Pakistani Expats in Colombia: Complete Guide 2026 | CoVisas Colombia

1. Pakistan at a Glance

2. Why Pakistani Nationals Choose Colombia

Pakistan's large and highly educated diaspora has traditionally gravitated toward the Gulf states, the United Kingdom, and North America, but Colombia has emerged as an increasingly attractive option — particularly for IT professionals, textile and fashion industry entrepreneurs, and freelancers. Colombia's Visa M-13 Digital Nomad category allows Pakistani tech workers and developers to base themselves legally in Medellín or Bogotá while serving international clients, at a fraction of the cost of European cities. The country's growing coworking infrastructure, English-speaking expat community, and year-round mild climate make it an appealing long-term base.

Pakistan and Colombia share significant complementarities in manufacturing and trade: Pakistan's textile and garment expertise intersects with Colombia's fashion industry centered in Medellín, and business relationships in that sector have been steadily deepening. Pakistani entrepreneurs in the halal food industry have also found opportunities in Colombia's expanding Muslim community in Caribbean cities. Furthermore, Colombia's relative political stability (compared to Pakistan's ongoing security and economic challenges), affordable private healthcare, and accessible cost of living make it an appealing destination for Pakistani families seeking a higher quality of life.

3. Colombian Embassy in Pakistan

4. Visa Requirement for Pakistani Nationals

5. Colombian Visa M — Categories & Fees

The Colombian Visa M (Migrante) is the primary long-stay visa for foreign nationals. All categories carry the same government fee structure: USD 255 (study/application fee) + USD 232 (issuance fee upon approval), totaling approximately USD 487. Fees are paid online via the Cancillería portal.

A valid health insurance policy covering the full visa duration is a mandatory requirement for all Visa M categories, including hospitalization, illness, and repatriation coverage.

6. Health System in Pakistan

Pakistan's healthcare landscape is heavily dominated by the private sector, particularly in urban centers. The EOBI (Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution) provides limited pension and social security but not comprehensive health insurance. The federal Sehat Sahulat Programme targets low-income households with publicly financed health coverage, while Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) supports broader welfare initiatives. Major private hospitals — including Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (Lahore and Karachi), Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi), and South City Hospital — set the standard for quality care in Pakistan. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) regulates private health insurers, including EFU Life, Jubilee Life, and State Life.

When Pakistani nationals relocate to Colombia, their Pakistani health coverage — whether SECP-regulated private insurance or employer-sponsored schemes — does not extend to Colombian territory. Colombia requires all Visa M holders to maintain Colombian-compliant health insurance for the duration of their visa. An expat-specific policy covering all seven mandatory risk categories is the most direct way to meet this legal requirement while ensuring access to Colombia's high-quality private clinic and hospital network from day one of residency.

7. Tax Considerations for Pakistani Expats in Colombia

In Pakistan, taxes are administered by the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue). Pakistan taxes residents on their worldwide income — tax residency is established at 183 or more days in Pakistan during a tax year. Non-residents are taxed on Pakistan-source income only. The progressive personal income tax scale reaches up to 35% for the highest income brackets. Property income, capital gains, and passive income are also subject to specific provisions. Pakistan has periodically enacted tax amnesty schemes that affect how offshore assets are treated.

In Colombia, foreign nationals who spend 183 or more days in a calendar year become Colombian tax residents and must declare their worldwide income to the DIAN. It is essential to understand that there is no Double Taxation Treaty (CDI) between Pakistan and Colombia. Pakistani expats who become Colombian tax residents while continuing to receive Pakistani-source income — such as rental income, business profits, or investment returns — may face dual tax exposure without treaty relief. A Colombian contador público should be consulted early in the relocation process. The SMMLV 2026 is COP 1,423,500 per month, which underlies many Colombian legal and labor thresholds.

8. Document Legalization for Pakistan

Pakistan joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2022. This is excellent news for Pakistani nationals relocating to Colombia, as it replaces the lengthy full diplomatic chain with a streamlined three-step process. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad issues apostilles on Pakistani documents.

• Obtain & Notarize: Source the original document from the relevant authority. For criminal record certificates (Character Certificate), apply at the local police station through the DIG office, or via the Pakistani Embassy or High Commission abroad. NADRA also plays a role in identity verification. Have the document certified by a notary public in Pakistan where required.
• Apostille via Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Submit the notarized document to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Islamabad, which has been issuing Hague apostilles since 2022. The apostille certificate certifies the document's authenticity for use in all other Hague member countries, including Colombia, without further diplomatic legalization.
• Certified Translation to Spanish: Have the apostilled document translated from Urdu or English into Spanish by a certified translator (traductor oficial) recognized by Colombian authorities. Submit the certified translation alongside the original apostilled document to the Cancillería.