Columbia looks like a great option to retire to. Fantastic post full of useful details. The real estate option sure looks like the way to go.

It does look like a fascinating country, and the cost of living makes it very attractive.

I have heard about other destinations as attractive for retirement, such as Thailand, Greece or some Caribbean Islands, and Colombia is still a place for younger ppl in my head (parties, drugs, etc). This was very insightful post, thanks for sharing

I didn't realize that there was a retirement visa for Colombia so thanks for sharing this! It certainly makes relocating to Colombia an attractive option for many people.

I haven't been to Medellin, but we absolutely loved Cartagena. It has one of the most beautiful downtown areas I have ever seen. And Providencia is wonderful. Providencia solves the language barrier problem as we don't speak Spanish.

I was supposed to head to Providencia and ended up in Tayrona. Colombia has so many wonderful places to visit. I can't wait to head back.

I love finding countries with easy permanent or long-stay visas. After 5 years of traveling, border runs are past old.

Haha...I see how you might think that, but more people probably think that of Thailand (Full Moon Party and Khao San Road) or even Greece (every Euro kids summer break). I found most expats in Medellin were late 30s+.

Oh yes. The geoarbitrage opportunities in Colombia are amazing. It's cheaper in Medellin than many more popular low cost of living countries in SE Asia.

I'm glad you found it useful. If you have any questions about the visa process, drop me aline.

So basically, if I have just social security all I need is about $600 a month per month but if I have any other minor source of income then about $2500 a month? Doesn't sound too bad as I am currently needing more than that to survive in New Orleans and this isn't one of the more expensive cities in the U.S. either. I do love that fact that you can start this process as early as 18! We loved Cartagena but I may have to check out Medellin next to see if I prefer the mountains or the beach!

This us some great information! I think living in Colombia would be awesome.

Hi Eric,

Just to clarify, are you asking about the cost of living in Colombia or the income requirements for the retirement visa? For the visa, you are correct. The consulate gives more "weight" to certified official government sources of income (social security, pensions, etc.), so the actual dollar amount is lower.

For cost of living in Colombia, $600 per month isn't advisable. Could you survive on that amount, yes, but it wouldn't be an aspirational lifestyle. Cartagena was a pretty city, but oppressively hot compared to Medellin. If beach life isn't you jam, you'll love the "Eternal Spring" weather of Medellin. with the low cost of living in Medellin, your $2500 per month is living extremely well.

Thanks Kez, I'm glad you found it useful.