Ukrainian Expats in Colombia 2026 | CoVisas Colombia

Ukraine at a Glance

Why Ukrainians Move to Colombia

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have sought safety and stability abroad. Colombia has emerged as a welcoming destination for those looking to build a new life in Latin America. Colombia's warm climate — a striking contrast to Eastern European winters — affordable cost of living, vibrant cities, and genuinely welcoming culture make it particularly attractive. Colombia's position of neutrality in international conflicts, combined with accessible visa pathways for long-term residency, has drawn a growing Ukrainian diaspora to cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena.

Beyond displacement, Ukraine has a long tradition of producing highly skilled engineers, IT professionals, doctors, and academics. Many Ukrainian professionals are finding that Colombia's expanding technology sector, international business environment, and quality of life offer real opportunities to restart careers and build futures. The affordability of private healthcare, education, and housing in Colombia — compared to Western Europe — makes long-term settlement genuinely viable, and the local community of Ukrainian expats continues to grow year by year.

Colombian Embassy in Ukraine

Visa Status for Ukrainian Nationals

Ukrainian nationals enjoy visa-free entry to Colombia for tourist and short stays:

This 90-day visa-free period allows Ukrainian nationals to enter Colombia, explore the country, and begin establishing residency arrangements before applying for a long-stay Visa M. It does not automatically grant the right to work or enroll in public health systems.

Visa M — Colombia Migrant Visa (Rentista de Inversión)

The Visa M (Migrante) is the standard long-stay visa for foreigners who wish to reside in Colombia for more than 180 days per year. Ukrainian nationals can apply from within Colombia during their visa-free stay, making the process accessible without returning to Ukraine.

To qualify for the Visa M under the Rentista de Inversión category, you must demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least 10 times the SMMLV (Salario Mínimo Mensual Legal Vigente), which in 2026 equals COP 14,235,000 per month. A comprehensive health insurance policy valid in Colombia is a mandatory requirement for all visa applicants.

Health System in Ukraine & Why You Need Private Insurance in Colombia

Ukraine's National Health Service (NHSU — Національна служба здоров'я України) was reformed in 2018 with the introduction of the eHealth system and mandatory family doctor declarations, representing a major modernization of the public health model. However, the NHSU has experienced severe disruption since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Damage to medical infrastructure, displacement of healthcare workers, and the ongoing conflict have significantly impaired healthcare access across much of the country. Private insurers such as Uniqa Ukraine, PZU Ukraine, and INGO Ukraine continue to operate, and many Ukrainians living abroad have already adapted to relying on host-country healthcare systems or private international health insurance.

When you move to Colombia, your Ukrainian public health coverage does not follow you. Migración Colombia requires all Visa M applicants to hold a valid health insurance policy covering the full duration of their stay, with no coverage gaps. Enrollment in Colombia's public EPS system is only possible once you have a cedula de extranjería. For Ukrainian expats — many of whom are already accustomed to sourcing private insurance during their time abroad — international health insurance is the practical and often preferred solution. CoVisas Colombia works with providers that issue policies in the format Migración Colombia requires.

Coverages Required for Visa M in Colombia

Tax Obligations: Ukraine and Colombia

Ukraine's State Tax Service (ДПС України / STS) applies a flat Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate of 18% plus a 1.5% military levy, resulting in an effective rate of 19.5% on most income for Ukrainian tax residents. Ukrainian tax residents (those spending 183+ days in Ukraine) are taxed on their worldwide income; non-residents pay only on Ukrainian-source income. The ongoing conflict has created a complex and evolving tax situation for Ukrainians living abroad — obligations may vary depending on individual circumstances, and Ukrainian tax law continues to be adapted in response to the war. Seeking advice from a tax professional familiar with current Ukrainian regulations is strongly recommended.

When you spend 183 days or more in Colombia in a calendar year, Colombia's DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales) will consider you a Colombian tax resident, subjecting your worldwide income to Colombian income tax (rates up to 39%). There is no Double Taxation Agreement (CDI) between Ukraine and Colombia. This means you may face concurrent tax obligations in both countries on the same income. Once a Colombian tax resident, you must also declare all foreign assets held abroad. Early consultation with a dual-jurisdiction tax advisor is essential for Ukrainian expats planning to settle in Colombia long-term.

Document Legalization — Ukraine Has Apostille

Ukraine joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2003, which significantly simplifies the document legalization process compared to countries that are not members. The apostille process for Ukrainian documents intended for use in Colombia involves four steps:

1. Obtain the original document from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (МВС) or Ukrainian Embassy/Consulate abroad — For the Certificate of No Criminal Record (Довідка про несудимість), apply at an Administrative Service Centre (ЦНАПи) in Ukraine, or at the Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate in your current country of residence if you are already abroad.
2. Apostille at Ukraine's Ministry of Justice (Міністерство юстиції) — Submit the original document to the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine to obtain the Hague apostille stamp, which certifies the authenticity of the document for international use in all member states.
3. Certified translation from Ukrainian to Spanish — A certified (sworn) translator must produce an official Ukrainian-to-Spanish translation of the apostilled document. The translator must be accredited to provide certified translations accepted by Colombian authorities.
4. Submit apostilled document and certified translation to Migración Colombia — Present the apostilled original and the certified Spanish translation as part of your Visa M application package to Migración Colombia.

If you are already outside Ukraine and cannot access Ukrainian government offices directly, the Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence can assist with obtaining certain documents. Start this process early, as translation certification and courier times add to the overall timeline.