Turkish Expats in Colombia 2026: Visa M, SGK Health Insurance & Apostille | CoVisas Colombia

Country Overview

Why Turkish Nationals Are Moving to Colombia

Turkey has experienced significant economic turbulence in recent years, including currency depreciation and high inflation rates that have eroded real wages and savings. Turkish entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and academics have increasingly sought alternatives in countries that offer stable currencies, lower regulatory burden, and international connectivity. Colombia, as a dollarized-adjacent economy with a growing tech ecosystem and Pacific Alliance membership, has emerged on the radar of Turkish digital professionals and business owners looking to rebase their income operations outside of Turkey.

Turkey and Colombia have historically collaborated through the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) framework and bilateral trade agreements. Turkish construction and textile companies have had commercial presences in Colombia. The growing Turkish diaspora worldwide — estimated at over 7 million people — has made Turkish nationals increasingly experienced international movers, with Colombia appearing in migration discussions particularly for those targeting Latin American markets.

Embassy / Consulate in Colombia 🇨🇴

Visa M: Long-Term Legal Stay

All categories require: valid Turkish passport, a compliant health plan covering 7 Cancillería-required areas, an Adli Sicil Kaydı (criminal record) with Apostille, dated within 90 days, and income documentation. Turkish documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor oficial) authorized by the Colombian Cancillería. Application fee: USD 255 + USD 232 issuance if approved.

Health Insurance: 7 Required Coverages

Turkey operates the SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu / Social Security Institution), which administers the Genel Sağlık Sigortası (GSS / General Health Insurance). Every Turkish citizen and registered resident must contribute to and be covered by GSS. The system covers hospital treatment, outpatient care, prescriptions, dental (partially), and maternity. Turkish nationals also have access to private supplemental plans from companies such as Allianz Türkiye, AXA Sigorta, and Anadolu Sigorta.

SGK/GSS coverage is strictly territorial — it covers treatment received at contracted healthcare providers in Turkey. A Turkish national who moves abroad and deregisters from Turkey's address registration system (Adrese Dayalı Nüfus Kayıt Sistemi) ceases to benefit from SGK coverage. SGK premium obligations may continue for Turkish nationals who retain Turkish address registration while abroad.

SGK/GSS 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 Turkey and Colombia. Turkish nationals moving to Colombia must manage their tax obligations independently in both jurisdictions.

Turkish tax residency rules. Turkey taxes residents on worldwide income. Turkish tax residency is determined primarily by habitual residence — a person is a Turkish tax resident if they are domiciled in Turkey or if they reside in Turkey for more than 6 months (183 days) in a calendar year. The Revenue Administration (Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı / GİB) administers Turkish tax. A Turkish national who relocates permanently to Colombia and deregisters their Turkish address ceases to be a Turkish tax resident. Non-resident Turks are taxed only on Turkish-source income through withholding.

Document Legalization

Turkey joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1985. Apostilles are issued by Provincial Governorships (İl Valilikleri) and District Governorships (İlçe Kaymakamlıkları). For criminal record documents, the Apostille is typically obtained from the Ministry of Justice (Adalet Bakanlığı) directly. An online Apostille application is available through e-Devlet (e-devlet.gov.tr) for several document categories.

Adli Sicil Kaydı (Criminal Record) — Step by Step

1. Request the Adli Sicil ve İstatistik Genel Müdürlüğü certificate online through the e-Devlet portal (turkiye.gov.tr) using your e-Devlet password and Turkish ID number, or in person at a Notary (Noter) or directly from the General Directorate of Criminal Records and Statistics. Cost: free (online) or nominal (in person). Processing: immediate online; 1–3 business days in person. Must be dated within 90 days. Turks abroad can also apply via the Turkish Embassy in Bogotá.
2. Obtain the Apostille from the Ministry of Justice (Adalet Bakanlığı) or the relevant Provincial Governorship (Valilik). For documents obtained via e-Devlet, the Apostille can often be requested as part of the same online process. Processing: 1–3 business days. Cost: nominal administrative fee.
3. Certified Spanish translation. The Turkish criminal record must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor oficial / çevirmen) authorized by the Colombian Cancillería.