Bahamas Nationals Moving to Colombia — Visa, Insurance & Legalization Guide 2026 | CoVisas Colombia

1. Bahamas at a Glance

2. Why Bahamian Nationals Choose Colombia

Bahamian nationals choosing to relocate to Colombia are often motivated by educational access and professional diversification. While Nassau and Freeport offer solid quality of life, Colombia's major universities — Universidad de los Andes, EAFIT, Universidad Nacional — attract Bahamian graduate students seeking internationally recognized degrees at far lower tuition costs. The booming tech ecosystems of Medellín (dubbed 'Medellín Valley') and Bogotá are also drawing Bahamian professionals in fintech, tourism technology, and digital marketing.

Property investment is an increasingly common reason Bahamians look toward Colombia. Real estate in Bogotá's El Poblado area, Medellín's Laureles district, or the historic Getsemaní neighborhood of Cartagena offers extraordinary value compared to comparable property in Nassau or Paradise Island. Colombia's strengthening legal framework for foreign property ownership and a favorable USD/COP exchange rate make long-term investment attractive for Bahamians whose assets are often denominated in USD.

3. Colombian Diplomatic Presence for Bahamian Nationals

4. Entry to Colombia — Visa Requirements for Bahamian Nationals

Bahamas is on Colombia’s Lista A (Resolución 5488 de 2022), meaning Bahamian passport holders may enter Colombia without a visa for tourism, business visits, and short stays.

✅ VISA-FREE — Up to 90 Days / Res. 5488 de 2022

Stays of up to 90 days are permitted per visit (extendable once for an additional 90 days, up to a calendar-year maximum of 180 days). For stays beyond 90 days or for work, income-generating activities, or formal residency, a Visa M (Migrante) is required.

5. Colombia Visa M — Long-Stay Options for Bahamian Nationals

The Visa M (Migrante) is Colombia’s main long-stay visa category for foreign nationals wishing to work, earn income, or reside in Colombia beyond the visa-free period. All Visa M applications require a compliant health insurance policy covering the seven mandatory categories. SMMLV = Salario Mínimo Mensual Legal Vigente (Colombia’s monthly minimum wage).

SMMLV 2026: COP 1,423,500  |  Visa M application fee: USD 255 + issuance: USD 232

6. Bahamas Health System & Required Insurance Coverage in Colombia

The main public hospital is Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in Nassau; Grand Bahama is served by Rand Memorial Hospital. The National Insurance Board (NIB) covers disability and maternity for formal-sector workers but does not provide comprehensive health coverage. The private sector dominates: Doctors Hospital Nassau, Lyford Cay Hospital, and major insurers such as Doctors Hospital Health Plans, Colina Imperial, and AXA Bahamas serve most residents seeking quality care.

When residing in Colombia, Bahamian nationals are generally not covered by their home-country health system. A Colombia-specific health insurance policy covering all seven mandatory categories is essential for both Visa M compliance and genuine medical protection.

7 Mandatory Coverage Categories for Colombia Visa M

7. Tax Considerations — Bahamas & Colombia

The Bahamas has no personal income tax — it is one of the world's most attractive tax jurisdictions. The Department of Inland Revenue administers a 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duties, but there is no income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax. The Bahamas is fully FATCA compliant and a major international financial centre. Economic Permanent Residency is available via qualifying investment. No Double Taxation Convention (DTC) exists between The Bahamas and Colombia.

Colombian residents (those spending more than 183 days in Colombia within any 365-day period) are subject to Colombian income tax on their worldwide income. Non-residents pay Colombian tax only on Colombian-source income. Without a DTC, Bahamian nationals must carefully plan their tax residency status to avoid uncoordinated dual taxation.

8. Document Legalization — Apostille & Certified Translation to Spanish

Documents issued in Bahamas must be legalized before they are accepted by Colombian authorities (Migración Colombia, Cancillería, Notarías). The standard process is: notarization → apostille → certified Spanish translation.

1. Notarize the original document before a certified notary or competent authority in English to Spanish.
2. Obtain the Apostille from the designated authority in your country. English to Spanish has been a Hague Convention member since 1976; the competent authority is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The apostille validates the document's authenticity for use in Colombia.
3. Certified Spanish translation by an official translator registered with the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería). If the original document is not in Spanish, a certified translation from English to Spanish to Spanish is mandatory.
4. Submit to Migración Colombia via the Virtual Services portal (SIVe) along with your visa application, digital photos, and payment receipts.