Living in Colombia: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Colombia.

Guide updated byVeedushi Bissessur, on 10 October 2022

If you are looking for an authentic expat experience, Colombia is probably the ideal destination for you. Surrounded by Amazonian forests, valleys and beaches, it is can be a real adventure track for expats.

By choosing to live in Colombia, you will enjoy a dynamic and relaxed environment all at once in a tropical climate, as well as the warmth of a multiethnic population, thus enriching your expat experience.

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Formalities and visas in Colombia

All you need to know to enter Colombia and settle in. Learn entry requirements, the documents you need, how to apply for a visa or residency, and tips to navigate the bureaucracy smoothly.

Visas for Colombia

There are 3 types of visas for foreigners who wish to live in Colombia. If you are planning to stay ...

The Working Holiday Visa for Colombia

What makes Colombia unique is that it is one of the most diverse countries in the world, bordered ...

Travelling to Colombia

Foreigners visiting or moving to Colombia should research all the requirements well in advance of travel. For a short-term stay, a passport is ...

How to drive in Colombia

Working in Colombia

Boost your international career. Understand the local labour market, the legal framework, how to adapt your resume, apply to job offers and tips to find a job in Colombia.

Finding work in Colombia

Though the economy in Colombia is continuing to grow, it can be difficult for foreigners to find ...

Become a digital nomad in Colombia

Located primarily in the northwest of South America (with some territories in Central America), ...

Studying in Colombia

Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Colombia.

Study in Colombia

Colombia is home to several of the region's top universities. In fact, Bogotá is known as the “Athens of South America” ...

Finance and banks in Colombia

Tips to manage your money in Colombia: from opening a bank account, transferring funds to filling your tax and understanding the fiscal system.

Banking and finances in Colombia

Colombia is an appealing location for expats because of the low cost of living. Though the cost of imported items is high, services and locally ...

The taxation system in Colombia

Any foreigner working in Colombia is liable for taxes. The main national taxes are the income tax, the income tax for equality (CREE), the value ...

Health care in Colombia

Understand the healthcare system in Colombia: public and private health system, health insurance options, how to access medical care...

The healthcare system in Colombia

Healthcare is a primary concern for anyone moving abroad and future expats will be happy to learn about the excellent care available in Colombia. In ...

Accommodation in Colombia

Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Colombia. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Accommodation in Colombia

As long as you know what to expect, finding and securing accommodation in Colombia isn't too difficult. Demand for housing is high, but there is ...

Planning your move to Colombia

Moving to Colombia? Get advice and tips to planning your relocation, choosing the best company, packing your belongings and managing customs procedures.

Relocating to Colombia

Moving is stressful and requires good planning. A shipping company will greatly reduce the stress of moving your belongings internationally as they ...

Leisure in Colombia

Enjoy you free time while living in Colombia. Discover sports, leisure, cultural activities and entertainment options to make the most of your expat life.

Leisure activities in Colombia

Both visitors and those who stay long term in Colombia will have no shortage of things to do. Colombia's rich culture and diverse natural ...

Everyday life in Colombia

Want to know what life in Colombia is really like? Here's a taste: explore the country, find tips to use transportation, to set up internet and phone services, and everything you need to live like a local.

Travelling around Colombia

Most Colombians live in urban centers and do not own cars. That said, expats living in large or mid-size Colombian cities will have lots of easy ...

Phones and internet in Colombia

Keeping in touch with friends and family is a top concern no matter where you are living. In order to stay in contact while abroad, you'll likely ...

Childcare, family activities and education in Colombia

Family is extremely important to Colombians and many expats find it a great place to raise children. Colombia boasts access to excellent ...

Discovering Colombia

About Veedushi Bissessur

I hold a French diploma and worked as a journalist in Mauritius for six years. I have over a decade of experience as a bilingual web editor at Expat.com, including five years as an editorial assistant. Before joining the Expat.com team, I worked as a journalist/reporter in several Mauritian newsrooms. My experience of over six years in the Mauritian press gave me the opportunity to meet many prominent figures and cover a wide range of events across various topics.

Join the Colombia expat community

Connect with +3M members

Share your experience and get insights from fellow expats