South America
Retire in Colombia
Colombia offers a mild, spring-like climate year-round and a cost of living around one-third that of the United States, making it an affordable long-term base. The country has solid healthcare coverage and a life expectancy in line with developed nations, supported by a growing expat community in cities like Medellín and Bogotá.
- Currency
- COP
- Main language
- Spanish
- Population
- 53M
At a glance
Cost of living
~62% cheaper than the US
national price level vs the US · World Bank (PPP ÷ FX rate), 2025
The five-factor profile
Each axis is a 0–100 score derived from the sourced indicators above and the climate normals below — nothing is hand-set. See the methodology for the exact formulas.
- Affordability76
- Healthcare82
- Climate comfort91
- Longevity78
- Prosperity57
Climate
Long-term climate normals for 3 representative cities. Annual mean 18.8°C · warmest month 19.5°C · coolest 18.2°C.
| City | Annual mean | January | July | Rain / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | 18.8°C | 19.1°C | 18.2°C | 1,624 mm |
| Medellín | 17.7°C | 17.5°C | 17.8°C | 2,270 mm |
| Cartagena | 28.1°C | 27.3°C | 28.6°C | 1,370 mm |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 climatology), long-term climatology.
Retirement-visa path
Colombia does not have a formal retirement visa, but offers long-stay residence options including the V visa (visitor) and migrant visas based on passive income, pension, or savings. A common path is the migrant visa, which typically requires proof of monthly passive income or savings; verify the current income threshold with the Colombian consulate, as requirements change. You may also extend tourist status or explore other long-stay categories. Always consult the official Colombian immigration authority (Migración Colombia) and your nearest consulate for current rules and your personal eligibility.
Official source: www.migracioncolombia.gov.co
AI-drafted from official sources · pending human review · drafted 2026-07-06
Taxes, briefly
Colombia taxes residents on worldwide income; consult a tax professional in both your home country and Colombia to understand your obligations and any tax treaties.
Safety & advisories
Check your government's official travel advisory for Colombia before deciding, as security conditions vary by region.
Who it tends to suit
Retirees seeking warm weather, low expenses, and access to good medical care who are comfortable with Spanish or willing to learn it.