Moving to Colombia

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Colombia depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from certain regions, such as the European Union, may enjoy visa-free entry for short tourist stays, but this does not grant the right to live or work long-term. For non-EU citizens, a visa may be required even for tourist visits. To establish residence, you'll typically need to apply for a specific visa category.

• Work Visas: Often sponsored by a Colombian employer, requiring a job offer and specific documentation from both the applicant and the company.
• Family Visas: Available for those with immediate family members (spouses, children, parents) who are Colombian citizens or residents.
• Study Visas: For individuals enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Colombia.
• Retirement/Rentista Visas: For those who can demonstrate a stable, sufficient income from abroad, allowing them to live in Colombia without working.
• Other Visas: Categories exist for investors, religious workers, and other specific circumstances.

It is crucial to verify the latest requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the official Colombian immigration authorities or your nearest Colombian consulate. Regulations can change, and what applies to one nationality may not apply to another.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Colombia can be an exciting part of your relocation. The method you choose often depends on whether you're looking for temporary accommodation upon arrival or a long-term rental.

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: Websites specializing in real estate listings are popular and offer a wide range of options.
  • Real Estate Agents: Using a local agent can be beneficial, especially if you're unfamiliar with the market or need assistance with the language and legalities. They can help filter properties and navigate the rental process.
  • Word of Mouth/Local Networks: Sometimes, the best deals are found through connections once you're on the ground.
  • Temporary Accommodation: For your initial arrival, consider short-term rentals, serviced apartments, or hotels to give yourself time to explore neighborhoods and find a long-term solution.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Viewings: Schedule appointments to see properties that fit your criteria.
  • Application: Be prepared to provide identification, proof of income, and sometimes references. Landlords often require a co-signer (fiador or codeudor) with property in Colombia, or you may need to use a rental insurance company (aseguradora) which comes with its own application process and fees.
  • Lease Agreement: Rental contracts are typically for one year, renewable. Ensure you understand all clauses, preferably with the help of a legal professional or a trusted bilingual contact.
  • Deposits: It's common to pay a security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, which is refundable at the end of the lease, assuming the property is returned in good condition.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term:
  • Temporary: Ideal for initial settling in, allowing flexibility to explore different areas. Often furnished and includes utilities.
  • Long-Term: Unfurnished is more common, requiring you to set up utilities. Offers greater stability and often a lower monthly cost compared to temporary options.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Colombia is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This includes furniture, boxes, vehicles, and any specialized items.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Colombia significantly impacts shipping costs, whether by sea or air.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons can sometimes lead to higher demand and thus higher prices for moving services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access, such as narrow streets, lack of elevators, or long carries at either end, can incur additional labor and equipment costs.
• Type of Transportation: Air freight is faster but considerably more expensive than sea freight.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: Depending on the items you're bringing and your visa status, you may be subject to import duties and taxes in Colombia.
• Insurance: Protecting your belongings during transit is highly recommended and adds to the overall cost.
• Additional Services: These can include professional packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, storage solutions, or specialized handling for delicate items.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it's always best to request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation service.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline and smart packing strategy can significantly reduce stress during your move to Colombia. Aim to start planning at least 4-8 weeks in advance.

• 8 Weeks Before the Move:
  • Declutter and Downsize: Go through all your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Moving less means paying less.
  • Research Moving Companies: Obtain quotes from several reputable international movers.
  • Gather Important Documents: Start compiling passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, school records, and financial documents. Keep these in a separate, easily accessible bag.
  • Notify Schools/Employers: Inform relevant parties of your impending move.
• 6 Weeks Before the Move:
  • Confirm Moving Services: Finalize your choice of mover and confirm dates.
  • Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need in the weeks leading up to the move, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.
  • Arrange for Pet Relocation: If applicable, research pet import requirements for Colombia and start necessary veterinary appointments.
  • Begin Visa Application Process: If you haven't already, initiate your visa application.
• 4 Weeks Before the Move:
  • Notify Utilities and Services: Arrange for disconnection of utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet, phone) at your current residence and setup in Colombia if possible.
  • Inform Banks and Financial Institutions: Update your address and notify them of your international move.
  • Forward Mail: Set up mail forwarding to a new address or a trusted contact.
  • Inventory Valuables: Create a detailed inventory of high-value items for insurance purposes.
• 2 Weeks Before the Move:
  • Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a separate bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, chargers).
  • Confirm Travel Arrangements: Finalize flights and initial accommodation in Colombia.
  • Finish Packing: Complete all general packing.
  • Clean Out Fridge/Pantry: Start consuming perishable food items.
• 1 Week Before the Move:
  • Confirm Final Details with Movers: Review access, timing, and any special instructions.
  • Disassemble Furniture: If not handled by movers, begin disassembling large furniture.
  • Final Cleaning: Arrange for a deep clean of your current home after everything is moved out.

For a detailed estimate and personalized assistance with your move to Colombia, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Colombia: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be exciting, but navigating customs and import regulations can be a challenge. This guide provides a clear, user-friendly overview of what you need to know when bringing your belongings into Colombia, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

If you're relocating as a new resident or a returning Colombian citizen

This section applies to both foreign and Colombian citizens who are not diplomats and are importing their household goods. Careful preparation of your documents and adherence to timelines are crucial to avoid delays and penalties.

What you'll need

• Original Air Waybill (AWB) or two original Bills of Lading (B/Ls).
• A typewritten inventory in Spanish, without values, including brands, serial numbers, models, and references for all electronic items and bicycles.
• Notarized photocopy of your passport with a visa valid for at least one year (for foreign citizens).
• Certificate of Migratory Movements ("Certificado de Movimientos Migratorio") for both Colombian and foreign citizens, proving your time spent abroad.
• For Colombian returning citizens: "Registro Unico de Retornados" if you lived abroad for a minimum of three years and wish to apply for duty/tax exceptions (this is optional).
• For Colombian returning citizens who lived abroad for less than two years: Documents for "re-importation" (export declaration, BL, and packing list) to prove the goods are the same as those previously exported from Colombia.

Good to know

• All shipments are subject to customs duties and taxes.
• If a Colombian returning citizen does not have the "registro de retornados," duties and taxes of 15% on the CIF value will apply. This application must be done online directly by the customer.
• The customs inspector will determine the value of goods for duty and tax calculation.
• Partial customs clearance is not allowed; all goods must be cleared at the airport or port of arrival.
• Your household goods must arrive within 30 calendar days before or 120 calendar days after your arrival in Colombia.
• Only one shipment of household goods is permitted per family every five years.
• You are generally allowed one unit of each electrical domestic appliance, except for TVs. You can bring one TV per family member, provided it's not a commercial quantity.
• It is mandatory for your inventory list to specify the brand, model, reference, and serial number of every electrical appliance and bicycle.
• The packing list must be typewritten by computer.
• You must be present in Colombia at the time of customs clearance, as your original passport may be required.
• Customs penalties, including confiscation, will be applied for: exceeding authorized allowances (especially for commercial quantities of electronics), importing goods for purposes other than those declared, or if goods arrive outside the permitted timeframe.

If you're importing unaccompanied baggage

This category is for personal effects sent separately from your main household goods. It has specific value limits and restrictions on item types.

What you'll need

• Original Air Waybill (AWB) or two original Bills of Lading (B/Ls).
• A typewritten inventory in Spanish, without values, including brands, serial numbers, models, and references for electronic items.
• Notarized photocopy of your passport.
• Proof that you were out of Colombia for a minimum of five calendar days.
• Customs form "DECLARACION DE EQUIPAJES NO ACOMPANADOS / 530 FORM." You must complete and have this form stamped by customs authorities upon your arrival at the airport (not the next day).
• Copy of your flight ticket and arrival e-ticket.

Good to know

• You may pay duties and taxes of 15% on the CIF value.
• The total cost of your unaccompanied personal effects shipment should not exceed US$1,500 to avoid duties and taxes.
• The customs inspector will determine the value of each item.
• Partial customs clearance is not permitted.
• Unaccompanied baggage must arrive within 30 calendar days before or 90 calendar days after your arrival.
• You must be in Colombia at the time of customs clearance and your entry stamp or "Certificado de Movimientos Migratorios" must not exceed 90 calendar days from the cargo's arrival date.
• Allowed items generally include basic use articles like clothes, books, shoes, paintings, and some small electrical appliances.
• Prohibited items include furniture, large electrical items, mattresses, rugs, tables, chairs (as these would reclassify the shipment as household goods), and items typically prohibited in regular household goods shipments (see "Restricted & prohibited items" below).

If you're a foreign diplomat

Diplomatic shipments have specific protocols and exemptions, but still require precise documentation and adherence to timelines.

What you'll need

• Original Air Waybill (AWB) or two original Bills of Lading (B/Ls).
• A typewritten inventory in Spanish, without values, including brands, serial numbers, models, and references for electronic items and bicycles.
• Colombian Visa (if applicable).
• Photocopy of your diplomatic passport with the Embassy's valid seal.
• Diplomatic Permit (for both foreign and Colombian diplomats).
• For foreign diplomats, a permanent accreditation is required (temporary accreditation is not sufficient).
• A power of attorney and original customer documents, printed on Embassy stationery with a stamp, must be obtained before the shipment arrives.

Good to know

• Household goods must arrive within 30 calendar days before or 120 calendar days after your arrival.
• One unit of each electrical domestic appliance is allowed, except for TVs. You can bring one TV per family member, without exceeding commercial quantities.
• The inventory list must precisely indicate the brand, model, reference, and serial number of all electrical appliances and bicycles.
• The packing list must be typewritten by computer.
• The diplomatic franchise will be requested from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the import declaration and supporting documents, but only after your arrival in Colombia.
• Partial customs clearance is not permitted; if your shipment involves multiple containers, they must be sent under the same Original Bill of Lading.
• If your shipment includes both household goods and a vehicle, the import process will be subject to the quota assigned based on your diplomatic position and entity.

If you're a foreign diplomat importing unaccompanied baggage

This category is for personal effects of diplomats, consular personnel, and members of technical missions or international organizations, sent separately from main household goods.

What you'll need

• Original Air Waybill (AWB) or two original Bills of Lading (B/Ls).
• A typewritten inventory in Spanish, without values, including brands, serial numbers, models, and references for electronic items.
• Photocopy of your diplomatic passport with the Embassy's valid seal.
• Diplomatic Permit (for both foreign and Colombian diplomats).

Good to know

• Unaccompanied baggage must arrive within 30 calendar days before or 90 calendar days after your arrival.
• This category applies to consular personnel, individuals protected by special regulations (due to contracts between the Colombian Government and foreign entities), and members of technical missions and international organizations.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Never send a vehicle or motorcycle along with your household goods without consulting with a local agent in Colombia first. Importing vehicles is generally complex and often prohibited in regular household goods shipments.

Pets

Information on pet import is not covered in the provided source material. Please consult with a local agent for specific requirements.

Restricted & prohibited items

• Generally Prohibited in Household Goods & Unaccompanied Baggage: Firearms, collection weapons (unless prior approved authorization from the Colombian Ministry of Defense is obtained BEFORE shipping), medicines, vitamins, toiletries, food or drinks (dry food, liquor, spices), live plants, batteries, drones (with camera), motors, gas tanks, trailers, chemicals (detergents, paints, flammable or corrosive substances), compressors, tires, vehicle parts/spare parts, security cameras, electric bicycles or electric scooters, hoverboards, building materials (floors, parts of walls), power lawn mowers, gas BBQs, vehicles, motorcycles, golf cars, quad bikes, specialized tools or industrial use tools, cell phones, and any item in commercial quantities or new articles. Customs does not consider these as part of a personal shipment.
• Specifically Prohibited in Unaccompanied Baggage (in addition to the above): Furniture, big electrical items, mattresses, rugs, tables, and chairs, as these would reclassify the shipment as household goods.

Alcohol & tobacco

Liquor and spices are listed as prohibited items in household goods and unaccompanied baggage. Commercial quantities of any item are prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import commercial quantities of goods?
No, commercial quantities of any items are strictly prohibited in all types of personal shipments.

Is partial customs clearance allowed?
No, partial customs clearance is not permitted. All goods in a shipment must be cleared at the same time at the port or airport of arrival.

What happens if my goods arrive outside the specified timeframe?
If your goods arrive outside the established period (e.g., more than 120 days after your arrival for household goods), customs penalties, including confiscation, may be applied.

Are there any age restrictions for importing household goods?
Yes, people less than 18 years old are not allowed to import household goods.

Do I need to be in Colombia for customs clearance?
Yes, you must be in Colombia at the moment of customs clearance, as your original passport may be required by customs authorities.

What should I do if I am a Colombian citizen returning after a short period abroad?
If you have lived abroad for less than the required time, you may be able to "re-import" your goods by providing export documents (export declaration, BL, and packing list) to prove the items are the same as those you previously exported from Colombia.

For more detailed information or specific inquiries about your move to Colombia, please contact relocation123.com directly. Our team is ready to assist you with your unique relocation needs.

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