Colombia offers several visa categories for foreigners who want to live in the country long-term without working for a Colombian employer. The most common income-based visas are the Rentista de Inversión and the Pensionado. Both require a financial certification signed by a registered Colombian CPA (Contador Público) certifying that you meet the income threshold. This document is non-optional — Migración Colombia will reject your visa application without it.
Income-Based Visas That Require CPA Certification
| Visa Type | Minimum Monthly Income | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rentista de Inversión (M) | 10 x Colombian minimum wage (~USD 3,300/month) | Passive investments, rental income, dividends |
| Pensionado (M) | 3 x Colombian minimum wage (~USD 1,000/month) | Pension/retirement income from abroad |
| Rentista de Inversión (R — Resident Visa) | Same income, maintained for 3+ years | Passive income |
⚠️ Critical: The Certification Must Be Signed by a Colombian CPA
A letter from your bank or accountant in your home country is NOT sufficient. Migración Colombia specifically requires a certification from a Contador Público registered with the Colombian Professional Council of Accounting (JCC), with their professional license number (tarjeta profesional) visible on the document.
What Does the CPA Certification Document?
The CPA financial certification letter typically states:
- Your full name and passport number
- The nature and source of your income (pension, rental income, dividends, etc.)
- The monthly income amount in COP (converted from the original currency)
- That this income exceeds the required minimum for the visa category
- The CPA's full name, professional license number, and signature/stamp
Supporting Documents You'll Also Need
- 3–12 months of bank statements showing consistent income deposits
- Pension award letter or retirement statement (for Pensionado visa)
- Lease agreements or investment account statements (for Rentista)
- Documents translated to Spanish by a certified translator (if originals are in English)
How Long Does It Take?
Once you provide us with your documentation, MGY Consulting can prepare and issue the CPA financial certification letter within 1–3 business days. Certified translation (if needed) adds 2–3 additional business days.
Why Choose MGY Consulting for This Service?
- Our CPAs are fully registered with the JCC — required by Migración Colombia
- We communicate in English — no confusion about what documents are needed
- We understand exactly what Migración Colombia expects in the certification
- We have successfully helped dozens of expats obtain their Colombian visas