Blog

Immigration

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 93 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.

Ask the community

Latest posts

93 guides available.

Post for free
How to Compare Fincas, Lots, and Country Houses Near MedellinfincasJune 6, 2026

How to Compare Fincas, Lots, and Country Houses Near Medellin

Finca, lote, or casa campestre? How to compare rural property types near Medellin, plus the documents and red flags to check before you commit.

Renting a Car in Colombia: What Foreigners Actually Need to KnowExpat lifeMay 24, 2026

Renting a Car in Colombia: What Foreigners Actually Need to Know

Everything you need to rent and drive in Colombia as a foreigner — licenses, costs, insurance, and when it's worth it.

How to Get Your Documents Apostilled for ColombiaVisas & LegalMay 24, 2026

How to Get Your Documents Apostilled for Colombia

Need a document apostilled for Colombia? Whether it's for a visa application, civil marriage, or property purchase, here's exactly what to do — and what catches people off guard.

Colombia Tourist Entry Rules: How Long Can You Stay?Visas & LegalMay 23, 2026

Colombia Tourist Entry Rules: How Long Can You Stay?

Most nationalities arrive in Colombia with 90 days stamped into their passport. What nobody mentions upfront is the 180-day annual cap — and what overstaying actually costs you at the airport.

Bringing Your Dog or Cat to Colombia: What to Prepare Before You FlyExpat lifeMay 22, 2026

Bringing Your Dog or Cat to Colombia: What to Prepare Before You Fly

Moving to Colombia with a dog or cat? Here's exactly what documents, vaccines, and paperwork you need — and what to expect at the ICA airport inspection.

Colombia Taxes for Expats: Fiscal Residency, DIAN, and What You Actually Need to DoExpat guideMay 21, 2026

Colombia Taxes for Expats: Fiscal Residency, DIAN, and What You Actually Need to Do

Colombia's 183-day rule can make you a fiscal resident without you realizing it. Here's what that means for your income, DIAN obligations, and -- if you're American -- your IRS situation.

How to Open a Bank Account in Colombia as a ForeignerbankingMay 21, 2026

How to Open a Bank Account in Colombia as a Foreigner

Bancolombia, BBVA, or Davivienda — here's which banks actually work for foreigners, what documents to bring, and what to do when a branch turns you away.

How to Buy an Apartment in Colombia as a ForeignerhousingMay 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.

Colombia Pensionado Visa: What You Actually Need to Know Before ApplyingvisasMay 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 the real 5-year path to permanent residency.

How to Get EPS Health Insurance in Colombia as a ForeignerExpat 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.

How to Schedule Your Cedula de Extranjeria Appointment in ColombiaExpat 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.

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