Medellin’s growing popularity among digital nomads, retirees, and international investors has made Colombia’s investment visa one of the most practical pathways to long-term residency. By purchasing property that meets specific criteria, foreigners can qualify for a visa that allows them to live in Colombia legally and reap the benefits of property ownership.

Here’s how to get started, what the requirements are, and how EVERYPLACE can guide you through every step of the process.

What Is the Investment Visa?

Colombia offers a Type M (Migrant) Visa for foreign investors who purchase real estate valued at or above 350 times the Colombian minimum monthly wage. This visa allows you to live, work, and do business in Colombia for up to 3 years, and can be renewed or converted to a permanent residency after 5 years.

In 2025, that minimum wage is \$1,300,000 COP, so the required investment amount is around \$455 million COP (~\$115,000 USD).

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the visa through property investment, you must:

• Purchase a registered property in Colombia (real estate only)
• Invest a minimum of ~COP 455 million (indexed annually to the minimum wage)
• Provide proof of ownership via public deed (escritura pública) and registration certificate
• Prove that the funds came from abroad and were registered with the Banco de la República

👉 Find eligible properties for sale in Medellin

Step-by-Step Process

1. Find and Purchase the Property

• Work with a reputable agency like EVERYPLACE to identify eligible properties
• Complete legal due diligence with a bilingual lawyer
• Ensure the title is clean, with no liens or legal issues

2. Register the Foreign Investment

• Funds must be transferred to Colombia through official channels
• The transaction must be declared with Form 4 at the Banco de la República
• This is critical for proving the origin of your funds and protecting your investment

3. Prepare Visa Application Documents

You’ll need:

• Valid passport
• Proof of property ownership (registered deed)
• Bank certification of the foreign investment
• Visa application form and proof of health insurance

4. Submit Your Application

Apply through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at a consulate. The visa is typically issued within 5–10 business days.

Maintaining and Renewing the Visa

To keep your investment visa active:

• You must not be outside of Colombia for more than 6 consecutive months
• You must continue to own the qualifying property
• After 5 years on a Type M visa, you may apply for permanent residency (Type R)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a pre-construction property that has not yet been deeded (you can’t register it yet)
• Failing to register your foreign funds properly, which invalidates your eligibility
• Misunderstanding the currency value requirement due to exchange rate fluctuations

EVERYPLACE ensures that all documents, wire transfers, and registrations are handled correctly—reach out here to speak with our legal and property experts.

Can You Rent Out the Property?

Yes—owning a property for visa purposes does not restrict how you use it. You can live in it, rent it out short-term or long-term, or use it seasonally.

👉 Explore Medellin rentals and property management services 👉 Browse apartments ideal for short- or long-term tenants

Conclusion

For foreigners looking to invest in Colombia and secure residency, Medellin offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, lifestyle, and visa accessibility. With the right property and proper legal guidance, you can make a smart investment that also opens the door to living in one of Latin America’s most dynamic cities.

Let EVERYPLACE help you identify qualifying properties, complete legal steps, and manage your investment in Medellin with confidence.