Living the Dream: This paper is a discussion on retirement in Colombia where a paradise awaits the aged.
Enjoy the best retirement of your life in the beautiful country of Colombia. Colombia offers beautiful sceneries, friendly people and relatively low cost of living, these make it the perfect place for you to start a new life.
Picture what it is like to wake up to beautiful sceneries that include mountains, beautiful shores and beautiful cities. When it comes to a beautiful country to visit; Colombia is one that can provide anything starting from the beautiful historical city of Cartagena and ending with the gigantic city of Bogotá. Whatever your taste is, be it a calm coastal city, quiet hills, or big city life, Colombia has it for you.
Apart from beautiful views, Colombia has relatively cheap prices, which will help a retiree to make his or her money last longer. On matters of accommodation, a retiree can be assured of well-furnished houses at a considerate price while luxurious hospitals are within reach.
Moreover, Colombia, based on the friendly disposition of its people, can be considered friendly and allowing its residents to find friends with whom they can create a powerful friendship. You will be captured by the South-American spirit and get engrossed in the local festivals, art work and of course yummy food.
Never let the idea of retirement fade little by little like a dream – turn it into a reality in Colombia. So begin to plan your trip and you shall find out what this magnificent country holds for you.
The allure of Colombia as a retirement destination
This external pressure; Colombian inspired the completionists desire to retire in this country.
Colombia is one such country that has remained quite unknown while tourists throng inhuge numbers to the neighboring countries in South America. However, within the last several years, this active and colorful nation has became one of the desired places to retire, entice for those willing to turn a new page and upgrade their living conditions.
In fact, one of the main selling points of retiring in Colombia is its natural endowment, which players present exquisitely. Being a country of contrasts, Colombia offers everything from the picturesque cordilleras and ascending now snow-capped Andes to the white sand Caribbean coastlines. No matter if your passion are the exotic and so colorful coffee lands, pleasant colonial cities or modern booming metropolises, there is a lot to choose in the livability of Colombia.
Another factor is retirement services, availability, and products for exploiting the cultural values of the country. Colombia also has a diverse and active cultural section supporting music, dance and food industries in the country and influenced, both from indigenous people and other foreigners such as Europeans and Africans who settled within the country’s borders. The locale is vibrant with cultural fairs and salsa nights on the one hand, to beautiful museums and galleries on the other.
Cost of living in Colombia
Prices for consumption in Colombia
Another factor, which is undeniably a major plus for those who retire in Colombia, is a relatively very low cost of living. Anyway, Colombia is cheaper than many countries of the western part of the world, and retirees may make their money last as long as they would like in this country.
Real estate is cheap in Colombia, the prices for renting a one bedroom flat in downtown of different cities amount to $300-$500. Still, in certain affluent neighborhoods, the price of real estate is still much below any possible price seen perhaps in the US or western Europe.
It is also important worth noticing that the cost of health care is considerably lower in Colombia and private medical insurance policies can be obtained for a significantly lower price as compared to North America or Europe. Also, the Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Saludos, the public health care, offers adequate and fairly priced health services to the citizens of the country and foreigners living in it.
Hearths, groceries and other principal items of daily use also cost much less in Colombia, and this enables the retirees to live rather comfortably without having to run through their money all the time. Thus, retiring in Colombia is financially viable because other vital resources such as cost of living and exchange rates of most global currencies are cheap.
Healthcare and retirement benefits in Colombia
Medical and pension services in Colombia
Colombia’s healthcare is regarded as one of the most developed systems in the Latin American region that covers a multitude of services and facilities for citizens and foreigners. Currently the country’s public healthcare system is the SGSSS which provides coverage of all preventive, acute and chronic medical treatments and procedures.
For retirees, the SGSSS system can be availed through monthly contribution, and this is normally cheaper compared to other private insurance plans in other countries. Also, other benefits are extended to retirees in Colombia through the government such as pension and social security as well as housing subsidies, which add to the various ways through which the later can be economically empowered.
Many private healthcare providers in Colombia also provide excellent medical services within the rates much lower compared to what one would be charged in the United States or Europe. Most of these private clinics and hospitals are well endowed with modern equipment, staffed with well-trained doctors and other medical personnel, hence are preferred by most elderly persons who intend to have professional medical care.
In addition, taking into consideration the geographical climate of the country, as well as the possession of favorable conditions for people with active lifestyles and healthy seniority, one should note the ample opportunities that Colombia offers. Including walks up mountains and swims in the sea right through to yoga and meditation, retirement can mean unlimited outdoor that has positive impacts on the retirees and their lifespan.
Safety and security in Colombia
Previous issues that had alarmed many intending retirees about security in Colombia include safety. But the situation has changed in the recent past, where the country has enhanced its security standards, hence the enhanced security for foreigners intending to settle in the country with needs to retire.
The government of Colombia has instituted several security features to fight crime and protect its people and investors, such as police protection, better roads and bridges, new borders, etc. Therefore, most of those narrow niches, which were characterized by high incidences of violent and other minor unlawful acts, have substantially been tamed.
Besides, most of the tourist’s preferred retirement sites in Colombia, like Cartagena, Medellin, or Bogota, have undergone a dramatic improvement in security, forces with a dedicated focus on retirement tourist security, and improved and efficient emergency response architectures. These measures have relieved some of the anxiety that retirees and their relatives have, making Colombia a safer place to retire.
Thus, although one should follow the general security measures and always obey the local rules, the safety level in Colombia has been rising steadily in the recent decades, providing the retirees with the worry-free experience of discovering the charm of this wonderful country. The experiences of Colombia, therefore, prove that with adequate measures of protection and knowing the environment, retirees can freely enjoy the culture and natural scenes in the country.
Climate and natural beauty in Colombia
Climate and sceneries in Colombia
Also, it is noteworthy that retiring in Colombia is marked by great interest due to the uniqueness and picturesque nature of the landscape. Starting from the lofty mountains of the Andes passing by the impressive Amazon rainforests and ending up on the quiet and beautiful Caribbean shore, Colombia received anybody who expects to explore astonishing nature corners.
The diversification in the climate of the country is another factor that plays a key role in encouraging the retirees, so that they can be assured of a favorable weather condition almost throughout the year. The coffee region on for example experiences a rather temperate climate, with an average temperature of 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) resembling spring. The interests of the coastal areas, for example, Cartagena, are characterized by warm temperatures occasioned by the proximity to the sea and a tropical weather condition.
For seniors feeling youthful and wanting to engage in different activities, Colombia offers a splendid territory for different activities and exploring the country’s landscapes. Activities include going for nature walks in the young coffee growing regions to even water exercises in the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. The other potential attraction is the environmental resources including the biological diversity which is unique for the country and highly attractive for the tourists interested in the geology and the animals.
Andean birds of every color imaginable, coral reefs of the Pacific coast – Colombia is abundant in opportunities to let the retiree explore nature and enjoy nature’s traits that are so generously drawn across the country.
Retirement communities and housing options in Colombia
Gardens and housing for the elderly or retirement homes in Colombia
The image of Colombia as a retirement destination has steadily developed and thus there are numerous retirement communities and living facilities that capture the interest of foreigners. These communities provide everything from security and around-the-clock receptionists’ services to health centers and sports and games centers.
Most of these retirement communities are situated in the most desired areas of Colombia: Cartagena, Medellin, and the coffee production area. These communities will include quality new homes or new apartments, aspects and facilities that are equal to retirement communities in North America or Europe.
For people who want to retire but not necessarily desire to live in an assisted care facility in Colombia, there are numerous housing types from colonial design villas to high-rise condominiums and apartments. There is relative cheap houses in the country as compared to most of the developed countries most especially those in the west.
No matter whether the spirit of a big city or a quiet country town is what brings you comfort in the years of your retirement, Colombia has a lot to offer that will fit any preference. Through the assistance of some efficient real estate agents and retirement communities, retirees can look for a home where they can mostly experience the beauty of the country and theirs sides, so as the cost of living.
Cultural experiences and activities for retirees in Colombia
Social and cultural participation and mostly fun and leisure activities for elderly people in Colombia
Living in Colombia in retirement allows the retiree to submerge himself in a colourful and alive culture that is rich in different experiences and things to do. The more obvious ones include the vivid festivals and captivating musical events together with the amazing museums and art galleries.
Food also remains an important part of the cultural experience with Colombia boasting of a rich and diverse food Caribbean; indigenous; and Spanish components fused with African flavors. The retirees will be able to savor the rich odour of native meals that include the ajiaco (potato and chicken soup), or Bandeja paisa which is a combination of grilled meats, rice, beans, and fried eggs among other delicacies.
It’s also rich in music and dance, retiree oriented by giving them chance to engage in learning and enjoying salsa cumbia, vallenato and many other rhythms that define the Colombia juicy music fruits. Whether it would be watching theatre performances and concerts in the Colombia’s cultural centers or taking dance classes and participating in dance troupes, retiree can easily find themselves in the midst of the sizzling Colombia music.
The country is rich in as far as providing cultural fixtures such as museums, art galleries, and festivals are concerned. There are also very many retiree friendly touristic attractions within this country for example; the colonizations architecture and the religious art, and the new modern art that has been recently produced by the skilled population in this country.
Visa requirements and legal considerations for retiring in Colombia
Retirement visa and legal advice on living in Colombia
Moving to another country for retirement can sometimes wary a lot of participants henceacco to anyone planning to relocate to Colombia, it is therefore advisable to consider the following when it comes to the legal aspect of the visa. The good news is that, in general, getting a visa in Colombia is easy and there is a specially designed visas for retirees.
The easiest and most preferred option to get a visa is Rentista visa for retirees, which is issued to people who can document stable monthly income derived from pension or investments. For this visa, potential retirees are required to show evidence of monthly income of at least $2,500 USD , however this is enough to help you have the income of a retiree even if it is above the poverty line. The Rentista visa has a validity of up to five years and is renewable hence allowing retirees to have a secure and permanent stay in the country.
Nevertheless, another visa, Pensionado visa can also let retirees come to Mexico since it is issued to the persons, who receive a pension paid by a government. This visa costs $50 USD and entails a minimum monthly pension of roughly $850 USD; however, it is renewable and offers a permanent residency opportunity.
Aside from the visa rules, they should also be informed of other legal factors encompassing tax, owning real estate, and health care. To avoid encountering various legal issues; it is encouraged to seek the advice of an attorney or an experienced immigration expert in Colombia.
Conclusion: Is retirement in Colombia the right choice for you?
As it has been noticed, the idea of retiring in Colombia is full of advantages and prospects in terms of beautiful nature, rich culture, low prices and provided health care. From the beautiful colonial city of Cartagena to the life-filled streets of Bogotá or the peacefulness of the coffee zone every retiree will find what he or she is looking for in this beautiful country.
However, any decision to retire in Colombia depends on, for instance, one’s needs, desires, and life priorities, of preferences. There is need to look for the different retirement countries, the different housing and community types, and need to acquaint with visa and legal issues.
With your readiness to get a new job and start the passion of Colombia retirement destinations now, the best chance to plan the next stage of your life is now. Consult the service providers who are personnel in relocation companies, get acquainted with other retired personnel and engage in the culture of this beautiful country. It is never too early or too late to start planning for the kind of retirement that you desire in the warm and enchanting country of Colombia