Moving to Colombia is simpler than most people expect. U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days (extendable to 180), giving you time to explore, set up basics, and decide whether this is the right fit before committing to a longer-term visa. But understanding the visa options, arrival logistics, and first-month essentials before you land makes the transition significantly smoother.
Visa Options
Colombia offers several visa categories for foreign nationals looking to stay beyond the initial tourist period. The most common pathways for expats include the digital nomad visa (for remote workers earning from foreign sources), the investor visa (for property owners or business investors above a threshold), the retirement visa (for those with pension income), and work visas for those employed by Colombian companies. Each category has specific income or investment requirements, and the right choice depends on your situation.
The digital nomad visa in particular has made Colombia significantly more accessible to remote workers. It provides legal residency for up to two years, with the ability to renew, and requires proof of income from foreign sources above a government-set minimum.
Getting There
Colombia's major international airports — José María Córdova (MDE) serving Medellín, El Dorado (BOG) in Bogotá, and Rafael Núñez (CTG) in Cartagena — receive direct flights from dozens of U.S., Canadian, and European cities. Medellín's MDE airport sits about 45 minutes outside the city in the mountains of Rionegro, connected by a modern highway. Bogotá's El Dorado is the region's busiest hub, with the widest selection of international routes.
From the airport, private transfers, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are all options. Having your ground transport arranged before landing — especially on a first visit — removes one layer of stress from arrival day.
Time zone advantage: Colombia operates on UTC-5 year-round (same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time). No daylight saving changes. This means easy coordination with family, clients, and business contacts back home — a significant quality-of-life detail that remote workers and retirees appreciate daily.
Your First 90 Days
Most successful relocations follow a predictable pattern. The first month is about logistics: find temporary housing (furnished apartments on monthly leases are abundant), get a Colombian SIM card, open a basic bank account or set up your international transfer method, and learn your neighborhood. The second month is about settling: sign a longer lease if you've found the right place, establish routines, find your grocery stores and restaurants, maybe start Spanish classes. By month three, the mechanics of daily life are running smoothly and you can focus on building the social and professional connections that make a place feel like home.
Learning Spanish is not strictly required — especially in expat-heavy neighborhoods — but it dramatically improves your quality of life and opens doors to local culture, friendships, and better prices on everything from housing to healthcare. Even basic conversational Spanish changes the experience fundamentally.
Practical Essentials
International money transfers are a regular part of expat life. Setting up Wise before you leave home ensures you can move money to Colombia at mid-market rates from day one. Health insurance — either Colombian EPS/prepaid plans or international coverage — should be sorted early. And if you're driving, know that Colombian traffic operates on its own logic; most expats rely on the metro, buses, and ride-hailing for the first year at minimum.
Plan Your Arrival
Airport guides, transfer options, and arrival essentials for getting into Medellín smoothly.
Medellín Airport Guide →