Living in Medellin: the ultimate expat guide

Medellín has emerged as a business hub in Latin America, attracting international investment and creating employment opportunities across multiple sectors. In 2025, the city secured over USD 400 million in foreign investment, creating more than 11,000 jobs—a remarkable 266% increase from 2024. While the local job market primarily serves Spanish speakers, opportunities exist for English-speaking professionals in specific industries.

Key Employment Sectors

The city's economy centers on technology, creative industries, infrastructure, and commerce. Medellín has positioned itself as a tech hub, hosting numerous startups and attracting remote workers. The call center industry employs thousands, offering positions for English speakers. Teaching English remains a popular option, with private schools and language institutes hiring native speakers. Salaries for English teachers typically range from USD 700 to USD 1,000 per month.

Work Authorization Requirements

Foreign nationals must obtain appropriate visa authorization before working legally in Colombia. The Migrant Visa (Type M-5) is required for employment with a Colombian company, valid for up to 3 years. Alternatively, the Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers employed by foreign companies to reside legally for up to 2 years, requiring proof of income equivalent to at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage (approximately USD 1,040/month in 2025).

The following table summarizes key employment indicators for Medellín:

Sources: Trading Economics, Numbeo

Medellín hosts over 35 universities, making it an important academic center in Latin America. The city offers both public and private institutions with programs spanning undergraduate through doctoral levels. While most programs are taught in Spanish, several universities offer Spanish courses for international students and some graduate programs in English.

Top Universities

The Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA) is the city's premier public institution, ranked among the top 650 universities globally and 17th in Latin America according to QS Rankings. Founded in 1803, it excels in medicine, engineering, and research. EAFIT University is highly regarded for business and engineering programs, ranking in the top 250 globally for Business and Management Studies. The Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Medellín campus offers over 875 international exchange agreements and specializes in architecture, science, and mining.

Admission and Tuition

International students require a Student Visa (M-type) for programs exceeding three months. Public universities charge approximately COP 2,000,000 (~USD 485) per semester, while private institutions range from COP 2,000,000 to COP 11,000,000 (~USD 485–2,660) per semester. Most institutions require Spanish proficiency, though university language centers offer preparatory courses. The academic calendar follows two semesters: February–June and August–December.

Key universities in Medellín:

1. Universidad de Antioquia: www.udea.edu.co
2. EAFIT University: www.eafit.edu.co
3. Universidad Nacional de Colombia: medellin.unal.edu.co
4. Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana: www.upb.edu.co

Sources: QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education

Medellín has become one of the most popular retirement destinations in Latin America, attracting pensioners with its combination of affordable living, excellent healthcare, pleasant climate, and welcoming culture. The city consistently ranks among the top retirement destinations worldwide in expat surveys.

Retirement Visa Requirements

The Retirement Visa (Type M-11 Pensionado) allows foreign nationals receiving pension income to reside legally in Colombia. Unlike many countries, there is no age requirement—eligibility is based solely on income. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly pension of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage, which in 2025 equals approximately COP 4,270,500 (~USD 1,040/month). The visa is initially granted for 1–3 years and renewable. After 5 consecutive years, holders may apply for permanent residency.

Healthcare and Tax Considerations

Colombia's healthcare system offers high-quality care at significantly lower costs than North America. Private health insurance costs approximately USD 100–300/month depending on age and coverage level. Modern hospitals in Medellín are equipped with advanced technology and many doctors speak English. Regarding taxes, foreign pension income is generally exempt from Colombian income tax up to 1,000 UVT monthly (~USD 12,100/month in 2025)—meaning most retirees pay no Colombian taxes on their pension. However, note that Colombia does not have a tax treaty with the United States, requiring careful tax planning.

Sources: Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombia Visas

Medellín offers diverse educational options for expat families, though it's important to note there are no fully international schools comparable to those in major global cities. Instead, the city features several high-quality bilingual and international-curriculum schools that cater to foreign families. Most follow the Colombian academic calendar, running February to November.

Bilingual and International Schools

The Columbus School in Envigado is the most sought-after option, offering American-style education from Pre-K through Grade 12. Accredited by AdvancED, it provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma for high school students. Annual tuition ranges from USD 8,000 to USD 15,000 depending on grade level. Vermont School, an IB World School, operates campuses in El Poblado and El Retiro with strong emphasis on technology and environmental education. Montessori British School combines Montessori philosophy with the British curriculum, ideal for families valuing personalized learning.

Enrollment and Considerations

Admission processes typically begin 12–18 months in advance due to high demand, especially at top schools. Required documents include academic transcripts, immunization records, and passport copies—all requiring official Spanish translation. Private schools with monthly fees exceeding COP 800,000 (~USD 195) generally offer bilingual education and international certifications. Public schools provide free education but instruction is entirely in Spanish and quality varies significantly.

Annual tuition at international schools:

Sources: The Columbus School, Vermont School

Finding housing in Medellín requires understanding the city's estrato system—a socioeconomic classification from 1 (lowest) to 6 (highest) that affects utility costs and rent. Most expats settle in estratos 4–6, which offer modern amenities, security, and reliable services. The rental market offers both furnished and unfurnished options, with short-term rentals common through platforms like Airbnb and long-term leases available through local agencies.

Popular Expat Neighborhoods

El Poblado is the most popular expat area, featuring upscale restaurants, coworking spaces, and a 25–30% foreign resident population. One-bedroom apartments range from USD 700–900/month. The vibrant Provenza and Lleras Park areas offer nightlife and international cuisine. Laureles-Estadio, named "World's Coolest Neighborhood" by Time Out in 2023, offers a more authentic Colombian experience with flatter terrain and lower costs—one-bedroom apartments average USD 400–600/month. Envigado, technically a separate municipality, provides a family-friendly atmosphere with traditional charm at USD 350–550/month for a one-bedroom.

Rental Costs and Procedures

Rental agreements typically require one to two months' deposit upfront. Long-term leases usually exclude utilities, which average COP 200,000–500,000 (~USD 50–120)/month for a standard apartment. Websites like Fincaraiz and Metrocuadrado list local-priced rentals. Be cautious of scams—always visit properties before transferring funds.

Sources: Numbeo (December 2025)

Medellín offers a rich cultural scene and abundant recreational opportunities that cater to diverse interests. From world-class museums to outdoor adventures in the surrounding mountains, the city provides endless possibilities for exploration and entertainment.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Museo de Antioquia in Plaza Botero houses an extensive collection of works by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous artist, alongside his 23 monumental bronze sculptures displayed in the adjacent plaza—free to view. The Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín (MAMM) showcases contemporary Colombian and international art in the revitalized Ciudad del Río district. The Parque Explora science museum features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and South America's largest freshwater aquarium with over 4,000 species.

Parks and Outdoor Activities

The Jardín Botánico spans 14 hectares of tropical gardens and hosts free concerts and cultural events. The Metrocable to Parque Arví provides a scenic 15-minute ride over the forest to a 16,000-hectare nature reserve offering hiking trails, ecological tours, and local markets. The Estadio Atanasio Girardot complex hosts football matches for local teams Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín, plus major international concerts.

Nightlife and Entertainment

El Poblado's Parque Lleras and the trendy Provenza area offer upscale bars and international cuisine. For a more authentic experience, La 70 in Laureles features salsa clubs and local hangouts popular with Colombians. The International Poetry Festival (June) and Feria de las Flores (August) are highlight annual events celebrating Colombian culture through music, parades, and artistic performances.

Daily life in Medellín blends modern convenience with warm Colombian culture. The city operates at a relaxed pace, with businesses typically opening 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday remains a family day, with many establishments closed or operating reduced hours. The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP), and while credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, cash remains essential for smaller purchases and local vendors.

Getting Around

Medellín boasts Colombia's only metro system, a source of local pride renowned for cleanliness and efficiency. The network integrates two rail lines, seven cable car lines (Metrocable), a tramway, and bus rapid transit (Metroplús). A single fare costs COP 3,430 (~USD 0.85) with the Cívica card, offering an 11% discount over cash fares. The metro operates Monday–Saturday 4:30 AM–11:00 PM and Sunday 5:00 AM–10:00 PM. Ride-sharing apps including Uber and DiDi are widely used, with cross-city trips costing USD 3–6. Taxis are affordable with a starting fare around COP 5,000 (~USD 1.25).

Lifestyle and Culture

Paisas (Medellín natives) are known for their warmth and hospitality. Spanish is essential for deeper integration, though English is increasingly spoken in El Poblado and business settings. The city offers excellent coffee culture, vibrant nightlife, and numerous outdoor activities thanks to its mild climate. The "menú del día" (set lunch) at local restaurants costs USD 3–5 and typically includes soup, a main course, and juice—an excellent way to eat affordably while experiencing local cuisine.

Medellín offers exceptional value for expats, with living costs significantly lower than in North America, Europe, or Australia. The city ranks among the most affordable destinations in Latin America while maintaining a high standard of living. Your actual expenses will vary based on lifestyle choices, neighborhood, and spending habits.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

A single person can live comfortably in Medellín on USD 1,200–1,800/month, covering rent in a modern apartment, dining out regularly, entertainment, and transportation. Budget-conscious individuals can manage on USD 800–1,000/month by choosing less central neighborhoods and cooking at home more frequently.

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Families should budget USD 2,500–3,500/month for a comfortable lifestyle including a larger apartment, international school fees, and family activities.

Sources: Numbeo (December 2025), Expatistan