Pensionado (Retirement)
Pensionado · Art. 77, Res. 5477/2022
Holders of a lifetime pension from a government or private source — US Social Security qualifies.
Figures verified for 2026
Headline requirement
Monthly income of at least
At a glance
- Validity
- up to 3 years
- Work rights
- Not permitted
- Cédula de extranjería
- Required (within 15 days)
- Counts toward residency
- After 5 years
- Beneficiaries
- Spouse / children eligible
- Issuance fee
- US$230 approx.
Time outside Colombia
Worth verifying before you apply
- Issuance fee (≈ US$230) is subtype-dependent — confirm on the official cost filter.
- 183+ days/year in Colombia generally makes you a tax resident; Colombian tax can reach worldwide pension income — consult a cross-border accountant.
The longer-term path
Pensionado years count: after 5 continuous years on the M visa you can apply for the R Resident visa (5-year validity, near-permanent status). Never stay outside Colombia more than 180 continuous days — the M visa is automatically voided if you do.
Ready to walk the full process?
The guided journey takes you through all five stages for the Pensionado (Retirement) visa — eligibility self-check, the document checklist, an annotated walkthrough of the government form, the decision window, and the steps after approval.
Start the Pensionado (Retirement) journeyOne-time pack · US$39 launch price (US$49 after launch) · no subscription · already purchased? It opens right up.
Common questions
Who is the Colombian Pensionado (Retirement) visa for?
Holders of a lifetime pension from a government or private source — US Social Security qualifies.
What is the financial requirement for the Pensionado (Retirement) visa?
Income ≥ COP 5,252,715 (≈ US$1,532) / month. Figures are indexed to the current Colombian minimum wage (SMMLV); the COP amount is the binding one. Always confirm on the official Cancillería portal before applying.
How long is the Pensionado (Retirement) visa valid?
Up to 3 years, subject to the authority's decision on each application.
Does the Pensionado (Retirement) visa require a cédula de extranjería?
Yes. Holders must register for the cédula de extranjería with Migración Colombia, generally within 15 calendar days of the visa being issued.
Does the Pensionado (Retirement) visa count toward Colombian permanent residency?
Yes. It can count toward the Resident (R) visa after 5 years of qualifying time.