Retirement & Pension Visa (Type M)
Live your retirement in Medellín with full legal residency. The M-11 pension visa gives you long-term stability in Colombia on your existing retirement income.
Contact UsRetirement & Pension Visa (Type M)
Colombia has become one of the top retirement destinations in the world, and Medellín leads that trend. The pension visa, classified as Type M (Migrant) under Resolution 5477, is specifically designed for foreigners who receive a lifetime pension or periodic retirement income from abroad. Whether you collect U.S. Social Security, a military pension, a government retirement annuity, or a private pension fund distribution, this visa provides a legal pathway to establish yourself in Colombia for up to three years at a time, with indefinite renewals.
The Cancillería requires applicants to demonstrate monthly pension income equal to or exceeding three times the Colombian legal monthly minimum wage. Because the minimum wage adjusts every January, the exact dollar threshold changes annually — contact us for the current 2026 amounts applicable to your situation. Crucially, the income must be certified as a lifetime pension, not savings withdrawals or investment returns. We have seen numerous applications denied because applicants submitted brokerage statements or 401(k) distributions instead of a proper pension certification. The distinction matters, and the documentation format is everything.
At Legal Diligence Medellín, we have guided hundreds of American retirees, Canadian pensioners, European nationals, and military veterans through the Colombian pension visa process. We know exactly what the Cancillería expects in terms of pension certification format, apostille requirements, insurance compliance, and financial documentation. Our team handles the entire application from eligibility assessment to cédula de extranjería registration, so you can focus on enjoying your retirement in the City of Eternal Spring.
Key Requirements
Certified Lifetime Pension Income
Official certification of a lifetime pension equal to or exceeding 3x Colombia's monthly minimum wage. Social Security, military, and government pensions all qualify.
All-Risk Travel Insurance
All-risk policy with Colombian coverage including repatriation and emergency evacuation. Standard health insurance does not qualify.
Apostilled Criminal Background Check
Criminal background certificate from your country of origin, apostilled under the Hague Convention. Strict validity windows apply.
Valid Passport and Supporting Documents
Passport meeting minimum validity requirements, passport photo, completed application form, and proof of address in Colombia.
Benefits
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Three-Year Residency with Unlimited Renewals — Up to three years of legal residency, renewable indefinitely while you maintain qualifying pension income.
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Access to Colombian Healthcare — Enroll in Colombia's healthcare system (EPS or prepagada) — world-class care at a fraction of U.S. costs.
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Path to Permanent Residency (Type R Visa) — After five continuous years on an M visa, apply for the indefinite Resident (R) visa.
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Cédula de Extranjería and Full Civil Access — Colombian ID card for banking, property, leases, healthcare, and all civil activities.
Ready to Start Your Visa Process?
Our immigration lawyers will prepare your application, verify your documents, and guide you through every step. Schedule a free initial consultation.
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
The minimum threshold is three times the Colombian legal monthly minimum wage, which adjusts every January. Because the minimum wage changes annually and the conversion to U.S. dollars fluctuates with exchange rates, the exact amount you need varies. Schedule a consultation and we will confirm whether your current pension meets the threshold based on the figures in effect at the time of your application.
Yes. Social Security retirement benefits are one of the most common income sources among our American clients applying for the pension visa. However, the benefit verification letter from the Social Security Administration must be properly formatted, apostilled through the U.S. Department of State, and presented in a way that satisfies the Cancillería's requirements for lifetime pension certification. The process has specific steps that differ from other pension types.
Yes. U.S. military retirement pay, federal and state government pensions, and private employer pension plans all qualify for the Colombian pension visa, provided the income is certified as a lifetime periodic payment meeting the minimum threshold. Each type of pension has its own issuing authority and certification format, and we ensure yours is documented correctly for the Colombian immigration system.
Holders of the Type M pension visa must enter Colombian territory at least once every 180 calendar days. If you remain outside Colombia for more than 180 consecutive days without authorization, your visa may be cancelled. We advise our clients on travel planning to ensure they maintain their visa status while enjoying the flexibility to visit family and travel abroad.
Yes. Your spouse or permanent partner and minor children can apply for a Type V beneficiary visa linked to your pension visa. The beneficiary application has its own requirements, including proof of the family relationship and documentation specific to each dependent. We coordinate all family applications simultaneously to streamline the process and ensure consistency across submissions.
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