Frequently asked questions
about moving to Medellín
Is Medellín a safe city to live in?
Medellín has improved significantly in terms of safety over the last two decades. Like any large city, some neighborhoods are safer than others. I have a blog that talks about this. I invite you to read it at this link.
Tips: You can also schedule a call with us to ask us your specific concerns, and we will help you resolve them one by one “Personalized orientation call.”
If you have already decided to come, but still having doubts to where, we can help you choose the areas that best suit your expectations in terms of safety and lifestyle. We can accompany to explore them in a “Customized tour” .
Can I communicate in English in Medellín?
In tourist areas and for some services, yes. But for everyday life, it is useful to speak basic Spanish. There are many places such as restaurants with menus in English and there are more and more bilingual waiters. Of course, in hotels it is safer to find English speakers, but in grocery stores, pharmacies, bakeries, neighborhood shops, organic markets, and taxis, it is very difficult to find anything other than Spanish.
Tip: we offer “Spanish survival immersion” courses of 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours to help you with the basics.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Medellín?
Many nationalities can enter Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days. I wrote a Blog About it. There is also a visa for digital nomads. We will guide you through the options and steps to apply for the best option for you. Contact us
Is it complicated to apply for a Nomad visa?
No, absolutely not. Requirements usually include proof of income ( from a company no Colombian or from your own company), medical insurance, and accommodation details. We can help you prepare and submit the documents if you wish.
What are the visa options for extended stays?
Colombia offers several visas: tourist (up to 180 days/year), M visa (migrant), TP-7 (retirement), and a visa for digital nomads. I invite you to read a blog I wrote about it.
How do I apply for a digital nomad visa in Colombia?
Recommended visa type: Visa V – Visa for digital nomads. This visa is for foreigners who work remotely for a non-Colombian company or as freelancers. It is generally valid for up to 2 years, with stays of up to 180 consecutive days per year, depending on the resolution.
Basic requirements:
- Valid passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months)
- proof of employment with a non-Colombian employer
- bank statements showing a steady income of at least 3 times the legal minimum monthly wage in Colombia (approx. US$700-900 per month)
- medical insurance valid in Colombia
- and a letter of intent describing your activity and confirming that your income does not come from Colombian clients
- Recent photo (white background).
How to apply:
- Go to the official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa
- Fill out the online form (Formulario Único de Trámites).
- Upload your documents in PDF format.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Wait for a response (approximately 5 to 10 business days).
- If approved, you will receive a digital visa that you must print and show to immigration. You do not need to apply in your country of origin; you can do so while in Colombia as a tourist. Need help? Contact us
How to apply for a retirement visa in Colombia?
Recommended visa type: M Visa – Retirement Visa (Pensionado).
This visa is for people who receive a stable monthly pension and wish to live in Colombia. It is valid for up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.
Basic requirements:
- Valid passport
- Pension or retirement income certificate (translated into Spanish and apostilled)
- proof of income: at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage (approx. US$700-900 per month)
- Medical insurance that covers you in Colombia
- Recent passport-type photo,
- Letter of application stating your intention to live in Colombia.
How to apply:
- Go to the official Colombian visa portal: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload the documents and translations (in PDF format).
- Pay the visa application fee online.
- Wait for approval (between 5 and 10 business days).
- If approved, download and print your electronic visa. You may be asked to present the documents in person at a Colombian consulate or the visa office in Bogotá if any issues arise. Official inquiries and updated requirements should always be checked on the website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consider working with an immigration lawyer if your situation is complex. We are happy to answer basic questions or point you in the right direction, but visa processing must be done directly through the Ministry or your local consulate.
How can I open a bank account and manage my finances in Colombia?
Most banks allow foreigners to open accounts with their passport and visa. However, it can be a bit challenging because not all staff speak English. We can accompany you to open your account to avoid any frustrations.
How is the Medellin cost of living compared to my home country?
Medellín is generally more affordable: rent, food, services, and entertainment are cheaper than in Europe and the US. In general, you can live from $1,000 to $3,000 US dollars, from simple to more luxurious lifestyle. I wrote a very detailed blog post about this with a breakdown of the cost of living by item. I invite you to read it.
Tip We can support you with an orientation call, an orientation Tour , house hunting. Feel free to contact us.
Can I access quality healthcare in Medellín?
Yes. Medellín has excellent hospitals and private clinics. We can help you choose the right health insurance and find English-speaking doctors. Please contact us for assistance.
What is the cost of living for a retiree?
In general, it is lower than in North America or Europe. We provide a realistic breakdown of the costs of housing, food, healthcare, and transportation. Please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Can I collect my pension while living in Colombia?
Yes. Pensions can be deposited into Colombian accounts or accessed through international transfers. If you wish, we will gladly assist you with the paperwork and banking logistics. Contact us for support. Our local advisor can support you.
What about taxes and residency status?
The TP-7 retirement visa is the most common. Tax obligations vary depending on your country of origin. If you need an expert advisor, we can put you in touch with one of our alliances. Contact us for support
What kind of lifestyle and community options are available?
What are the best areas to live in Medellín?
Laureles, El Poblado, Envigado, Castellana, Conquistadores, Manila, Malibu and Sabaneta are family-friendly, safe areas close to shops and amenities. We can help you choose based on your family’s needs and budget. There is nothing better than a local relocation advisor you can trust and rely on to meet your needs, somebody who advocates for your rights and defends your money finding legal and faire rates and contracts. We support expats, nomads and retired contact us.
I also wrote a blog about the best areas for expats, nomads or retired in Medellin, which I invite you to read.
If you would like a tour of any of these neighborhoods, or if you are torn between two or three of them and want to see them to make an informed decision, we can take you on a personalized Orientation tour where you choose exactly what you want to see. We also provide home search assistance based on your budget, preferences, and lifestyle. A local relocation agent will defend your interests and advocate for your rights and needs when dealing with housing offers and landlords
Are there good international or bilingual schools in Medellin?
Yes. Medellín has several bilingual and international schools. We can help you select the most suitable ones, visit them, and apply for a place. School search service
How can I register with the Medellin local authorities?
Foreigners must register with Migración Colombia and may also need to register with their local municipalities. We will guide you step by step through the process if you wish, we will be happy to accompany you to translate and ensure that everything is done quickly and without stress. Yes, I would like help
Medellin coworking spaces?
Medellín offers many coworking spaces with 24/7 access, meeting rooms, and community events. We can share our recommendations with you if you would like in a personalized orientation call to discuss other topics or questions you would like to validate with a local expert before your trip.
Is the internet reliable for remote work?
Yes. Medellín has solid fiber optic coverage. We can help you find the best accommodation, which will of course have high speed internet Support services for nomads
What are the most common challenges for nomads and how can I prepare?
Language barriers, time differences, and cultural adaptation are common.
We can answer all your concerns in a call to clear up any personal questions you may have. Prepare your questions and we will answer them in a short video call that will clarify everything you need to know. Only a local can be so helpful with advice, tips, and secrets that you don’t already know. I would like a Call
What support is available for spouses or partners?
The needs of the expat partner are often overlooked, yet their well-being plays a crucial role in the success or failure of any international assignment. A smooth transition depends not only on the employee but also on how well their companion adapts. Unfortunately, many companies still underestimate this reality. If you’re an HR manager reading this, we encourage you to reach out.
We offer a dedicated support program for corporate expat couples, including basic language immersion to navigate daily life, as well as guided integration into the local community. Helping both partners thrive is key to achieving productive and happy expats. Expat relocation Package (bundle)
Do you have relocation packages?
Yes, we have packages with all services included, For Nomads, for retired and for corporate expat families.
but we also offer à la carte services, which means that you can choose the services you want, 1, 2, 3… and put together your own combo or package according to your specific needs and budget. Take a look her the services we have
Is the orientation tour a tourist tour?
No, it is not. This one is a tour for people who are going to live in Medellín for 3 months or more and want to explore certain areas with a local expert before deciding which neighborhood to choose, how is the real life, how to do this and that in the daily basis. More info here
What does the personalized orientation call for?
It is to personally answer all the questions you may have before moving in, regarding security, neighborhoods, shops, shops, facilities, amenities, leisure, transportation, rents, costs, real estate listings, what to do and what to avoid, social etiquette, etc. A real expert local with secrets, tips, gems, curiosities, recommendations, all 100% customized; It is better than the IA, is invest 45 minutes in real human support. Read more here
Is the house search in person or virtual?
We offer both virtual and in-person support during your home search.
If you haven’t arrived in Medellín yet, we can guide you remotely. We’ll preselect properties based on your preferences—or filter them for you if you prefer—and offer live virtual tours. Our local field consultant will walk through each property on camera, showing both interior and exterior in real time. This helps you avoid surprises or frustrations when photos don’t reflect reality.
Once you’re in Medellín, we can support you in person throughout the entire process. If you’re staying in a hotel or temporary accommodation, we’ll help you organize property viewings, schedule appointments with agents, and manage all the logistics. We’ll pick you up, accompany you to each visit, advise you during negotiations, review contract terms, ensure your rights are respected, and support you through deposit, inspection, and move-in—all with a local expert by your side.
Check here the home search service if looking for an apartment or studio. Check here the Smart short-term accommodation if looking for B&B, Airbnb, co living.
What concierge services do you offer?
As a foreigner, there are many occasions when a local guide can change your experience, from accompanying you to the hairdresser if you do not speak well spanish, or being with you for shopping at farmers’ markets, support asking or being with you at medical or bank appointments, hiring a service provider, supporting when you need home repairs, guidance for official registrations, planning an event, planning a party, etc. contact us
What is the guardian angel service?
It is your “helping hand” in Medellín who can help you in a difficult moment when you need guidance or translation, for example, a problem with your landlord, a car accident, or a misunderstanding with a service provider, you lost your passport, you were robbed and does not what to do… occasions when you prefer somebody at the phone to help you in that difficulty. Learn more
Procedure to expat departure Colombia?
We can help you to advocate for your rights to take the maximum refund from the guaranteed deposit, support with the exit survey, even do a pre-visit before departing to prepare little maintenance and repairs, avoiding problems with the landlord afterward. More info here
Do you have services for departing?
Yes, we have packages for departing. More info