Colombia Rentista Visa (V): Passive Income Requirements, Costs, Timeline (2026)
Financial benchmark (2026): The Colombian minimum wage (SMMLV) for 2026 is COP $1,750,905, so 10 SMMLV equals COP $17,509,050/month in passive income (exchange-rate risk applies if you earn in USD/EUR).
The Rentista Visa is generally used by foreigners who receive recurring, lawful passive income (for example: rental income, dividends, annuity payments, interest, or similar) and want to live in Colombia without working locally. This page follows the current visa framework under Resolution 5477.
See our full overview of Colombian visa categories and the step-by-step Colombia visa guide.
Quick Snapshot
- Best for: People with stable passive income who want to reside in Colombia without local employment.
- Typical minimum income reference: 10 SMMLV (2026: COP $17,509,050/month).
- Validity: Often granted from 6 months up to 2 years depending on the file and discretion.
- Local work: This visa is not designed to authorize paid work for a Colombian employer or Colombian clients.
If you need a work-authorizing route, compare with Colombia work visas. If you want a long-term strategy, review permanent residency and our residency guide.
Related Topics of Interest for You:
Who Qualifies for the Rentista Visa?
You are usually a strong candidate if you can show:
- Recurring passive income from a lawful source (documented and traceable).
- Income consistency (not a single lump-sum month).
- Clear third-party evidence that matches your bank deposits (contracts, statements, issuer letters, dividend statements, lease agreements, etc.).
- Clean, readable PDFs and consistent personal data across documents.
Common “not-a-fit” situations:
- Your primary income is salary/commissions (other visa categories may be more appropriate).
- Your income is irregular, undocumented, or cannot be verified by a reliable issuer.
- Key documents are missing apostille/legalization and/or Spanish translations (when applicable).
Need help preparing compliant documents? See translations & apostilles in Colombia.
Income Requirement: 10 SMMLV Explained (2026)
For 2026, SMMLV is COP $1,750,905. A common Rentista threshold reference is 10 SMMLV:
- 10 SMMLV (2026) = COP $17,509,050/month
Accepted passive-income examples
- Rental income supported by lease agreements and proof of payment.
- Dividends supported by broker statements and corporate/dividend documentation.
- Annuity/retirement-fund payments documented by the issuer and matched to deposits.
- Interest income supported by bank certificates and account statements.
Exchange-rate risk (very important)
If your income arrives in foreign currency, your bank statements should still show that deposits, when converted to COP at the time of deposit, consistently clear the COP threshold. Many refusals come from relying on a “good” exchange rate instead of a conservative buffer.
For tax planning around recurring income, see Colombia tax planning and personal tax declarations.
Rentista Visa Requirements Checklist (Practical)
1) Core documents
- Passport (bio page scan).
- Photo meeting platform specs (white background; correct format/size).
- Cover letter explaining the passive-income source and monthly average amount.
2) Proof of passive income (match your profile)
- Issuer certificate/statement (bank, broker, fund administrator, corporation, property manager, or other competent issuer) confirming recurring income.
- Supporting contracts (lease agreements, shareholder documentation, annuity terms, loan agreements, etc.).
- Bank statements showing deposits that match the stated source and meet the monthly threshold (commonly 3–6 months, depending on the case).
3) Translations & legalization
- Non-Spanish documents should be translated, and foreign-origin documents may need apostille/legalization depending on country and document type.
4) Criminal background checks (2026 operational practice)
- Baseline: Be prepared to provide a police certificate from your country of citizenship if requested.
- Discretionary: Authorities can request additional police certificates from other jurisdictions depending on the case.
For document preparation support, see translations & apostilles and our visa filing guide.
Important Considerations
Visa Validity and Conditions:
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- The Rentista Visa is now classified as a Visitor (V) Visa, valid for up to two years.
- This visa does not permit employment in Colombia but does allow for studying.
- The visa becomes invalid if you remain outside Colombia for six or more consecutive months.
Additional Requirements:
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- You must submit a criminal background certificate, which can be issued in Colombia or your current or previous country of residence.
- Income from rental properties in Colombia can also be used to meet the income requirements.
Recent Changes in Visa Regulations
The Ministry of Foreign Relations announced new visa regulations under Resolution 5477 on July 22, 2022. These regulations, effective from October 22, 2022, reclassified the Rentista Visa from the Migrant (M) category to the Visitor (V) category, introducing new requirements and rules for applicants.
For more detailed guidance or assistance with your application, please feel free to contact my office.
How to Apply Online (SITAC)
- Prepare files: photo + PDFs (clear, readable, correctly labeled).
- Submit the online application carefully (typos and inconsistencies can cause refusal without refund).
- Pay the study fee when prompted.
- Respond quickly if additional documents or an interview are requested.
- If approved, pay the issuance fee and receive the electronic visa.
If you need help choosing the right category before applying, start here: visa overview.
Processing Timeline (What’s Realistic)
- Authority response time after study payment: typically within 5 business days.
- If additional documents or an interview are required: the term may be extended up to 30 calendar days from the online application registration date.
- Document prep time: often the longest part (collecting issuer certificates, apostilles, translations, and banking evidence).
Best practice: build a file that “tells one consistent story” (income source → issuer proof → deposits → monthly average).
Costs (Government Fees + Practical Budgeting)
Colombian visa processing typically involves two payments: a study fee and, if approved, an issuance fee. The exact totals can vary by category, nationality, and where you apply.
- Government fees: confirm the current tariff at the moment you file (fees change and are not guaranteed).
- Document costs: apostilles/legalization, certified translations, courier/shipping, and notarizations (case-dependent).
- Exchange-rate buffer: if paid in foreign currency, plan for COP fluctuations so you still exceed the monthly threshold.
After Approval: Staying Compliant
- Don’t work locally unless you hold a visa/status that authorizes it.
- Keep your income evidence updated for renewals (issuer letters + statements + deposit trail).
- Tax planning: time in Colombia and your income type may trigger reporting obligations. Review tax planning, getting a Colombian tax ID (RUT/NIT), and personal tax filings.
What We Do in Rentista Cases (Practical Legal Support)
- Eligibility screening: confirm your income fits a passive-income profile and can be documented.
- Evidence design: build a clear proof chain (issuer → contract/asset → monthly income → deposits).
- Document readiness: translations/apostilles and PDF quality control before upload.
- Response handling: structured replies if the Authority requests clarification or additional documents.
If you also have an investment strategy, compare with the investor visa route.
What Documents Are Required For Colombia Rentista Visa?
The required documents for obtaining the Colombia Rentista (M-11) Annuity Visa:
Passport Photocopy
A clear photocopy of the first page of your valid passport, displaying your biographical data. This photocopy can be in either color or black and white.
Proof of Legal Entry
A photocopy of the passport page showing the most recent entry or departure stamp for Colombia.
Photocopy of Previously Issued Visa
If you have previously been issued a Colombian visa (such as a student visa), a photocopy of this visa must be provided.
Proof of Fixed Income
A certificate from a public entity or private company that specifies the fixed income paid to the visa applicant. The income must exceed ten times the monthly minimum wage in Colombia.
Passport Photo
A digital passport photo with the following specifications: white background, maximum size of 100 KB, in JPG format. The photo must not include earrings, hats, or white shirts.
Certificate of Good Standing
If required, the visa applicant may need to present a certificate of good standing for the entity issuing the income certification.
Bank Statements
If required, the visa applicant may need to provide six months of bank statements to demonstrate consistent income.
Criminal Background Check
A criminal background certificate from the country where the applicant has resided in the last three years is mandatory. This certificate can be issued in Colombia or the applicant’s current or prior country of residence
Proof of Health Insurance
Proof of health insurance with comprehensive coverage is required. The insurance must cover hospitalization, illness, accident, disability, death, and repatriation.
For personalized assistance with your application or further inquiries, please feel free to contact my office.
Bia is in charge or registering and issuing corporate certificates, and acts. Each city has its own local regioinal office. For example in Medellin the link to the chamber of commerce.
FAQ: Colombia Rentista Visa (2026)
How much passive income do I need for a Rentista visa in 2026?
A commonly used benchmark is 10 SMMLV. With SMMLV at COP $1,750,905 in 2026, that equals COP $17,509,050/month. Stronger files show a consistent monthly average and a clean deposit trail.
How many months of bank statements should I upload?
Many applicants use 3–6 months depending on the income type and issuer documentation. The goal is consistency: deposits should match the claimed source and monthly average.
Do I need a police certificate?
In operational practice, authorities often focus on a home-country police certificate when they request background documentation, but they may request additional jurisdictions depending on the case.
Can salary qualify as “rentista” income?
Rentista is typically framed around passive, recurring income (rentals, dividends, annuities, interest). If your income is mainly salary/commissions, another visa category is usually a better fit.
How long does the visa decision take?
After the study fee is paid, a response is typically issued within 5 business days. If additional documents or an interview are required, it may extend up to 30 calendar days from the online application registration date.
Is the Rentista visa a direct path to permanent residency?
Not necessarily. If your goal is long-term residency, review permanent residency options and our residency guide early in your planning.
