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Visas and Residency

Visa, cedula, residency, document, and timing guides based on official requirements and lived experience.

Immigration

Visas and Residency guides for real Colombia decisions

Visas and Residency brings together 53 guides for expats and families sorting out Colombia visa and residency steps, with practical context on visa types, cedula timing, documents, renewals, residency paths, and official-process checks.

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housingMay 20, 2026

How to Buy an Apartment in Colombia as a Foreigner

Foreigners can buy property in Colombia with no restrictions — not even a visa is required. Here's the step-by-step process, real closing costs, and what due diligence actually looks like.

VisasMay 18, 2026

Colombia Pensionado Visa: What You Actually Need to Know Before Applying

Colombia's Visa M — Pensionado lets retirees live here legally on a foreign pension. Here's the income threshold, exact document list, health insurance rules, and what the 2-year fast track to permanent residency actuall

expat-guideMay 12, 2026

How to Get EPS Health Insurance in Colombia as a Foreigner

Once you hold a Colombian resident visa, EPS isn't optional — here's how to pick a provider, enroll as a self-employed foreigner, and actually use your coverage.

trustMay 7, 2026

How to know if a seller's store is trustworthy

Before you send that first message, the seller's store already tells you if it's worth trusting. Here's what you need to look at — and what you shouldn't ignore.

expat-guideMay 4, 2026

How to Schedule Your Cedula de Extranjeria Appointment in Colombia

A practical guide for foreigners who need a Colombian cedula de extranjeria appointment: where to request it, when slots open, and what to prepare before 5 p.m.

marketplaceMay 2, 2026

How to sell a used cell phone in Colombia without problems

Everything you need to check before posting your used cell phone: IMEI, receipt, battery, photos and how to get paid without being left hanging.

returning-colombiansApril 30, 2026

Returning to Colombia After Years Abroad: Your Housing Checklist for the First Week

The housing market moved while you were gone. Here's the practical checklist for securing a place to live in your first week back in Colombia — whether you're a Colombian returnee or an expat starting fresh.

housingApril 30, 2026

How to Rent Directly From an Owner in Colombia

Renting directly from a Colombian owner can save you 1–2 months' rent in agency fees. Here's exactly how to find legit listings, verify ownership, and sign safely.

medellinApril 29, 2026

Moving to Medellín: The Complete Relocation Guide

Moving to Medellín is easier when you do the steps in the right order. This guide covers visas, neighborhoods, rent, money, safety, and your first 30 days.

viviendaApril 26, 2026

How to Review a Rental Contract in Colombia Before Signing

What you should review in your rental contract before signing: rent, deposit, inventory, abusive clauses and the inventory that almost no one does.

viviendaApril 25, 2026

Temporary Rental in Colombia: How to Find Housing Your First Month

You've arrived in Colombia and need housing for your first month. Complete guide to temporary rentals: real prices, where to search and what to check before paying.

VisasApril 25, 2026

Resident Visa Colombia: Paths, Timelines and Common Mistakes

Colombia's permanent residency is achievable — but the rules around absences, qualifying visa categories, and document timing trip people up more than the requirements themselves.