Colombia- South America's Up-And-Coming Expat Destination
Working expats or digital nomads are flocking to take advantage of the country's economic opportunities. The Colombian economy had been booming in the years up to the pandemic, and global economists project the country's continued growth in the years ahead. This hustle makes Colombia an attractive destination for expats looking for a new business challenge or investment opportunity.
Not convinced moving to Colombia is for you? Don't take just my word for it. Nearly 60,000 US expats have immigrated to Colombia. Forbes dubbed Colombia one of the coolest places to visit, while the New York Times listed Colombia as the #2 country to visit in the world.
Finally, many people choose to move to Colombia because they feel that the country has a bright future. Despite its history with drugs cartels and violence, Colombia is emerging as one of the most promising countries in Latin America. This optimism about the future is one of the main reasons, so many expats are moving to Colombia.
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5 Quick Tips To Prepare For A Move To Colombia
TIP 1. Understand Colombia's visa policy- A decade of experience living abroad taught me that a country's resident visa and permit situation can make or break a plan to move overseas. Moving to a country doesn't make much sense on a 30-day visa.
TIP 2. Learn about Colombia's health care system- You can relax knowing that the country has one of the Top Healthcare Programs in the world. Expats moving to Colombia long-term should purchase International health insurance to access the best hospitals and care.
TIP 3. Save on Moving Costs- International moves can get expensive. Save hundreds of dollars by getting accredited moving companies to compete for your business. Fill out a quick form, sit back and let our moving partners get you five free quotes from trusted and reliable international moving companies. Save time and money.
TIP 4. Set up a Traveling Mailbox- Change all your critical mailing addresses to a traveling mailbox. Don't lose an important tax return, bank statement, credit card, or government document in the mail. Sign up for a virtual mailbox, and you can keep a permanent US mailing address and check your mail via your phone or PC.
TIP 5. Pick up some Spanish Skills- The most common difficulty experienced by expats in Colombia is English being less common than expected. Only 4% of the country speaks English. You can get a free 7-day Spanish language crash course to make your move to Colombia easier.
Other Guides On Expat Life In Colombia
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Why do expats move to Bogota, Colombia?
Bogota is the country's capital, the economic hub, and home to Colombia's largest expat community. Working expats and digital nomads move to Bogota to take advantage of the growing economy and networking opportunities. Plus, a large expat community makes it easy to find other English speakers.
Maybe expats are looking for a more affordable place to live than their home country. While the cost of living in Bogota can be high, it's still cheaper than most major cities in the United States and Europe.
Bogotá also offers a variety of ways for expats to get involved in the community and learn more about Colombian culture. There are salsa clubs that offer dancing classes every night, as well as galleries and museums where visitors can explore art from all over Latin America. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available nearby, such as hiking excursions or visits to El Dorado or the underground cathedral.
No matter what their reasons may be, expats moving to Bogotá can expect a city that is alive with culture and excitement.
How To Find The Cheapest Flights To Colombia
Why is Medellin a popular location for expats moving to Colombia?
Expats move to Medellin, Colombia, for a wide variety of reasons: the year spring weather, affordable luxury lifestyle, quality healthcare, vibrant nightlife, roaring football matches, or the friendly locals. All these features make Medellin a low-cost, high-quality of life destination for expats.
Paisas (the local term for someone from Medellin) are welcoming and will try very hard to connect and communicate even with limited English skills. If you break the initial language barrier, your Paisa friends will treat you like family. Many expats even make romantic connections with Paisas work; foreigners marrying a Colombian and applying for a permanent resident visa is not uncommon.
What's more, the city hums with activity: culture, nightlife, and football. There were several local language exchanges and expat meetups each week. If you want to meet other expats, your social calendar can get filled quickly.
Other expats move to Colombia because the low cost of living stretches their retirement dollars further. Affordable housing with all amenities can be found in Medellin for $700/month. Personal services are inexpensive and there is no need to own a car because all forms of transportation are easily accessible and convenient. In addition, Medellín has a state-of-the-art metro system that makes getting around town a breeze. The city is also innovative and creative, recognized for its achievements and solutions on the international stage.
My reason for moving to Medellin, Colombia was the weather.
Medellin is nicknamed "City of Eternal Spring" for good reason
The weather? Yes, the weather. Not exactly the justification most expats would give, but Medellin is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for a reason. While it lacks the Caribbean beaches of Cartagena, the armpit sweat-inducing humidity is thankfully absent. Medellin weather is damn near perfect- moderate spring-time temperatures for 300 days out of the year.
Finally, Medellin has nearly 40% of the country's top hospitals. Colombia's high-quality healthcare (ranked #22 globally) combined with a lower cost of living allows expats access to medical care unaffordable to them in the United States.
Which areas do expats move to in Colombia?
The majority of expats seem to relocate to one of three popular cities that act as Colombia's cultural and business hubs: Bogotá (the largest city), Cali (the salsa mecca), or Medellin (the cultural capital). Each bustling city has its unique atmosphere and benefits that draw people in.
Additionally, the Colombian coast, while beautiful, is often found to be too hot and humid for some people's tastes and preferences; they would rather live in one of the major cities with more temperate weather.
Do Americans need a visa to move to Colombia?
Strong passport holders are lucky. UK, Canadian, and US citizens can stay in Colombia for 180 days out of a calendar year without a Colombian visa. Americans get a 90-days visa on arrival, with an option to extend another 90 days.
However, to stay longer than 6-months or be a full-time resident, you need to apply for a Migrant Visa (M).
If you are the DIY type, I wrote an article to guide expats applying for a Colombian investment visa.
But if you need help, you can book a one-hour consultation with our Colombian Immigration Law experts, who detail the different types of visas available, then advise you on how to apply correctly and avoid rejected residency applications.
If you prefer to avoid the hassles of dealing with immigration authorities, they can file all the documents on your behalf. Prices vary depending on the type of visa.
What paperwork should I bring with me when moving to Colombia?
In addition to the required documents for your Colombia visa application, you'll find other legal documents helpful to have on hand. I suggest creating a folder of important legal documents both online and offline. Here are recommended documents to bring with you:
- Birth Certificate
- University Transcript and Diploma
- Police Clearance and Background Check
- Adoption papers
- Birth certificate or Child custody paperwork
- Marriage Certificate or Divorce papers
- Drivers license
- Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- Passport
- Social Security Cards
- If you or a family member plans on attending school, bring school transcripts, diplomas, and a record of your grades
- Professional licenses or certifications
- Medical history, medical insurance documents, and prescription medications
What do expats do for healthcare When Moving To Colombia?
Starting July 2022, Colombia mandates all expats purchase health insurance covering accidents, illness, hospitalization, disability, repatriation, and death. In the case of women, maternity coverage is also required.
The minimum medical insurance coverage depends on the visa:
- Visitor Visas $35,000 USD
- Migrant Visas $60,000 to $70,000 USD
- Resident Visas $100,000 USD
Once an expat establishes residency, they are eligible to apply for the Colombian public health insurance system EPS (Entidades Promotoras de Salud).
All expats are eligible, even with pre-existing conditions, with healthcare plans starting at $95 per month (or 12.5% of your gross monthly income). With no maximum age limit, even older expat retirees have access to one of the top healthcare systems in either North or South America.
Did You Know Most Expats In Colombia Need 3 Types of Health Insurance?
Starting in July 2022, the government passed a law requiring specific medical coverage for foreigners staying in Colombia. Click the button below to ensure you are legally staying in Colombia.
Will My Home Country Health Insurance Cover Me?
Most likely no. Most health insurance will not cover you for any injuries sustained outside your home country. To get protection while living abroad, there are two options:
- Travel Health Insurance- This will cover you for unexpected medical issues while overseas. However, the coverage requires you to maintain insurance in the United States or your respective home country. I pay roughly $50 per month for complete coverage with no deductible.
- Expat Medical Insurance- If you retire abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete option. Expat Medical Insurance is the "normal" insurance you are familiar with from home. Coverage is built for people who live in a country versus traveling. While more expensive than Travel Medical Insurance, premiums are still cheaper than in the US.
What should I bring with me from home when I move to Colombia?
Everyone's needs are different, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what you should bring from your home country. When relocating to Colombia, I suggest focusing on difficult-to-find items, more expensive in Colombia, and on small items with significant emotional value.
Think about what items will be difficult or impossible to find in Colombia; Specialty sports items are an example. If you plan to travel in the winter, you'll probably want to bring some winter clothes. You will not find racks and racks of high-quality ski jackets in Colombia.
Consumer electronics like laptops and tablets are taxed higher in Colombia than in the US. If you want to buy the latest iPhone, you'll spend nearly 40% MORE in Colombia vs. the US. You'll find similar price premiums and a limited selection of performance laptops and PCs.
An iPhone in in Colombia cost $1550 vs. only $1099 in the United States
While some appliances like washing machines and refrigerators might be cheaper in Colombia than in the US, top-of-the-line imported kitchen appliances are more expensive and only available at specialty shops in Bogota or Medellin. If you're a foodie or plan on throwing dinner parties, take this into account when planning your move.
When packing for your move to Colombia, remember to think light! Liquids and heavy furniture all add weight and cost to your personal effects shipment. Try only to pack what you need – after all, you can always buy things once you're in the new country.
INSIDER TIP : Convert To ebooks- If you're not fluent in Spanish yet, English-language books will help ease the transition. However, don't pack your library. Books are bulky, cumbersome, and don't get enough utilization to justify the cost. One kindle can hold thousands of books and fits in your jacket pocket.
Colombian immigration requires a departure ticket to enter the country
When checking your passport to enter Colombia, immigration authorities may request you show a departure ticket to prove you have means to exit the country.
You can rent an onward ticket as Proof Of Onward Travel to show immigration officials.
How to find housing in Colombia?
There are a few ways to find housing in Colombia. Airbnb is a hassle-free choice, but be prepared to pay a "gringo price." You can find apartments or roommates on Facebook groups. Be careful with real estate agents and only work with one recommended to you by someone your trust.
If you're looking for housing in Colombia, your best bet is to use online platforms like Airbnb. You can find a variety of listings on these sites, and it's a great way to get an idea of what's available in different parts of the country. Another option is to search the classified ads online or in newspaper real estate listings.
New expats will find it difficult to find short-term housing in Colombia if you're a newcomer. You will often have to pay more than the locals or long-term expats because the best prices involve annual contacts, and signing a contract requires a Colombian ID (cedula).
Should I buy or rent property when I first move to Colombia?
Always rent when moving to a new country. Renting is more affordable in the short term and offers more flexibility than buying. If your circumstances change–you run into visa issues, you want to try out a different neighborhood, etc.– renting limits your financial risks more than buying property.
Things to look out for when renting an apartment in Colombia
Colombia has very different rules for renting an apartment than the United States. In some cases, the practices may even differ depending on whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished, short-term or long-term.
The complexity isn't a problem if you are only doing Airbnbs. Even a short-term lease is not tough to arrange. In contrast, long-term leases are more complicated. The following are some unusual conditions that expats find when reviewing long-term rental agreements:
- Leases are automatically renewed
- Terminating a lease requires a 3-month written notice
- Early termination incurs a significant penalty (3+ months of rent)
- If a landlord terminates the lease early, he must pay you
- Deposits for rental agreements are technically prohibited in Colombia
If you are new to Colombia or are renting a long-term flat for the first time, I recommend hiring a Real Estate agent to navigate the complexities of the Colombian rental market.
Additionally, consider a commercial attorney to review the rental contract to ensure you are protected. If you don't have a trusted network in Colombia, send me a message, and I can recommend people you can trust.
INSIDER TIP : Fiador- Landlords may ask you for a 'fiador' instead of a deposit to rent a property in Colombia. The fiador is essentially a Colombian co-signer or guarantor to your rental contract. They are financially responsible for your rent payments if you cannot or will not pay your rent obligations.
As you can imagine, this is a substantial risk for a fiador. If you don't have a Colombian friend willing to take the risk as your fiador, local services are eager to do so for a fee. Fiador services don't come cheap. Expect a fee equal to 2 months' rent upfront or 30% of the rent per month as payment.
The estimated cost of moving to Colombia from the USA
The cost of moving to Colombia from the USA will vary based on US origin city, Colombian destination city, method of transportation (air, ground, or ocean), level of service needed (who is packing and loading the boxes), and the amount of belongs you are shipping.
To give you an idea, the estimated cost of moving a three-bedroom house worth of stuff is between $4,000- $7,000. This cost covers packing, trucking, and shipping from Portland, OR, USA, to Medellin, Colombia. Price excludes taxes, customs fees & duties, insurance & quarantine inspections.
How to save money when moving to Colombia
Packing and moving your belongings yourself versus using a removals company can save you thousands of dollars. If you load the household goods of a three-bedroom home into a 20' foot moving container, your shipping cost to Colombia is under $2,500.
Price of ocean shipping a 20 foot container from the US
Don't underestimate the effort required before you start banking on the $4,500 savings by not using a removals company. You will spend 50 hours packing your entire household goods shipment. After packing, you'll need to drive the container 40-hours from Portland to Houston.
Once your container reaches Colombia, you will need to haul the container 15 hours from the port in Cartagena, Colombia, to your new house in Medellin. Tack on another 50 hours to unpack everything.
To save a few thousand dollars, you need to work a minimum of 155 hours (50+40+15+50).
Or you can use our International Moving partners to compete for your business. You can get 5 FREE quotes from reputable moving companies and save yourself 155 hours of hassles and headaches.
Ocean Shipping Your Belongings To Colombia
Full Container Load (FCL)- You get your own 20 foot, 40 foot, or 40-foot high cube container. If you properly box up your belongings and wrap fragile items before shipping, containers ensure your belongings are safe and secure and avoid any damage or loss during transport.
Less than Container Load (LCL)-One way to save money on shipping is by using LCL instead of FCL. Less than Container Load shipments are when you don't have enough stuff to warrant your own shipping container. The shipper adds multiple customers' smaller shipments together to reduce the overall cost of shipping per customer.
Airline luggage as a cheap way to move to South America
Most people wouldn't think that airlines are a cheap way to move household goods shipment internationally. However, airlines can be more affordable than LCL ocean shipping if you don't have a ton of volume.
As a passenger, you can typically check up to two 50 lb bags for free, then pay another $50 to $100 for extra luggage on most major airlines. Note that these policies may differ depending on your flight and destination.
I was allowed to check two suitcases at 75 pounds each when I moved to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. I paid for the three 75 lbs boxes as extra luggage. Those five boxes fit all my clothing, office equipment, and pots and pans from my kitchen. I paid less than $500 to move from the US to South America. What a great deal!
Other tips to reduce the cost of moving to Colombia
I understand that moving can be expensive. I partnered up with over 10,000 accredited moving companies willing to compete for your business. Fill out a 60-second application form, and up to 5 movers will provide you a quote to move your belongings to Colombia.
Compare the quotes and choose the moving company that gives you the best possible value for your money. All the movers are pre-screens and accredited, so you can rest assured that your belongings will arrive safely and on time at your new home in Colombia.
Key Takeaway: Moving To Colombia As An Expat
If you're thinking of moving to Colombia, preparing well in advance is crucial. You can do a few things to make the process easier for yourself and your family. Check out my beast of an article on the Ultimate Checklist and Guide To Moving Abroad for a complete run-down.
The first step is to research the best international moving company and become familiar with the customs rules that govern your destination country. This research will help ensure that your goods are correctly packed and arrive safely at your new home.
You'll also need to ensure you have all the necessary documents prepared. Key documents include passports, visas, and customs forms--make sure you have plenty of copies just in case any get lost or damaged during transit.
NEXT STEPS
If you liked this story on immigrating to Colombia, you will enjoy these other posts on living in Colombia
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FAQs: Move To Colombia
I’m interested in making this move. Please advise as soon as you can
Hi Ryan,
Did you have a quick question about the move to Colombia, need information about shipping your belongings, or would you like assistance filing for a visa?
Cheers,
Marco
Hi Marco, I heard that all US citizens are entitled to a “one time” free international container from the US to abroad. Is this true?
Thanks,
Hi John,
I’ve never heard of that incentive. Also, it would be an unusual incentive to target only US citizens. What is “free," the shipping cost or the customs and duties?
Marco, thanks for writing a great intro to moving to Colombia!
Thanks, Matthew. I’m glad you found it useful.
If you are looking at Medellin, check out my new article on the best neighborhoods.
If you still don’t know where in Colombia you are headed, my post on ideal expat locations to live is a good start.
Cheers,
Marco
I have a question maybe you can help me with. I am a Canadian living in Colombia for 3 months, if I stay for more that 6 months my ccp is reduced, my question is, if I go back to Canada how long do I need to stay in Canada to keep my ccp at the same rate when I return to Colombia. Would I have to stay 1 week or one month, do you have any advice? Thanks. Arnie
Hi Arnie, the CCP out of country requirements are dictated by Canada, not Colombia. Regrettably, my partners focus on Colombian laws and don’t have any information on the Canadian Pension Plan. Those are questions you would need to ask the Canadian government.