Canadian Expats in Colombia 2026: Visa M, Taxes & Health Plan Guide | CoVisas Colombia

Country Overview

Why Canadians Are Moving to Colombia

Canadians make up one of the largest North American expat communities in Colombia. The combination of a strong CAD-to-COP exchange rate, warm weather, and a growing direct flight network between Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal, Calgary) and Bogotá via Air Canada and Copa has made Colombia an increasingly accessible destination. Colombian cities consistently rank among the most affordable for Canadians seeking to stretch retirement savings or remote work income.

Medellín in particular attracts Canadian digital nomads and remote workers drawn to its year-round spring climate, fiber internet infrastructure, and established international community. Canadian retirees are also drawn by Colombia's Pensionado status options, though the Visa M pathway provides the clearest legal route for most Canadians. Canada does not have a double taxation treaty with Colombia, and the absence of a CDI requires careful management of Canadian departure tax obligations and DIAN residency rules.

Embassy / Consulate in Colombia 🇨🇴

Visa M: Long-Term Legal Stay

All categories require: valid Canadian passport, a compliant health plan covering the 7 Cancillería-required areas, a certified criminal record check with Apostille within 90 days, and income documentation. Canadian documents in English or French require Spanish translation by a Colombian-certified sworn translator. Application fee: USD 255 + USD 232 issuance if approved.

Health Insurance: 7 Required Coverages

Canada's health system is provincially administered under the Canada Health Act. Each province runs its own health insurance plan: OHIP (Ontario), MSP (British Columbia), AHCIP (Alberta), RAMQ (Quebec), and equivalents in other provinces. There is no federal health card. Coverage is tied to provincial residency: all provinces have absence rules that terminate or suspend coverage after a period abroad — typically 6–7 months of absence, though rules vary. Quebec's RAMQ suspends coverage after 6 consecutive months abroad. British Columbia's MSP requires residence in BC for eligibility. Ontario's OHIP maintains coverage for up to 7 months of absence per calendar year. None of these provincial plans cover medical expenses outside Canada.

Canadian provincial health plans, Canadian travel insurance, and group benefits plans from Canadian employers do not qualify for Visa M purposes. The Colombian Cancillería requires a plan from a Colombia-authorized provider covering all 7 areas above.

Tax Considerations

Canada and Colombia do not have a double taxation treaty (CDI). The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) and DIAN each apply their own domestic rules. Canadian tax residency is based on "significant residential ties" — not purely on physical presence — which makes Canada one of the more complex countries from which to exit tax residency.

Canadian tax residency exit. A Canadian national who moves to Colombia will remain a Canadian tax resident if they retain significant residential ties to Canada: a Canadian home available for use, a Canadian spouse or dependents in Canada, personal property and social ties in Canada. To sever Canadian tax residency, a departing Canadian must file a departure return (T1, marked "Emigrant"), pay departure tax on deemed disposition of property, and ensure no significant ties are retained. The CRA may challenge non-residency status if ties are not fully severed, particularly for residents who return frequently or who maintain a home available for use in Canada.

Colombian DIAN obligations. A Canadian national who spends more than 183 days in any 365-day period in Colombia, or who establishes their center of vital interests in Colombia, becomes a Colombian tax resident and is subject to DIAN on worldwide income. Colombian Law 2010 of 2019 provides a five-year exemption on foreign-sourced income for new tax residents — significant for Canadians who have properly exited CRA residency.

Document Legalization

Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024 — making it one of the most recent major countries to accede. Before 2024, Canadian documents required full diplomatic legalization (authentication by Global Affairs Canada + legalization by the Colombian consulate). Since 2024, Apostilles are issued by provincial and federal authorities. Canadian documents are in English and/or French and require Spanish translation.

RCMP Criminal Record Check — Step by Step

1. Request an RCMP-certified criminal record check through the RCMP's online portal or through an accredited fingerprinting agency. The Certified Criminal Record Check (CCRC) is the standard option; for Visa M purposes, use the standard criminal record check rather than a vulnerable sector check. Processing: 3–8 weeks by mail; faster options available through accredited agencies. Must be dated within 90 days.
2. Request the Apostille. Since Canada joined the Hague Convention in January 2024, Apostilles for RCMP documents are issued by Global Affairs Canada — Authentication Services. Submit the RCMP certificate to Global Affairs Canada's Authentication Services (Ottawa). Processing: 15–20 business days standard; 10 business days express. Fee: approximately CAD 35 per document.
3. Certified Spanish translation by a sworn translator recognized by Colombia's Ministerio de Educación. Canadian documents are in English (and sometimes French) and require full sworn translation. Cost: approximately USD 80–130.