If you’re thinking about moving to Medellin, Colombia, let me be straight with you—it’s a significant life change. Moving to any country presents challenges, even relocating across town can be stressful. However, over the past decade, Medellin has emerged as a thriving hub for digital nomads and entrepreneurs seeking an improved quality of life while remaining in the same time zone as the United States.
After living in Medellin for nearly a decade, I’ve navigated the complexities of relocation and can provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you avoid the costly mistakes many expats (including myself) have made.
Understanding Colombian Visas: Your Gateway to Medellin
Tourist Stays vs. Long-Term Visas
First, you need to understand Colombia’s visa process. This guide focuses primarily on citizens from countries without complicated visa restrictions (such as the US, Canada, and EU nations). I created a complete list of countries that require Visas before entering Colombia.
Typically, passport holders from friendly countries can enter Colombia and stay for 90 days without a visa. You get the 90 Day Visa Stamp at Immigration booth up-on entering Colombia. For longer stays, you have two options:
- Apply for a salvoconducto to extend another 90 days
- Apply for a specific visa based on your needs
- Fly to Panama for 24 hours and fly back into Medellin
Visa Options for Different Needs
Colombia offers diverse visa pathways tailored to different life situations. After starting as a tourist, I transitioned to a permanent visa as I decided to make Medellin my home. Choosing the right visa is essential for your long-term success here.
The Digital Nomad Visa has gained popularity, allowing remote workers to legally stay for 12 months beyond tourist limitations. It’s relatively straightforward compared to other options.
Alternative options include the Retirement Visa (requiring proof of pension), Marriage Visa (for those who marry Colombians), and Student Visa (for enrollment in accredited institutions like Olsa International).
While hiring a lawyer isn’t mandatory, application errors are costly—rejection means waiting 3-6 months before reapplying, potentially disrupting your plans. Getting it right the first time saves considerable hassle. Feel free to contact me if you need guidance, or connection to the right lawyer or resource.
There are numerous visa options depending on your situation:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Perfect if you want to stay an additional 12 months while exploring Colombia and working remotely
- Investor Visa: For those looking to invest in Colombian businesses or real estate
- Retirement Visa: For retirees with a stable pension
- Marriage Visa: If you marry a Colombian citizen
- Student Visa: For those enrolled in accredited Colombian educational institutions
For full list of Visa Options and their Requirements, you can check out our Visa Information Page
Where to Live in Medellin: Finding Your Perfect Neighborhood
There’s a passionate debate in expat communities like Facebook, Reddit etc.. about which area of Medellin is best. The Medellin River divides the city into eastern and western sections, each with distinct neighborhoods such as Laureles, Belen, Robledo etc.. vs Poblado, Envigado, La Candelaria. I lived in all the areas; so, I’m unbiased. But the simple fact is try all the popular and unpopular locations yourself and feel what fits your living style. I ended up in El Centro and love it; considering I’m from NYC. I’ll break down each location quickly.
Laureles: Local Living with Modern Touches
Laureles offers a balanced local/modern feel with buildings rarely exceeding 10 floors. This area is notably flat, making it pedestrian-friendly— at the lowest point of the valley in Medellin. The neighborhood encompasses several sub-areas:
- Santa Monica: Residential with tree-lined streets
- Estadio: Near the university with verdant parks
- Los Conquistadores: Quieter residential zone
- Las Americas: Well-connected commercial and residential mix
- Just to name a few.
Laureles is particularly popular among older expats who appreciate walkability and a more authentic Colombian experience while maintaining access to conveniences.
Poblado: Luxury Living and Nightlife Hub
Poblado represents Medellin’s luxury district with ultra-modern buildings, vibrant nightlife, and international restaurants. It’s typically the first stop for newcomers. The neighborhood’s geography varies significantly:
- Tesoro, Alejandria, Los Balsos: Located on steep hills
- Castropol and Manila: Flatter areas along Poblado Avenue
- Parque Lleras: The epicenter of nightlife and tourism
While Poblado offers the most familiar comforts for Westerners, it’s also the most expensive area and can sometimes feel disconnected from authentic Colombian culture.
La Candelaria: The Historic City Center
Encompassing Prado, El Centro, and San Diego, La Candelaria represents Medellin’s busy downtown, which is where alot of the history takes place for Medellin. This area features:
- High-density urban living
- Major shopping districts
- Limited international dining options
- Authentic Colombian daily life
Most expats initially avoid this area based on outdated security concerns, but I’ve found it offers a vibrant, New York-style urban experience. I settled here after living throughout Medellin and love it, especially coming from NYC.
Cost of Living: Medellin’s Affordability Factor
Housing Costs Across Neighborhoods
Cost of living is often the primary factor for those considering Medellin. While prices have increased during my time here, Medellin remains extremely affordable compared to major US cities like New York, Miami, or Los Angeles.
Accommodation costs vary widely:
- Luxury apartments in Poblado: $800-1,500/month
- Comfortable mid-range housing in Laureles: $500-800/month
- Basic studios in local neighborhoods: As low as $150-300/month
Overall, expect 70-80% savings on rent compared to major US cities.
Medellin uses a socioeconomic stratification system called “estratos,” ranging from 1 (lowest) to 6 (highest). Your estrato affects utility costs and other services:
- Estratos 1-2: Lower-income areas with subsidized utilities
- Estratos 3-4: Middle-class areas with standard rates
- Estratos 5-6: Upscale areas with premium pricing (up to 40% more for utilities)
This system impacts your monthly budget significantly, so consider it when choosing your neighborhood. We create a complete guide about the Estrato system, for those that are more curious.
Food costs are remarkably affordable, especially if you embrace local options:
- Lunch at a local restaurant (almuerzo ejecutivo): $3-4
- Weekly grocery shopping for fresh produce: $30-50
- Dining at international restaurants: $10-25 per meal
Transportation is also budget-friendly, with metro rides under $1 and taxis starting around $2-3. Shopping at the large department stores are going to be a bit more expensive. Most locals don’t shop in the bigger department stores such as Jumbo, Carulla, Exito etc.. They normally go to local shops in El Centro or in their barrio for fruits, meats etc.. You will find stores like Mac Pollo where you can get fresh chicken for super cheap, or local fresh markets for vegetables, and fruits.
Language Considerations: Can You Thrive Without Spanish?
Realistic Language Expectations
The question of whether Spanish is required receives a nuanced answer: yes and no. While integration into Colombian culture certainly benefits from Spanish proficiency, your specific needs vary based on lifestyle.
When I first arrived, my Spanish was limited to “Hola… No hablo español.” After almost a decade, I’m not fluent but know enough for daily interactions. As an introvert, I manage well with basic Spanish. Regardless if you are close to fluency in Spanish it’s still recommended to have a local guide or asst. To help you with the more important stuff like Banking, Expensive shopping, investments, buying property or businesses.
There are a number of resources to learn Spanish such as Duolingo, or Online Spanish classes if you prefer to learn some Spanish before landing in Medellin. We have private Spanish tutors you can work with while you’re still in your home country. If you prefer to learn spanish in person, you can contact Olsa International which is an accredited spanish school they also offer student visas for your long stays in Medellin
Building Your Social Network in Medellin
Moving to a new country without knowing anyone can be intimidating and sometimes lonely, but Medellin offers numerous social opportunities to overcome this challenge. Medellin is one of Latin America’s largest expat communities, with social groups catering to diverse interests including biking, hiking, gaming, dancing, and much more. You can connect with like-minded expats through Facebook and WhatsApp groups or by attending language exchanges, dance classes, and holiday celebrations. We’ve compiled a list of vetted communities where you can safely meet both locals and fellow expats.
Digital nomads and entrepreneurs will find ready-made communities at coworking spaces throughout the city. Venues like Selina, Semilla, and Hashhoush don’t just provide workspace—they foster connection through specialized events including startup talks, entrepreneurial bootcamps, and business networking mixers. These spaces naturally bring together professionals with similar goals and interests.
Spanish schools offer another excellent avenue for meeting people. Many host weekly language exchanges that create a relaxed environment for socializing while improving your language skills. Don’t hesitate to attend one of these gatherings—Olsa International, for example, organizes weekly “intercambios” where you can practice Spanish with locals while they practice English with you, creating natural friendships in the process.
We created a guide for Communities and have a list of safe communities you can join
Healthcare in Colombia: Affordable Quality
Getting Health Insurance as an expat in Colombia can initially seem complicated, but the system is actually quite straightforward once you understand it. Colombia has a two-tier healthcare system that offers remarkable value compared to what you might be used to in North America or Europe.
Colombia has public health insurance called EPS provided by companies like SURA. This basic coverage is actually required before you can access private health insurance with a Colombian provider. I currently have AXA, which has been both extremely affordable and excellent in terms of service. My plan covers me throughout Colombia and even when I’m traveling internationally. Other expats I know use SURA’s private insurance, which tends to be a bit more expensive but also comprehensive. International options like SafetyWing and Genki are also popular among digital nomads who split their time between multiple countries.
If you’re curious about the cost difference, I’m paying about $90 a month for full coverage global health insurance with zero co-pay. The equivalent plan would easily cost me around $1,500 monthly back in the United States. This dramatic cost reduction without sacrificing quality is one of the major benefits of living in Medellin.
Key Insurance Information for Expats:
- Health insurance is mandatory for visa applications in Colombia
- Public EPS coverage serves as a foundation before accessing private insurance
- Popular insurance providers include:
- AXA (my personal choice, great international coverage)
- SURA Private Insurance (more expensive but comprehensive)
- SafetyWing (popular with digital nomads)
- Genki (good international coverage)
If you need personalized assistance with health insurance, I recommend contacting Diana from Seguros Optimo. She handles all my insurance needs and specializes in working with expatriates who have unique coverage requirements.
Health insurance coverage is mandatory for visa applications.
Relocating Your Belongings
When planning your move to Medellin, you’ll need to decide whether to bring your current belongings or start fresh by purchasing new items in Colombia. This decision depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. I’ve seen many expats opt for furnished apartments initially, which dramatically simplifies the transition period. This approach gives you time to get settled and determine what you really need long-term.
One important consideration is electronics. Due to import taxes, devices like TVs, computers, and appliances are typically more expensive in Colombia than in the US or Europe. I recommend bringing your laptop, smartphone, and any specialized electronics you use regularly. For larger items like TVs or kitchen appliances, it’s often more economical to purchase these once you’re established, especially if you’re initially staying in furnished accommodation.
Obtaining Your Cédula de Extranjería
Once your visa is secured, the next crucial step is applying for a Colombian ID card, or “cédula de extranjería.” This document is absolutely essential for establishing your life in Colombia. Without it, you’ll face obstacles for even basic transactions and services.
The process starts with scheduling an appointment through the Migración Colombia website. You must apply within 15 days of receiving your visa or re-entering the country with your visa. There’s a rumor that you would get fined if you don’t schedule your schedule within 15 days; however, I wasn’t able to find this on any government site. Only uncredited websites on Google. If I can find it on a government website I’ll be sure to update this article with the source.
For 2025, the fee is approximately 280,000 COP (around $67 USD) for a cedula, you pay this fee when you pick up your cedula at the immigration office.
Your cédula enables you to:
- Open a bank account
- Set up utilities in your name
- Sign formal rental agreements
- Get a Colombian driver’s license
- Register a business
- Access government services
Banking in Colombia
Opening a bank account becomes relatively straightforward once you have your cédula in hand. Bancolombia and Davivienda are the most popular options among expats, with Bancolombia offering the widest network and most user-friendly services for foreigners. I’ve used Bancolombia for nearly a decade and find their app and online banking reasonably convenient, though not as sophisticated as US banking platforms.
For those planning to make larger investments in Colombia, Bancolombia can register your money with Banco de la República directly. This is important to know because many lawyers try to steer clients toward services like Alianza, which typically charge substantial fees for currency transfers. When I brought funds to Colombia for property investment, I did it through Bancolombia without any issues. Be cautious of third-party services claiming this is necessary – in many cases, it’s not.
One reason why you would need to use Alianza, is when you don’t have a bank account in Colombia.
Finding Long-Term Housing
Finding the right permanent housing takes time, so I suggest staying in furnished short-term accommodations while you explore different neighborhoods. Liv Realty offers numerous options that don’t require a cédula, making them perfect for your initial weeks or months. This approach allowed me to try three different neighborhoods before deciding where I wanted to settle long-term.
For finding permanent housing, consider these methods:
- FincaRaiz website: Colombia’s equivalent to Zillow (though considerably less sophisticated)
- Walking desired neighborhoods: Often the most effective method for finding unadvertised deals
- Local connections: Building relationships with locals can lead to much better housing opportunities
- Facebook groups: Many expat and housing groups list properties before they appear on formal platforms, although be careful because of alot of scammers on facebook. You can use a service like Verificaa.com to verify a person or business.
Remember that prices on listing sites are typically negotiable, especially for longer-term leases. In my experience, direct landlord interactions usually yield significantly better rates than working through agencies. When I found my current apartment, I negotiated a 15% discount by offering a one-year contract paid quarterly instead of monthly.
Embracing Your New Life in Medellin
After completing these steps, you’re ready to fully immerse yourself in Medellin life. Having spent nearly a decade here, I continue to see tremendous potential in this evolving city. I’m investing more into the region as Medellin establishes itself as one of Latin America’s premier destinations.
I hope this guide helps smooth your transition. Unlike other “expat experts,” I don’t charge for consultations and am happy to answer specific questions about your move to Medellin
