cónyuge o Compañero Permanente) instead.

Ongoing Compliance

Applications and renewals go through the official Form formulario-unico-visa system. Keep your pension certification apostilled and officially translated. Your pension must meet the minimum of 3× SMMLV, which for 2026 is COP 5,252,715, around $1,400. Get the latest requirements directly from the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores before applying or renewing.

You need to fill out the Form formulario-unico-visa and submit it with all required supporting evidence. Make sure every field is complete, signatures are in place, and all information matches your passport and documents. Your package should include:

• A completed and signed formulario-unico-visa.
• Supporting documents proving you qualify for your visa category.
• Any extra evidence the immigration authority requests. The required documents depend on the visa category.

Send clear, complete copies of all evidence. Incomplete forms or missing documents can delay or sink your application. Check the immigration authority’s guidance before filing to confirm what’s needed for your visa category.

The immigration authority usually gives a decision about 1 to 6 weeks after you submit a complete application. You must file the Form formulario-unico-visa and provide all required supporting documents for your visa category. Processing only starts once the filing is complete. You may apply under one of several categories: - Passive Income Visa (Visa M — Rentista)

• Resident Visa (Visa R)
• Marriage / Permanent Partner Visa (Visa M — Cónyuge o Compañero Permanente) Each visa has its own legal conditions. You need to comply with the terms attached to the specific visa you’re granted. The authority evaluates your application based on the category you select and the documents you submit. No visa rights are granted until approval. If the authority requests more information, respond as instructed to keep your case moving. Processing time of 1 to 6 weeks applies only after you’ve submitted a complete application. Your rights in Colombia depend on the exact visa issued. Review your approval notice for the conditions that apply to your stay.

Applying for a pensionado visa doesn’t guarantee approval. There are two stages with the immigration authority. Each stage requires a formal submission and a separate review. Stage 1: Initial Visa Application 1. Complete the Form formulario-unico-visa.

Choose the correct visa category, such as: Passive Income Visa (Visa M — Rentista) 3. Marriage / Permanent Partner Visa (Visa M — Cónyuge o Compañero Permanente) 4. Submit your application to the immigration authority. The authority reviews your documents and eligibility under the chosen category. If approved, you move to the second stage.

Stage 2: Visa Status and Long-Term Planning

After approval, you hold the visa for your category. Many retirees start with a temporary status, like the Passive Income Visa (Visa M — Rentista). Over time, you may become eligible for the Resident Visa (Visa R) if you meet the legal requirements then in effect. That application is reviewed separately. Each stage is independent. You must meet the criteria for the visa you request, and approval at one stage doesn’t guarantee anything for the next.

The immigration authority charges a $65 study fee to review your Pensionado application. If approved, there’s a $271 issuance fee for the visa.

You submit your application through the Form formulario-unico-visa system. Both payments must be made before the visa is issued. Processing usually takes 1 to 6 weeks after you file a complete application. Delays are common if documents are missing or unclear.

The same online system handles other categories, like the Passive Income Visa (Visa M — Rentista), Marriage / Permanent Partner Visa (Visa M — Cónyuge o Compañero Permanente), and Resident Visa (Visa R). Processing times and fees for those can differ, so check with the immigration authority for current details. To avoid delays:

• Submit clear, legible documents.
• Complete all required fields in the formulario-unico-visa.
• Pay the study fee promptly.
• Monitor your email for notices from the immigration authority. You’ll get an electronic notification once a decision is made.

You must apply under a specific eligibility category as defined by the immigration authority. Colombia offers different visa types that can lead to retirement-based residence. Each has its own rules. You may qualify under one of these classifications: - Passive Income Visa (Visa M — Rentista)

• Resident Visa (Visa R)
• Marriage / Permanent Partner Visa (Visa M — Cónyuge o Compañero Permanente) Each category has its own standards. The immigration authority evaluates your application based on the requirements for that visa. To apply, fill out and submit the Form formulario-unico-visa with documentation that matches your eligibility category. If you don’t meet the criteria, your application can be denied. Before filing, make sure you qualify under the correct visa type and that your supporting documents match that classification.