Passive Income Visa (Visa M — Rentista) — Colombia

The Colombia Rentista Visa requires proof of monthly passive income of at least 10× the Colombian minimum wage (SMMLV). In 2026, that means COP 17,509,050 per month (about $4,600 USD). This is a Migrant (M) visa for people who live on non-pension passive income. Your income must come from lawful sources like:

• Rental income
• Dividends
• Annuities You apply through the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancillería) using the official Form formulario-unico-visa for the Passive Income Visa (Visa M — Rentista). The immigration authority reviews your documentation and checks that your income meets the legal threshold. The Rentista category is different from other Colombian visas:

You pay a $65 study fee when submitting your Rentista visa application through the Form formulario-unico-visa system. If your application is approved, there’s a $271 issuance fee for the visa.

The study fee comes first. The immigration authority won’t review your case until you’ve paid. Processing usually takes about 1 to 6 weeks after you file a complete application. Incomplete submissions delay everything. You can track your application status through the same online platform where you submitted the formulario-unico-visa.The full timeline starts only after all required documents are uploaded and payment is confirmed. Any missing or incorrect document can reset the review period.

Submit a completed and signed Form formulario-unico-visa with your application. Upload all required evidence directly through the immigration authority’s online system. Prepare at least these:

• Completed formulario-unico-visa
• Copy of your valid passport biographical page
• Documents proving your qualifying passive income
• Any supporting evidence required by the immigration authority for your specific visa category Your financial documents must clearly show you receive stable, recurring income from a lawful source. The immigration authority reviews these records to confirm you meet the criteria for the rentista category. If you’re considering other categories, document requirements differ. For example: - Retirement Visa (Visa M — Pensionado): Evidence of pension or retirement income
• Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V — Nómadas Digitales): Proof of remote income from foreign sources Don’t mix requirements from the Digital Nomad Visa with the rentista category. Submit only documents that match your selected visa type. Requirements can change. Incomplete submissions may delay a decision on your application.

You can move from a Family Visa to permanent residence if you meet the immigration authority’s requirements for long-term stay in Colombia. Your path depends on your current visa type and how you maintain your status.File each application through the official Form formulario-unico-visa and follow instructions from the immigration authority.

Maintaining Lawful Status

You need to:

• Hold a valid Family Visa or other migrant visa
• Comply with the conditions attached to your visa category
• Submit renewal or change-of-category requests before your visa expires
• Use the correct version of the formulario-unico-visa from the Cancillería If your circumstances change, such as income source or family relationship, update your visa category instead of staying under an incorrect status.

Changing Visa Categories Before PR

Some applicants transition between temporary categories before seeking permanent residence.

• From Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V — Nómadas Digitales) to a migrant category
• From Retirement Visa (Visa M — Pensionado) to another qualifying migrant status
• From a Family Visa tied to a Colombian relative to an independent category You must file a new application through the formulario-unico-visa each time you change categories. The immigration authority reviews your updated eligibility based on the documents you submit with each application.

Filing a Colombia rentista visa application doesn’t guarantee approval. You apply online through the Form formulario-unico-visa system managed by the immigration authority. Here’s the process: 1. Create an account and complete the formulario-unico-visa with accurate personal and financial details. Upload all required supporting documents in the format requested by the system.

3.4. Monitor your account for status updates or additional document requests. Use clear, consistent information throughout your application. Any inconsistencies can delay review or lead to refusal.

If you’re considering other categories, double-check that you select the correct visa type before submitting.Submitting under the wrong category can result in denial, even if you qualify for another visa. The immigration authority evaluates each case individually. You must meet the legal requirements for the rentista category at the time you apply.

Processing takes about 1 to 6 weeks after you submit a complete application. You can reduce delays by filing a complete and accurate application with the immigration authority from the start. Begin by preparing and submitting the Form formulario-unico-visa through the immigration authority’s platform. Review every entry before you submit. Follow these steps: 1.

Confirm that the Rentista Visa (Visa M — Rentista) matches your source of passive income. Gather all required supporting documents before starting the formulario-unico-visa. Submit the full application to the immigration authority. Monitor your application status during the 1–6 week review period.If you plan to work remotely for foreign clients or employers, the Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V — Nómadas Digitales) may be a better fit. Compare your purpose in Colombia before filing:

• Passive income, no local employment: Rentista Visa (Visa M — Rentista)
• Foreign pension income: Retirement Visa (Visa M — Pensionado)
• Remote work for foreign entities: Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V — Nómadas Digitales) Check current requirements and procedures directly with the immigration authority before you apply.

You need to review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting your application. The immigration authority evaluates eligibility based on the visa category you select and the documents you submit through the Form formulario-unico-visa. Choose the correct category from the beginning—each visa type has distinct criteria. Eligibility depends on the visa you apply for, such as: - Retirement Visa (Visa M — Pensionado)

• Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V — Nómadas Digitales)
• Rentista visa category Confirm that your personal circumstances match the requirements for your chosen visa. Applying under the wrong category can lead to delays or refusal. Before you begin the online application, make sure you: - Identify the correct visa category
• Review the official eligibility criteria published by the immigration authority
• Prepare the documents required for that specific visa type
• Complete the formulario-unico-visa accurately and consistently with your supporting documents Each visa category has its own standards. The immigration authority reviews your case strictly under the rules of that category. You’re responsible for ensuring your application aligns with the correct eligibility requirements before submission.