Retirement Visa

Gator says on Feb 18, 2006, 15:39:

Tinto Is Correct.... with the increase in the minumum wage in Colombia on January 1 of this year it will come to roughly $1800 USD a month.

"Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscripti catapults habebunt."

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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miamimike says on Feb 18, 2006, 21:10:

$1800 is steep! They need to drop that down to what is in Panama, around $500-$600 per month. Mexico is low also, requiring around the same. And its working for Mexico, at least around Guadalajara, as somewhere between 50,000-60,000 Northamercans have retired there.Colombia needs to drop this $1800 prerequisite and offer incentives like Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua. In these countries(except mexico), on your initial move, you can bring in one container of household furnishings Tax Free and one car, boat and motorcycle.Then every 2-3 years you can import a New car or Cycle again.The Pensionado application is fairly transparent and quick as these governments realize the Huge benefit of Hard Currency entering their country's economy. It astounds me COl hasn't got on the Bandwagon!

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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Colombian Services says on Feb 20, 2006, 10:50:

Here is a link for visa information You can even fill out the application on line.
http://www.colhouston.org/english/visas.htm

Best Wishes,
Bob

*********************
Miami Phone: 1-305-433-2299
Colombian Services Group:
www.Colombian-Services.com
www.FlowersToColombia.com
www.BogotaColombiaLodging.com

Bob - www.BogotaColombiaLodging.com - www.FlowersToColombia.com - www.Colombian-Services.com

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creamontop says on Feb 22, 2006, 01:14:

Is this for USA Citizens only ? I read this quiet special and interesting subject. As I would like to retire in colombia some day later in life. 1800 US monthly is this for US citizens only ? I cannot find this information anywhere. I have been looking to websites of embassies in europe and none states the amount one should receive in order to be legally valid to receive a temporary pensionada visa. Only the visa is granted for a period of 1 year at once is information available.



yo me puse tengo un guayabo ahora, yo seguro hace cuando estoy en Colombia

yo me puse tengo un guayabo ahora, yo seguro hace cuando estoy en Colombia

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creamontop says on Feb 22, 2006, 01:15:

Is this for USA Citizens only ? I read this quiet special and interesting subject. As I would consider to retire in Colombia some day later in life. 1800 US monthly is this for US citizens only ? I cannot find this information anywhere. I have been looking to websites of embassies in europe and none states the amount one should receive in order to be legally valid to receive a temporary pensionada visa. Only the visa is granted for a period of 1 year at once is information available.



yo me puse tengo un guayabo ahora, yo seguro hace cuando estoy en Colombia

yo me puse tengo un guayabo ahora, yo seguro hace cuando estoy en Colombia

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Gator says on Feb 22, 2006, 15:08:

You must Have... an income of 10 times the Colombian minimum which was raised January 1, 2006 to about 408.000 pesos a month. Multiply that by ten and you will get 4.080.000 pesos. Divide that by the current exchange rate of what ever currency you are dealing in and that will be what your income must be relative to the peso. US Dollars have noting to do with it.

SPECIAL TEMPORARY VISA FOR A PENSIONER (TS)
It is granted to a foreigner who receives monthly pension provided externally by a Government, Entity or Private Company, in a quantity EQUIVALENT TO A MINIMUM OF 10 MONTHLY MINIMUM SALARY IN COLOMBIA.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Valid Passport with at least 3 available pages and good for at least a minimum of 6 months.

2. Two (2) copies of the passport, including the information pages as well as all used (stamped) pages.

3. Two (2) original Visa Application Forms fully signed and completely filled out in duplicate.

4. Three (3) recent taken color passport-type photographs (1.5”x1.5”).

5. Original of the Certificate of Record Search. This is a police clearance certificate from the city of residency showing applicant's criminal record (if any) and is known as a "Certificate of Record Search."
This certificate must be updated (issued within the last six months), translated into Spanish and both versions (English and Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE from the Secretary of State of the State where it was issued. This certificate is required ONLY if you do not hold a current Colombian visa.

6. Original of the certification issued by the official entity, government or private company, recognized by the respective government that pays the pension. It must be translated into Spanish, authenticated by the respective Consular Office and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the norms established by the Civil Procedure Code or APOSTILLE when corresponded.

Since this is set by the Colombian Constitution and by Colombian law it is the same worldwide. Feel free to contact any Colombian Embassy or Consulate and you will get the same reply. You can also, if your Spanish is good enough chek the MRE web site in Bogotá



"Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscripti catapults habebunt."

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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lpdiver says on Feb 23, 2006, 07:18:

Gator... This is not applicable if your are married to a Colombiana is it?

T

"cook some rice!"

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Gator says on Feb 23, 2006, 12:59:

Makes No Difference. For a pensionado visa that's what you need. But if you are married a spouse visa is the way to go.

"Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscripti catapults habebunt."

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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miamimike says on Feb 24, 2006, 01:54:

What Incentives/Benefits are there in Colombia for a Pensianado? That is, over a simple tourist Visa? What can you do with Visa that you cannot do a Tourist Visa, otherwise then not having to leave the country every so often?

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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Gator says on Feb 24, 2006, 13:44:

If... you only want to be a tourist why spend $$$$ for a different visa???
One benefit is you are eligible for a cedula which makes life in Colombia a helluva lot simpler. All I did was answer the original poster's question.

"Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscripti catapults habebunt."

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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miamimike says on Feb 24, 2006, 20:43:

Still I don't see the Tangible benefits.. and while there may be some what I am trying to determine, for a Retiree, what does he/she receive after going thry this effort to procure a Col Retiree Visa. In Panama, Honduras, Nicaraugua there are Tangible benefits such as Reductions at restaurants, Medication discounts, Public transit discounts. After you receive your Retiree(pensionado visa)in any of these 3 countries, you can import One Container of your Household Articles(washer, dryer, furniture, ect)TAX FREE-No import Duties. In addition, you may Import at this time a Car, Boat, and Motorcycle Tax Duty Free. You can repeat this Vehicle Importation scenario every 2-3 years, Duty Free. These are Real Defineable benefits and the respective countries realize while costly, the Hard Currency brought in by these Retirees far out weigh the Cost. This was and is what I am trying to find out about Col. To date, otherwise then not having to return to the states or a 3rd country to have your passport stamped, I can't find what the Benefits are. As many here have posted, you don't need a Cedulla for the purchase of health insurance. Maybe own a Pistol, many could care less about that. So what is there?

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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Gator says on Feb 25, 2006, 07:44:

If... you are coming as an occasional tourist there is no advantage.
Cedula de Extranjeria saves a lot of time and effort.
If you want those benefits then relocate to Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua. Since it does not apply in Colombia and you wish to live in Colombia what difference does that make? But keep in mind what happened in Costa Rica when the government eliminated the benefits you speak of roughly eight yeas ago. You pays your money and you takes your chances.



"Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscripti catapults habebunt."

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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NewBoy says on Feb 25, 2006, 10:07:

miamimike With a tourist visa you can only spend 6 months maximium in any year, on a retirement visa, you can spend the full year if you want, or longer.

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miamimike says on Feb 25, 2006, 14:31:

I was aware the Fact you don't need to exit the Country and for a Retiree who is looking for a Deal(and who isn't)to stretch his dollars this is the Main Advantage, what you mention Newboy. a Friend of mine, who has traveled extensively in SOuth & Central America, Mexico & Carribbean elected to Hang his retiree hat in Panama,for some of the above reasons mentioned. He will stay there 5-6 months a year.Lots of Tangible benefits and in many Panama Areas, lots of smiliarities betwwen Col and Panamma. Poster Viewpoint is big on Panama also. It all depends on the Individual and how far you want to stretch your Dollars. Still with all the Baby Boomers coming of Retirement age soon and a certain percent of them looking to retirement(out of the US) and ALL their Dollars they will bring to whatever country they decide to retire in, I say again, I would think a country like Col would jump on the Bandwagon and start to offer incentives as these other countries already are doing. And enjoy the Money Windafll these retirees bring along...

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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miamimike says on Feb 25, 2006, 15:01:

Gator, this the question"Cedula de Extranjeria saves a lot of it Could you tell me what exactly what does it "save in time and effort"? In what aspects?

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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rjstuff says on Feb 26, 2006, 08:09:

Colombia may not be ready for us yet! Colombia has a very poor image in terms of personal security (I have bene there and like it but wouldn't live there.) Even the Colombianos tell you to be careful of where you live, where you go and how you travel etc.
Once the crime against ordinary citizens is under control, the govt. can then think of going after the babyboomers - till then they do not have a very big chance as it is well known that Americans have a big target on their backs as far as ransom/kidnappings/robbery/murder go! I am more in favor of Costa rica and Panama at this point.

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Gator says on Feb 27, 2006, 20:04:

Good For You.,.. Head for Coral Gables and get that visa.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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plokij says on Feb 28, 2006, 09:37:

PastyGringo You wrote:

"It is a visa company run by Colombians a block away from the consulate"

Any name of that company, address and/or phone # ?

TIA,

plokij

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miamimike says on Mar 6, 2006, 06:28:

Gator, this was the comparison type Chart I was looking for Though this is on Mexico, it delineates some of what Can and Cannot be done with a Rentista Visa as compared to a Tourist Visa. They should add to the below list also that as a holder of a Mexico Rentista(pensioner visa) you are eligible to purchase health insurance in the Nacional Social Security system, mexicos' national health care system, at a cost of $28.50 monthly and pretty fair coverage at that. Do yopu know of any Chart that exists like this for Colombia?



A Brief Stay (less than 6 months), Visiting Mexico


Tourist Visa for Mexico:
The tourist visa or FMT is granted to those visiting Mexico for a period of up to six months. If you are already in the country and your visa was granted for a period shorter than six months, you can request an extension of the term. It is recommended you request this extension fifteen days prior to the expiration of your visa.


Where to get a Tourist Visa:
At any Mexican Consulate, a travel agency, at the border or when traveling by plane you will be provided with one, depending on your nationality.
How to fill it in
You will be asked to provide certain information such as your full name, place and date of birth, gender, destination, reason for your visit and so on. You will not have a problem filling in these blanks.
In case you would like to request the extension of your FMT
These are the DOCUMENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE IN HAND FOR THE PROCEDURE:
Your passport and a photocopy.
The original FMT
A letter requesting the extension of the term.
Things you should keep in mind

Upon returning to your country, you will have to return the FMT to the authorities. Keep it in a safe place so you don't lose it.
The tourist visa for Mexico does not allow you to work in the country.
Please note that certain nationalities have a restricted entrance to the country. In such cases you must be invited by a family member, a friend, or a corporation. Request the visa from the Mexican authorities. The visa will be granted as long as all the requirements are fulfilled.
Business Trip
Please refer to the information provided herein above.

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Staying for More than 6 Months


What are you planning on doing here?


When you have decided you want to stay for extended periods of time or are thinking of immigrating to Mexico you may request from the authorities the corresponding immigration permits, which are the FM2 and the FM3.

FM3
As a holder of an FM3 you are allowed to stay in the country as a NON IMMIGRANT for a period of one year. This permit may be renewed annually. After the fifth year you may be interested in acquiring the next immigration status (IMMIGRANT) or simply continue as an FM3 holder.
FM2
This document applies to the IMMIGRANTS. As an immigrant you're not a permanent resident but you are eligible to apply to become an INMIGRADO (permanent resident - for residency in Mexico).
Advantages and Disadvantages of the FM2/FM3: Things you should consider.

FM3: As a NON IMMIGRANT you don't acquire residency rights.
FM3: You are entitled to leave and enter the country freely.
FM2: You must note that as an immigrant you have a restricted number of exits from the country. In the case that you leave the country for more than 18 months in a period of 5 years, you will not be able to apply for the INMIGRADO (permanent resident) status. In case you stay outside the country for more than 2 years you will lose the immigration status of an immigrant.
In both cases (as a IMMIGRANT and a NON-IMMIGRANT) the law considers almost the same immigration qualities (Características Migratorias), being able to perform almost the same lawful activities.
Both have to be renewed annually. We recommend that you take all the necessary precautions for the term not to expire. You should request the renewal 30 days before the expiration date.
Need Working Visas for Mexico? FM2 or FM3
You will need a permit granted by the ministry of Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación). To obtain one you will need to fulfill certain requirements.
According to Mexican Law, foreigners may only perform those activities expressly authorized by the Ministry. You are allowed to perform any activity as long as it's legal and honest. This includes the ability to work in the country.

Both as an FM2 or FM3 holder, you may be authorized to perform several activities. These are the most common:

Business or Investor (FM2 or FM3)
You may have considered investing in Mexico and therefore you wish to learn about possible investment options. Or, you might just come down to invest, supervise an investment, represent a foreign company or perform certain commercial activities.
As an INVESTOR: You must note that there is a minimum investment amount as well as the obligation to demonstrate that the investment is beneficial to the country's development.

Scientists and Techinicians (FM2 OR FM3)
In these categories you will have to provide all the documentation that proves to the satisfaction of the authorities that you have the skills and knowledge to perform these activities.

Professionals (FM2 OR FM3) You will have to provide the authorities with all the papers that can prove you have the knowledge and skills to perform the specific professional activities. The applicant must demonstrate that the skills are not met in the workforce in Mexico.

High level management (FM2 OR FM3)
If you were appointed as a director to a company or to assume a key position you will need to obtain this immigration permit.

Members of the board (FM3)
When you need to attend to a board meeting of one or more corporations, this is the migration status you request to the Mexican authorities.

Staying in Mexico without working?
Students (FM3)
Students are admitted for periods of one year for as long as the course lasts. They may not leave the country for more than 120 days every year. Students have to prove to the authorities that they have a regular income to satisfy their needs. The status obtained when applying for the permit is that of a non-immigrant.

Retired (FM2 OR FM3)
If you have decided you want to live in Mexico without performing any specific activity you may acquire this immigration status as long as you can prove to the satisfaction of the Mexican authorities that you will live on the income brought from abroad or earned from Mexican-based investments.

What about the family?
Family members (FM2 OR FM3)
Both as a non-immigrant or an immigrant, your family members may obtain the permit to enter the country as your economic dependants.
In such case you will have to provide the authorities with copies of your immigration papers, as well as information that proves your income.

Your family members may be able to work or perform any lawful and honest activity whatsoever if they obtain the corresponding permit. The immigration status would then change to any of the abovementioned ones.

Do I need immigration papers while staying in Mexico?
According to the Mexican Law all your immigration papers must be in force and the information in them contained must be updated during your stay in the country. In case they expire or the information is not provided to the authorities within 30 days of the event that modifies such information, you will be liable for fines and other penalties. It is highly recommended that you keep this in mind.

Is it hard to get these documents?
You may try doing it yourself. Yet, if you are not familiar with the paper work, the Mexican governmental offices, the bureaucracy and especially the language, it would be wise to ask for help.

How much does it cost to obtain my immigration papers?
Every procedure generates a cost. Rates change every six months and may be paid for at any bank in Mexico. You will have to fill in certain official forms to make the corresponding payments. These may be requested at any migration office or you can even buy them at a stationary store.

How long does it take to obtain my immigration papers?
Be ready to wait for approximately 30 working days before obtaining your immigration papers (FM-2 and FM-3).""

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spanyid says on Apr 5, 2006, 00:46:

RETIRING IN CARTAGENA I AM MARRIED TO A COLOMBIAN WOMAN.WE HAVE A 5 YR. OLD. I AM IN PERMANENT DISABILITY.I GET APPROX 2K SS.I FELL IN LOVE WITH CARTAGENA.THEY SAY ITS QUITE SAFE'''.CAN ANYONE GIVE ME INFO ON BILINGUAL SCHOOLS AND COST OF A DECENT 2/2 APT.ALSO MORE INFO ON SPOUSE VISA? I AM BILINGUAL THANX SO MUCH

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Lostgringo says on Mar 17, 2007, 12:11:

Canadian Embassy $ Pensionado Visa I went through "almost" the exact process as Ken has described here and it worked for me. However, as a Canadian I did find it a little more difficult. Likely because there are not that many Canadians retiring in Colombia. The Canadian Embassy will not certify the signature on your bank statement. Nor will they certify any bank statement at all. I think I could have downloaded my bank deposits and done the same as Ken. They only will certify that "you" claim the document valid. What you need to do initially is have the English translated into Spanish. This document must note your income (of course). The address I have for this place is Calle 98 #17 - 34. Of. 219 Int 8. The guy's name is Henry and I think he charged me $8 mil. Back you go to the Embassy and swear to the information. They charge $50 USD. Then back you go again where you had the English translation done to have your document legalized. But now on the 1st floor. Ken's directions to find this place are excellent. After you have this document translated by a Professional Translator, swear to it and have it legalized you just follow the rest of the steps Ken has posted here. The cost for the Canadian Visa is $396,982 pesos.

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