‘Is this legal?’ — the money & process questions
A few recurring favorites before the long list: everything we sell is invoiced properly, every visa path we recommend is one recognized by Colombian immigration, and every fee is a set price you approve in writing before we start. We are a relocation company, not a law firm — for the rare cases that truly need a lawyer, we’ll hand you a vetted one.
The questions
Tap any question to expand the answer.
How much does it cost to move to Colombia?
It depends on your lifestyle, but a couple can often live well in the main cities on USD 1,800–2,800 a month after settling costs. Our consulting pack gives you a complete line-item budget for the first 12 months before you spend a peso.
Which visa should I apply for?
Most digital workers live on a Visitor Permit (90 days, renewable once) or the Remote Work and Nomad visa for stays beyond 180 days. Retirees and investors use their own pathways. The Visa 101 call sorts you into the right lane in one session.
How long does the visa process take?
Visitor permits are issued at immigration on arrival — minutes. Nomad and investor visas take roughly 2 to 12 weeks depending on consulate and case. We build the calendar so paperwork never bites you mid-year.
Do I need private health insurance?
For visa purposes, visitors generally need travel insurance covering Colombia. Long-term residents usually combine the subsidized national system (EPS) with a private plan — the classic Colombian combo is surprisingly affordable.
Is it safe to move to Colombia alone?
Millions of foreigners live here full-time, and every year more arrive solo. Safety is about neighborhoods, hours and habits, not fear. The same street-awareness that keeps you safe in any big city works here, plus local advice you’ll get in the Expat Group Chat.
I don’t speak Spanish. Is that a problem?
You can get a very long way with English — especially in Medellín and the coasts — but Spanish is what turns a visit into a life. We bundle Spanish lesson plans into every relocation pack.
What exactly is included in a relocation tour?
A step-by-step look at real neighborhoods, schools, clinics, coworking and gyms, with local leaders answering questions live. Transport, some meals and the visa paperwork walk-through are included; flights are on you.
Can I get help before I even move?
That’s our favorite time to help. Consulting runs fully remote: visa choice, job-market math, neighborhood shortlists, banking and phone setup, even the culture crash-course — all done over video before you book a flight.
How do payments work?
In USD by card or bank transfer for fees, in pesos for anything you pay locally. You always get an invoice and a scope-of-work before paying. No surprises, no hidden “international convenience fees”.
What is the Expat Group Chat, really?
A moderated WhatsApp community where newcomers ask the questions they can’t Google — landlords, internet providers, doctors, “is this rent normal?”. Respect is enforced; spam is kicked; lurkers-who-eventually-help are celebrated.
Who runs the Business Directory?
We do. Every entry is contacted, vetted and reviewed by our team before it appears. A listing means we’ve personally confirmed the person is real, reachable and recommended by at least two clients or partners.
What if I change my mind halfway?
You won’t be locked in. Consulting is pay-as-you-need packages, tours have clear cancellation windows (see our Terms), and nobody will ever guilt you into staying.
Still wondering?
Asked something better in your head than our list did in words? Good — write it down: hello@condorliving.co, or drop it in the Expat Group Chat and let 400+ people fail to agree on an answer (we’ll moderate toward the right one).