Updated Colombia visa thresholds 2026: Minimum wage increase

Hi! community of foreigners and Colombians.

Last night, President of Colombia Gustavo Petro announced the minimum wage increase for 2026, with a rise of 23,7% compared to 2025. A high figure compared to previous years and administrations, which has sparked widespread discussion among business and labor sectors.

The base minimum wage for 2026 is set at $1,750,905. This implies an increase in the investment and income requirements for certain visa categories established under Resolution 5477 (current law of visas), which uses thresholds in minimum wages.

We then have the following requirements for the main visa categories:

Real estate investor visa: the requirement is to purchase a property exclusively in the foreigner's name for a value no less than 350 Colombian minimum wages. For 2026, this value would be $612,816,750 COP or around USD $164,000 (at current exchange rates). For reference, in 2025 this value was around $498,225,000 COP or about $133,000 USD. A significant difference of approximately 30,000 USD.

Investor visa in Colombian company: the requirement is to incorporate a company or invest in a Colombian company with share nominal value of 100 Colombian minimum wages. For 2026, this value is $175,090,500 COP or around $47,000 USD. For reference, in 2025 it was $142,350,000 COP or about $38,000 USD. An important difference to note. Remember that for this visa, not only must the company have the required paid-in capital, but you must also have completed the foreign investment registration with the Bank of the Republic destined for the payment of shares in the specific company, in addition to other requirements.

Direct foreign investment visa: the requirement is to make a foreign direct investment registered with the Bank of the Republic of Colombia for a value no less than 650 Colombian minimum wages. This would translate to $1,138,088,250 COP or around $303,000 USD. Compared to 2025, this value was $925,275,000 COP or about $246,000 USD.

While there are other visa categories that stipulate requirements in terms of minimum wage, these mainly refer to the applicant's income margin or that of the person or company supporting the visa. These are:

Visa for retiree: requires receiving a foreign pension worth 3 Colombian minimum wages, which would now be $5,252,715 COP or around $1,400 USD monthly.

Digital nomad visa: requires receiving salary or remuneration for remote work of at least 3 Colombian minimum wages, which would now be $5,252,715 COP or around $1,400 USD in the last 3 months before applying.

Rentista visa: requires receiving variable passive income from various sources no less than 10 Colombian minimum wages, which would now be $17,509,050 COP or around $4,700 USD in the last six months.

Student visa: requires proof of income, either from the student or the backing entity, no less than 10 Colombian minimum wages, which would now be $17,509,050 COP or around $4,700 USD in the last six months.

Tourist visa (in certain cases with sponsorship): similar income proof of at least 10 minimum wages.

Worker visa: requires the hiring company or employer to demonstrate bank statements or certifications with an average no less than 100 Colombian minimum wages, which for 2026 would be $175,090,500 COP or around $47,000 USD in the last four months before applying.

- Independent professional visa: requires proof of income of 5 Colombian minimum wages in the last six months, which would be approximately $8,754,525 COP or $2,331 USD per month.

This change has direct implications for those who want to buy property in Colombia in 2026 and obtain a visa to stay in the country, or for those simply applying for a visa that requires certain income margin.

Frequently asked questions

What if the property I bought in 2025 or earlier is now below the 2026 minimum wage threshold? can I still renew my visa?

Your visa renewal is still possible. From our experience at Capital M Law, as long as you don't let your visa expire and you renew it on time, and you met the minimum value at the time of purchase, you only need to show proof of property tax payments and that you haven't withdraw the investment.

If the company I invested in has capital below 100 minimum wages in 2026, do I need to increase the capital and investment?

Yes. in our experience, the visa authority requires that the company's capital and the corresponding share value be increased for second and subsequent visa applications or renewals.

If my pension no longer meets the 3 minimum wage threshold in 2026, can I still apply for the visa?

in that case, it's best to consider another visa category, since the minimum income is a fundamental requirement for approval. in any event, we recommend reviewing currency fluctuations and exchange rate changes.

Updated on July 16, 2026

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