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Pathway

Colombia Independent Income Visa

Colombia Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

Regular, documented passive income may let you stay in Colombia for up to two years. This Visitor visa does not permit work or count toward permanent residence.

Monthly income needed
At least 10 times Colombia's monthly minimum wage
Can savings replace income?
No
Health insurance
Required for the planned stay

Summary

Colombia's Rentista visa lets you stay for up to two years if you receive enough regular income from qualifying assets or other passive sources. You must be able to document where the money comes from. The minimum is COP 17,509,050 per month in 2026, equal to ten times Colombia's monthly minimum wage.

This is a Visitor visa. It does not allow work, and the time does not count toward permanent residence. Eligible family members can apply to come with you.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

Regular income you can document

You need lawful, recurring income that meets the monthly minimum. Your application must include a letter explaining the source and one of the following:

The Spanish term renta can include more than rental income. Dividends, annuities, royalties, or similar payments may qualify if you can provide the required proof of the payer and payments. Check this before relying on a particular source.

Savings, a one-time inheritance, sale proceeds, and informal transfers do not replace regular income. You need to meet the monthly amount, rather than show an annual average or a large account balance. The minimum changes with Colombia's minimum wage, so use the amount in force when you apply.

Other documents

You also need a police or criminal-record certificate from the country where you stayed during the previous three years, plus health insurance for your whole planned stay. The policy must cover accidents, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, and repatriation—the cost of returning you or your remains to your home country.

Foreign documents generally need official authentication, through an apostille or legalization, and an official Spanish translation if they are in another language. Supporting documents other than passports generally need to have been issued within the previous three months, unless a specific rule allows otherwise.

Check your income before you apply
  1. Confirm the source Check that you can get the required income certificate or Colombian property records.
  2. Check the monthly amount You need income of at least ten times Colombia's current monthly minimum wage.
  3. Prepare your application Include your explanation, background check, insurance, and supporting documents.

Savings alone do not qualify. This visa does not allow work or count toward permanent residence.

What This Route Allows

You can stay for the dates approved on your visa, up to two years. This can suit someone living on documented passive income who does not need permission to work.

Your financially dependent spouse or recognized permanent partner, children up to age 25, and children with a qualifying disability regardless of age may apply for separate family visas. These are called beneficiary visas and do not allow work. You may be asked to show enough money and health coverage for the whole family.

Depending on the visa's duration and registration rules, you may be able to obtain a Colombian foreigner identity card. Receiving the card does not turn this Visitor visa into permanent residence.

What This Route Is Not

Rentista is now a Visitor visa, even if you have seen older descriptions calling it an “M-10” residence visa. Time on it does not count toward permanent residence or citizenship.

If you receive a lifetime government or private-fund pension, compare the separate Pensionado visa. It has a lower income threshold and different requirements.

Rentista also does not authorize employment, freelance work, or remote services. If you plan to work, consider a visa that permits your activity, such as the digital nomad visa. Owning an asset that produces income is different from working in a business.

The authorities review your documents and may request more information or an interview. Neither approval nor a full two-year stay is guaranteed.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm that your income source can provide the required certificate or property and income records.
  2. Compare your monthly income with the current minimum in Colombian pesos. Allow for exchange-rate changes.
  3. Obtain your police record and check authentication and translation requirements before ordering documents.
  4. Arrange insurance covering the whole stay and all required risks.
  5. Write your explanation of the income source and check that it agrees with your financial records.
  6. Apply through the Foreign Ministry's online visa service. Paying the application review fee does not guarantee approval.
  7. If approved, check your visa dates and complete any required registration or foreigner identity-card application with Migración Colombia.

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Sources