Medellín's eternal spring climate plus a friendly retirement visa
Medellín — the 'City of Eternal Spring' — is one of the fastest-growing expat retirement destinations in the Americas. 70°F year-round, modern metro system, excellent private healthcare, and a US-dollar-strong cost of living. Colombia's retirement visa is straightforward and the country has stabilized substantially over the past 20 years.
Requires ~3× Colombian minimum wage in monthly pension income — roughly $1,000/month in 2025 (rises with Colombian minimum wage annually). Three-year visa, renewable. Permanent residency available after 5 years of M visas.
Residents (183+ days) are taxed on worldwide income at progressive brackets up to 39%. Foreign pension income IS taxable in Colombia (with US Foreign Tax Credit offsetting on the US side). DIAN enforcement on retiree foreign income has tightened post-2022 — work with a local accountant. Colombia's wealth tax applies above ~3,000 UVT (roughly USD $1.4M equivalent in 2025), but the threshold is set annually in Colombian pesos and varies — confirm current limits before relocating.
EPS (private prepaid system) available for ~$80–150/month per person. Major hospitals in Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali are excellent — Colombia is a recognized medical tourism destination. JCI-accredited hospitals include Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe in Medellín.
Medellín is famously spring-like (65–80°F) year-round at 4,900 ft. Cartagena and the coast are hot and humid. Bogotá at 8,600 ft is cooler (50–65°F).
Ranked by overall rating. Click any city for the full guide.
$2,000/mo couple · Safety 3/5 · Healthcare 4/5
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Open tax estimator →Migrant Visa Type M (Pensioner). Requires ~3× Colombian minimum wage in monthly pension income — roughly $1,000/month in 2025 (rises with Colombian minimum wage annually). Three-year visa, renewable. Permanent residency available after 5 years of M visas.
Residents (183+ days) are taxed on worldwide income at progressive brackets up to 39%. Foreign pension income IS taxable in Colombia (with US Foreign Tax Credit offsetting on the US side). DIAN enforcement on retiree foreign income has tightened post-2022 — work with a local accountant. Colombia's wealth tax applies above ~3,000 UVT (roughly USD $1.4M equivalent in 2025), but the threshold is set annually in Colombian pesos and varies — confirm current limits before relocating.
EPS (private prepaid system) available for ~$80–150/month per person. Major hospitals in Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali are excellent — Colombia is a recognized medical tourism destination. JCI-accredited hospitals include Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe in Medellín.
A couple lives well on $1,800–$2,800/month in Medellín; Cartagena pricier; smaller cities lower.
Information on this page is for general planning and educational purposes only — not legal, immigration, or tax advice.