If you’ve ever typed “do I need a visa to Colombia” into a search bar, you’re not alone, especially as a U.S. citizen or an expat planning to invest, retire, or start a new chapter in Colombia. The truth is, while Colombia is incredibly welcoming, the legal process to stay beyond a short visit requires careful attention. And the answer to that question depends entirely on what you plan to do in the country.
This guide is here to help you understand the different visa paths available, when you need one, and how Gutierrez Group can support you every step.
So… do I need a visa to Colombia for a short visit?
If you’re a U.S. passport holder, you can enter Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days, and this stay can typically be extended once for an additional 90 days, bringing your total time to 180 days per calendar year. So, if you’re just coming for tourism or scouting the country before a move or investment, you’re covered for now.
But if you’re asking, do I need a visa to Colombia because you plan to stay long-term, work remotely, invest in property, retire, or open a business, then yes, a visa will be required.
Understanding the visa types
Retirement visa
For retirees with a steady income or pension, this visa allows you to live in Colombia comfortably and even opens the door to future residency.
Investment visa
Thinking of purchasing real estate or starting a company? Then you do need a visa to Colombia that reflects your commitment to the local economy. This visa is ideal for U.S. citizens buying homes or launching ventures here.
Digital Nomad visa
If you work remotely for a non-Colombian company, this newer visa (Nomad visa) option makes it easier to legally stay in Colombia while keeping your job abroad.
Resident visa
For those planning to make Colombia their permanent home, some visas transition into residency over time. It’s important to plan so you apply for a visa that can grow with you.
Do I need a visa to Colombia to buy property?
Buying a home doesn’t automatically give you residency, but it does qualify you for certain visas, especially if your investment meets a minimum threshold (currently around 650 times the monthly minimum wage in Colombia, or roughly USD 180,000). This is one of the most common ways expats make their stay official.
Gutierrez Group helps you identify eligible properties, handle legal reviews, and make sure your purchase counts toward your visa goals.
Why legal support matters
Even if you know the answer to “do I need a visa to Colombia?”, navigating the actual process from gathering paperwork to dealing with local bureaucracy is a whole different challenge.
Many expats get tripped up by small errors: missing apostilles, improperly translated documents, or incomplete applications. These mistakes can delay approvals or even result in rejections.
That’s why having a team like Gutierrez Group is key. We’ve helped over a thousand foreigners through this exact process. We know the system, we speak your language, and we make sure you don’t miss a step.
Can I transition from a visa to residency or citizenship?
Absolutely. Certain visas, like retirement and investment visas, open the door to permanent residency after a few years of legal stay. And after holding residency for 5 years (or less in some cases), you may be eligible for Colombian citizenship.
So, if you’re asking, do I need a visa to Colombia as part of a long-term plan, it’s worth thinking beyond the short stay, and setting things up the right way from the start.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to vacation for a few weeks, you’re probably fine without one. But if you’re serious about living, investing, or retiring in Colombia, then the answer to Do I need a visa to Colombia is almost certainly yes, and that visa can become the foundation for something much bigger. Gutierrez Group makes it simple. From choosing the right visa to buying property and handling legal paperwork, our team of bilingual experts ensures you’re always covered. We remove the uncertainty so you can focus on what brought you here in the first place: building a new life in a country full of opportunity.
