Dutch Expats in Colombia 2026: Visa M, Zorgverzekering Health Insurance & Apostille | CoVisas Colombia

Country Overview

Why Dutch Nationals Are Moving to Colombia

The Netherlands is a small, densely populated country where housing costs in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague have risen to some of the highest levels in Western Europe. Dutch nationals — particularly those in tech, agriculture consulting, logistics, and the creative industries — have discovered that Colombia offers a dramatically lower cost of living alongside solid internet infrastructure and a growing expat community. Dutch flower and agricultural companies have long-standing ties to Colombia's cut-flower industry, which exports the majority of its production to the European market through Amsterdam's flower auction (FloraHolland).

Medellín has attracted a particularly visible Dutch expat community in recent years, drawn by the city's urban innovation reputation, mild spring-like climate, and the presence of technology accelerators where Dutch nationals participate in entrepreneurship programs. Bogotá hosts the Dutch Embassy and attracts Dutch professionals in international trade, development cooperation, and financial services.

Embassy / Consulate in Colombia 🇨🇴

Visa M: Long-Term Legal Stay

All categories require: valid Dutch passport, a compliant health plan covering 7 Cancillería-required areas, a VOG (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) or extract from the Justitiële Documentatie with Apostille, dated within 90 days, and income documentation. Dutch documents require certified Spanish translation. Application fee: USD 255 + USD 232 issuance if approved.

Health Insurance: 7 Required Coverages

The Netherlands operates a system of regulated mandatory private health insurance under the Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw). Every Dutch resident must purchase a basic health insurance policy (basisverzekering) from one of the approved insurers. Major carriers include Zilveren Kruis (Achmea), VGZ, CZ, Menzis, and ONVZ. The premium is partly regulated and partly market-based; in 2025–2026, the average monthly premium for the basic package was approximately EUR 165–190 per month. Supplementary coverage (aanvullende verzekering) is optional. All insurers must offer the same basic package; competition occurs on service and supplemental products.

Dutch Zvw coverage is territorial. Upon deregistration from the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) and departure from the Netherlands, the obligation to hold Dutch health insurance ends. The insurer must be notified and the policy cancelled from the date of emigration.

Dutch Zvw coverage has no validity in Colombia. The Cancillería requires a plan from a Colombia-authorized provider covering all 7 areas above.

Tax Considerations

There is no double taxation treaty between the Netherlands and Colombia. Dutch nationals moving to Colombia must manage their tax obligations independently in both jurisdictions.

Dutch tax exit procedure. Dutch tax residency is determined by circumstances — primarily where one lives, where the family is, and where the center of economic interests is located. Deregistration from the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) is necessary but not automatically sufficient to end Dutch tax residency. The Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration) assesses each case based on facts. A formal emigration ruling (emigratie beschikking) can be requested from the Belastingdienst to confirm the exit date. Dutch nationals who retain a home (woning) available to them in the Netherlands, or whose family remains registered in the Netherlands, may still be considered Dutch tax residents.

Document Legalization

The Netherlands joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1965. Apostilles for Dutch documents are issued by the competent court (rechtbank) in the jurisdiction where the document was issued, or by Dienst Justis (Ministry of Justice) for centrally issued documents such as VOG certificates. For civil registry documents issued by municipalities, the municipality itself or the court may provide the Apostille depending on the document type.

VOG (Criminal Record) — Step by Step

1. Request the VOG (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) online through justis.nl using DigiD identification. A VOG can also be requested through a Dutch municipality (gemeente) in person. The correct product for international visa purposes is the standard VOG for individuals (VOG Natuurlijk Persoon). Cost: EUR 41.35. Processing: 4–8 business days. Must be dated within 90 days.
2. Obtain the Apostille from Dienst Justis (the issuing authority for VOGs automatically handles apostille requests if requested at the time of application). Alternatively, apply through the relevant Rechtbank. Cost: varies by court, typically EUR 10–20.
3. Certified Spanish translation. The Dutch VOG must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator (beëdigd vertaler) authorized by the Colombian Cancillería. Request translation from a sworn translator in Colombia or through a translation service that the Cancillería accepts.