Marshallese Expats in Colombia — Complete 2026 Guide | CoVisas Colombia

1. Country Overview — Republic of the Marshall Islands

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a Micronesian nation in the central Pacific Ocean, comprising 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands spread across roughly 2 million square kilometers of ocean. Its economy depends heavily on U.S. financial assistance under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), fishing license revenues, and growing interest in maritime services. The US dollar serves as the official currency, and English co-official status means Marshallese nationals are well-placed for English-language environments worldwide, including Colombia's growing expat communities in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.

2. Why Marshallese Nationals Choose Colombia

Colombia has become one of Latin America's top destinations for Pacific Islander professionals and students, particularly those who have already spent time in the United States under COFA and are looking for a lower cost of living, a warm climate, and a vibrant urban culture. Bogotá and Medellín offer world-class universities, a growing tech sector, and established English-speaking expat networks. The cost of living in Colombia can be 50–70% lower than comparable cities in the United States, making it highly attractive for remote workers and retirees funded in USD.

The RMI faces existential challenges from rising sea levels and the chronic disease burden — among the highest rates of diabetes and hypertension in the Pacific — which pushes many Marshallese to seek healthcare access abroad. Colombia's network of private hospitals, particularly Fundación Valle del Lili (Cali), Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe (Medellín), and Fundación Santa Fe (Bogotá), offers specialist care that is difficult to access in Majuro. The combination of climate comfort, healthcare quality, USD savings compatibility, and straightforward visa access makes Colombia a compelling destination.

3. Colombian Embassy / Nearest Diplomatic Representation

4. Visa Status for Marshallese Passport Holders

The Republic of the Marshall Islands is included in Lista A of Colombia's Resolución 5488 de 2022 (as amended by Resolución 3717 de 2023). This means RMI passport holders may enter Colombia without a prior visa for short stays.

Upon entry, immigration officers may grant up to 90 days, extendable once for an additional 90 days (total 180 days per calendar year). For stays beyond this or for purposes such as work, study, investment, or retirement, a Visa M must be obtained before or during the initial authorized stay.

5. Visa M — Categories, Requirements, and Costs

Colombia's Visa M (Migrante) allows Marshallese nationals to reside legally in Colombia for extended periods. All Visa M applications carry a government fee of USD 255 (stamp) plus USD 232 (biometrics enrollment) = USD 487 total. The SMMLV (minimum monthly wage) for 2026 is COP 1,423,500.

Applications are submitted online at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co. Documents must be apostilled, translated into Spanish by a certified translator registered with the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and submitted digitally. Processing time is typically 5–15 business days.

6. Health Insurance for Marshallese Expats in Colombia

Colombian immigration law requires all Visa M and Visa R holders to maintain valid health insurance covering Colombian territory for the full duration of their authorized stay. Even during the initial 90-day visa-free period, international health insurance is strongly recommended given the cost of private medical care in Colombia and the limited coverage that MISSA (Marshall Islands Social Security Administration) provides outside the RMI.

CoVisas Colombia offers internationally recognized health insurance products designed specifically for expats and visitors. Our plans comply with Cancillería requirements for Visa M applications and cover the following risks:

Given the RMI's high rates of non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease), Marshallese nationals should ensure their policy includes chronic disease management and specialist consultations. Our advisors can guide you to the right plan based on your health profile and length of stay.

7. Tax Framework — Marshall Islands vs. Colombia

The Republic of the Marshall Islands operates with an extremely low tax burden: there is no personal income tax in the traditional sense. The government levies a Gross Revenue Tax (GRT) of 3% on business revenues, and the Marshall Islands Social Security Administration (MISSA) collects limited social contributions for retirement and disability benefits. US dollar use and COFA financial assistance from the United States mean the RMI has a unique fiscal environment rarely replicated elsewhere in the Pacific.

In Colombia, tax residency is established when a person spends more than 183 days (continuous or accumulated) within any 365-day period that falls within the same tax year. Colombian tax residents are subject to progressive income tax on their worldwide income, with rates rising to 39% for the highest earners. Non-residents pay a flat 35% on Colombian-source income only. Marshallese nationals moving to Colombia should be aware that there is no Double Taxation Agreement (CDI) between the Marshall Islands and Colombia. This means income earned in the RMI that becomes Colombian-taxable cannot be credited under a treaty — independent tax advice is essential. The Colombian tax authority is the DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales), reachable at dian.gov.co.

8. Document Legalization / Apostille

The Marshall Islands acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention in 2020. This means official RMI documents (birth certificates, police clearances, academic degrees, etc.) can be authenticated with an Apostille for use in Colombia — no further consular legalization chain is required.

• Obtain the original document from the issuing authority in the Marshall Islands (e.g., Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for birth certificates; RMI Ministry of Interior for police clearances).
• Submit the document to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Majuro for Apostille issuance. The Ministry is the competent authority under the Hague Convention for the RMI.
• Have the apostilled document translated into Spanish by a certified translator registered with Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería). Note: since English is co-official in the RMI, most documents are in English — translation is mandatory for Colombian legal use.

For criminal background checks, apply to the National Police, Majuro Atoll, for a police character certificate; RMI nationals abroad may contact the RMI Embassy in Washington D.C. Processing times vary — allow 2–4 weeks.

9. Step-by-Step: Applying for a Visa M from the Marshall Islands

• Gather required documents: valid RMI passport (min. 6 months validity beyond intended stay), apostilled and translated supporting documents, proof of income or investment, and valid health insurance certificate.
• Create an account and submit your application online at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co. Upload all documents in PDF format.
• Pay the USD 255 stamp fee online via the Cancillería payment portal. Biometric enrollment (USD 232) is scheduled after visa approval at a Colombian consulate or upon entry.
• Await Cancillería review (typically 5–15 business days). Additional documents may be requested. Upon approval, the visa sticker is affixed to your passport at the consulate or upon arrival.