Comprehensive Handbook for Expats Relocating to Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, Colombia's second city, is rapidly becoming a popular destination for expats and digital nomads. Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its year-round warm temperatures, reaching 75 to 80 degrees, it offers a unique blend of modern amenities and a relaxed lifestyle.
With more than four million people, many of them expats and digital nomads, having made Medellín their home, the city is now considered one of the best places for expat living. The cost of entertainment in Medellín, from gyms to nightlife, is low, allowing for a high quality of life without spending a fortune.
For those seeking to invest in the real estate market, the Real Estate Investment Visa requires a minimum investment of COP 455,000,000 (approximately US$110,000). The Direct Foreign Investment Visa, on the other hand, requires a minimum investment of COP 845,000,000 (approximately US$204,000). Both visas recommend investing at least 150% of the minimum amount for visa eligibility during renewals.
The Digital Nomad Visa in Medellín is designed for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs with a monthly income roughly equivalent to around US$1,000. This visa is valid for a maximum of 180 days per year. In popular areas like Envigado, Sabaneta, and Laureles, you'll pay even less - around US$700.
Envigado, a large suburb of Medellín, has over 200,000 residents and a thriving commercial district. Considered very safe and a popular expat area, Envigado is known for its welcoming locals and Latin charm. Locals in Envigado consider themselves distinct from Medellín residents, often reminding visitors that they are not from Medellín.
The Rentista Visa in Colombia is designed for individuals who receive a steady passive income and have a minimum monthly income of at least ten times the Colombian minimum wage (approximately US$3,500). Holders of the Rentista Visa are not permitted to work in Colombia.
Colombia is not a low-tax country, but expats who stay there for less than 183 days a year are taxed as non-residents. As a non-resident, your worldwide income is not taxed, and you're only taxed on income sourced in Colombia. High-quality healthcare is both affordable and accessible in Medellín, with top-rated hospitals and clinics.
The business-friendly environment is further evidenced by the Business Visa in Colombia, which requires a minimum investment of COP 140,000,000 (approximately US$34,000) and allows the holder to work exclusively within the company they own.
People choose the expat life in Medellín for its high quality of life combined with comparatively low living costs, a vibrant cultural scene, good internet infrastructure, and a supportive community for digital nomads and remote workers. The city offers diverse leisure activities, coworking spaces, and a strong expat network that facilitates both work and social integration. Medellín’s pleasant climate and scenic surroundings in the Andes also contribute to its appeal.
Lastly, the locals, known as 'Paisas', are warm and welcoming, making it easier to integrate into the community. The city has a reliable metro system, making it easy to get around without a car. Whether you're looking for a place to invest, work, or simply live, Medellín is a city worth considering.
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