A Step-by-Step Guide to Eligibility, Application Process, and Benefits for the Rentista Visa
Type of Visa: V.
Applicable To: Foreigners with a steady income from abroad.
Duration: 6 months to 2 years (Colombian migration officers have discretion over the duration granted).
General Requirements:
Copy of the main page of the passport where all the holder's information appears, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Digital color photo with a white background measuring 4 centimeters high by 3 centimeters wide. You should be facing the camera and your head should be centered and complete. Both eyes should be open and the ears should be visible. There should be no glare in the photo, hair or other accessories should not be allowed to cover the face. The image format is JPG and must have a maximum size of 300 KB. NOTE: The photo must be current, different from that of the passport, previous visas and applications.
If the applicant is in Colombia at the time of applying for the visa, copy of the last stamp of entry or exit from Colombia or extension of stay or safe passage for visa application (whichever applies).
In the event that the applicant begins the visa process while in their country of residence (different from their country of nationality), they must present an identification document from their country of residence, for example: NIE, Visa, Driving License, etc.
Specific Requirements:
Proof of Income: A certificate from a public entity, private company, or financial institution recognized by the respective government, stating that the applicant receives a monthly income of at least ten (10) Colombian legal minimum wages. Income can also be demonstrated through passive income generated from property ownership. The certificate must be issued within three months of the visa application and be apostilled or legalized.
Bank Statements: Bank statements showing the regular deposit of this income over the last 6 months.
Criminal Background Check: A certificate of judicial, criminal, or police background issued by the authority of the country where the applicant has resided for the last three (3) years, with apostille or legalization and translation as per Article 21 of the Resolution.
International Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance that covers the stay in Colombia, including emergencies, accidents, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Benefits of this Visa: The 'Rentista' visa allows you to reside in Colombia. It offers the same advantages as other visas in terms of being able to remain in Colombia fully identified, without the need to leave the country every 6 months and without the restriction of not being able to return within 6 months in the same calendar year.
Allows to Work in Colombia? No.
Processing Time: 2-5 weeks.
Application Location: From Colombia or from your country of residence or nationality
Allows Beneficiaries? Yes: Spouses, children under 25 (subject to additional requirements for beneficiary visas).
Can Reapply for this Visa? Yes, as long as the rent remains under the terms explained previously.
Government Fees for Visa Application These fees are charged directly through a specific link provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia and can be paid using a credit or debit card:
Visa Study Fee: $54,92 USD.
Visa Issuance Fee: $132,03 USD.
Additional Services you may need:
Apostille and legalization services in the country where the documents are issued.
Acquisition of all-risk insurance policy.
Does it allow you to accumulate time for residency? No.
Relevant Aspects and Frequently Asked Questions:
Place of Application: Although the visa application is online (there is no way to do it in person), it is recommended that you be in the place from where you will present the visa in person. You can apply while in Colombia, as long as you are in a regular situation in the country (if you have been in Colombia for less than 3 months on a tourist permit or if you have requested an extension of your tourist permit and have been in the country for less than 6 months, or if you have been on a tourist permit for more than 5 months but want to apply for a special permit). You can also apply from your country of nationality or residence, as long as you have a valid identification document in that country.
You should note that the income you need to receive in order to apply for this type of visa must be income that does not come from your work; it should be passive income derived from investments, financial returns, etc. This is verified through the document you present to prove the income. For example, you can present a lease agreement that demonstrates you receive rental income from a property you own.
The all-risk insurance policy you must present must be issued and should cover at least 1 year from the date you apply for the visa process. It should include coverage for: accidents, medical expenses, maternity, and repatriation.
Restrictions when applying for this type of visa: It is prohibited to work for or provide services to a Colombian company, as well as to receive compensation for performing any type of work in Colombia. However, you can receive passive income from investments in Colombia.
Regulation governing this type of visa: Resolution 5477 of 2022, Section 2, Article 56.
Representation: Although the law does not require you to be represented by a lawyer for this type of process, a lawyer with a valid Colombian professional license can represent you through a power of attorney, duly authenticated.
Relevant link for more information: