Retire in Colombia
Your complete guide to financial independence in Colombia for 2026
Popular nomad hub (Medellin) with great weather and low costs.
💰
32%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$550
Average Rent
per month
📊
10.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
5/10
Safety Score
security rating
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Colombia?
Lean FIRE
$241,371
For $640/mo lifestyle
Moderate
$362,057
For $960/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
$482,743
For $1,280/mo lifestyle
Luxury
$603,429
For $1,600/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 3.5% safe withdrawal rate and include Colombia's 10.0% capital gains tax.
Visa & Residency Options
Available Visas
Digital Nomad Visa (M)
Cost by Location Type
Urban
$715
30% more
Suburban
$550
baseline
Rural
$330
40% less
Cheaper Alternatives to Colombia
Compare with More Expensive Countries
Frequently Asked Questions about Colombia
Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.
The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.
It allows remote workers to stay for up to 2 years. You must earn 3x the minimum wage, roughly $1,100 USD/month.
Medellin is very popular, but safety has declined in some areas. Expats should stick to 'Estrato 5 or 6' neighborhoods for better security.
Residents (183+ days) are taxed on worldwide income, but the nomad visa allows you to work for foreign firms without local tax for a period.
In 2026, a high-end 1-bedroom in El Poblado or Laureles ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month.
Colombia has some of the best-ranked hospitals in Latin America. Private 'Medicina Prepagada' is affordable and high quality.
A Colombian ID card for residents. You need it for cell phone plans, gym memberships, and local bank accounts.
Yes, fiber optic is common in major cities, though stability can vary in more rural or mountainous regions.
Foreigners can drive for the duration of their tourist stay, but residents must obtain a Colombian license.
Medellin is the 'City of Eternal Spring' with year-round mild weather; Bogota is cooler, and the coast is hot and humid.
You can apply for renewal online through the Cancilleria portal before your current visa expires.
Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date
Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in Colombia based on your current savings and income.
Try the Freedom Calculator →