Emigrate to Colombia
Emigrate to Colombia: Find out the most important information for your stay here
Colombia is located at the northern tip of South America and is known for its diverse landscape, which is characterized by rainforests, the Andes and numerous coffee plantations. For people who want to emigrate to Colombia, the country offers impressive cultural and natural diversity. The high-altitude capital Bogotá is particularly famous for its Zona Rosa district, which is known for its restaurants and stores. On the Caribbean coast lies Cartagena, a city with a walled colonial old town, a 16th century fortress and nearby coral reefs, which are also attractive to those considering emigrating to Colombia. Colombia combines a modern urban lifestyle with historical sites and breathtaking nature, making it an interesting destination for emigrants.
Facts about Colombia
Capital City
Bogotá
Population
51.87 million
Surface Area
882,347.09 mi² or 1,420,000 km²
Continent
South America
Official Language
Spanish
Currency
Colombian peso (COP)
Emigrating to Colombia: An overview of the political system
Since the 1991 constitution, Colombia has been defined as a social constitutional state. The country's political system is a presidential democracy with a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Colombia is divided into 32 provinces and the "distrito especial" Bogotá. In the past, the country had to contend with decades of internal political conflict, which still characterizes Colombia today. There was a significant improvement in 2016 when the then president signed a peace agreement with the FARC, the country's largest guerrilla group. Since then, Colombia's development has been largely positive: security has improved significantly, foreign companies are increasingly investing in the Colombian economy and the country is becoming more and more popular as a tourist destination. The future prospects are also promising, with annual economic growth of almost three percent expected by 2030.
Climate in Colombia: Important information for emigrants
Colombia is located in the subtropical climate region of Central and South America and has three climate zones, which differ mainly according to altitude (temperatures are to be understood as annual averages). The main rainy seasons are in April/May and from October to early December. In the tropical rainforest, the rainy season lasts from November to March.
Healthcare system in Colombia: Important facts for emigrants
Colombia's general health and social security system (Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud, SGSSS) offers universal health insurance coverage to the entire population and provides access to high-quality basic healthcare at fair premiums. Efficiency and quality of care are the top priorities. The program aims to improve health conditions, in particular by providing resources for healthcare in rural and poorer regions. It also aims to ensure that all healthcare services operate to optimal standards, depending on the resources available.
Foreign residents have the option of taking out health insurance through EPS, a private organization under state supervision. Similar to French health insurance, medical services in Colombia are reimbursed. Another option is 'Medicina Prepagada', an alternative private health insurance system of very high quality. Insurance premiums are based on age and known pre-existing conditions at the time the policy is taken out.
Emigrating to Colombia: An overview of the economic situation and quality of life
The gross domestic product per capita of Colombia in 2023 amounted to 6,971.67 US dollars. The Gini coefficient of wealth describes the distribution of wealth. The indicator is an established, internationally comparable measure of wealth inequality. It is measured on a scale from zero to one. The higher the value, the greater the inequality. The Gini coefficient in Colombia is expected to be 0.52 in 2024 (source: Statista).
The standard of living in Bogotá is comparable to that of major European cities, which is a reason for many people to consider emigrating to Colombia. The cost of living is generally somewhat lower than in most European countries, which makes life there even more attractive. For those emigrating to Colombia, the city offers a wide selection of excellent restaurants with international cuisine, but the smaller, local eateries serving typical Colombian food are also excellent. In addition, there are numerous supermarket chains and shopping centers that are open both during the week and on Sundays, making everyday life easier for expatriates.
National holiday
Independence Day
Emeralds from Colombia
Emeralds from the picturesque valleys and hills of Colombia's mining regions are often characterized by a deep blue-green to a velvety, grassy-yellowish green. They are known for their extraordinary combination of impressive size, attractive color and above-average clarity. These special characteristics attributed to Colombian emeralds are due to their unique formation millions of years ago. Unlike most emeralds worldwide, which are formed by metamorphic processes in magmatic rock, Colombian gemstones were formed by hydrothermal processes in sedimentary rock. Due to their outstanding quality, Colombian emeralds regularly fetch record prices per carat at auction, and many of the most expensive emeralds ever sold come from the lush green forests of Colombia.
Emigrate to Colombia - Entry Requirements
Entry is possible for German nationals with the following documents:
- Passport: Yes
- Temporary passport: Yes, but only with a valid visa
- Identity card: No
- Temporary identity card: No
- Children's passport: Yes
FAQs for emigrating to Colombia
Where can I find relevant information about my country of entry and the entry regulations that apply there?
We have compiled destination country information as well as entry requirements and customs information for many countries in the Relocation Service section of our website and are constantly expanding this section.
Can I use my own container that I already own for the move with DACHSER & KOLB?
For every removal, which we at DACHSER & KOLB always offer as a door-to-door (full service) removal, a container is rented for the duration of the removal. We therefore do not offer the option of using your own container.
Who is responsible for my move abroad and the services I need there?
As a FIDI member, we work abroad with selected, long-standing partners who work in accordance with our service standards.
Are my removal goods insured in the event of damage?
For every overseas move, we naturally cover transportation insurance at current value for the used household goods and personal belongings
What types of transportation do you offer for overseas relocation?
It is generally possible to carry out overseas removals via air freight or sea freight. In the case of sea freight, it is possible to ship the removal goods as additional cargo (“LCL shipment” with Liftvan) or with a container (FCL shipment in 20 feet, 40 feet or 40 feet high cube). We will be happy to discuss which option is best for you in a personal consultation.
When and how must the move be paid for and what is the payment deadline?
You will receive an invoice a few weeks after placing the order and pay the full amount directly in advance.
Do I have to pay taxes and customs duties on my removal goods?
Removal goods can be imported tax and duty-free into most countries if you have a valid residence permit. We will be happy to check the options for importing the removal goods for your desired destination country in a personal consultation.
Are you interested in moving to Colombia or another destination country?
Then do not hesitate and contact us today.
Alexander Brugger
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - AIR&SEA
