Moving To Colombia

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Colombia is a country located in South America, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities. It’s a unique travel destination known globally. From the historic city of Cartagena to the lush coffee plantations in the countryside, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Additionally, Colombia’s diverse cuisine, music, and dance make it a truly captivating destination. Whether you’re exploring the Amazon rain forest or relaxing on the Caribbean coast, Colombia has plenty to offer travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

But when you are moving to this charming country to call it your home, then you will have additional set of steps to take before making the final move. Relocation to Colombia from the USA can be a rewarding experience, indeed.

Moving to Columbia from USA

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to Colombia

For an international relocation it is always better to engage an international moving expert who can help you with every step of the big transition. An international relocation can be challenging. The cost, choosing affordable and safe containers for your household goods, the document process to make the move – it’s a lot to process. But when you are engaging a moving company like us to help you in your move to Colombia from the USA you can rest easy. We guarantee a hassle-free international relocation for you.

At International Sea & Air Shipping we have extensive experience and expertise to move you and your household goods across different continents and in different parts of the globe. In your move to Colombia from the USA our team of relocation experts will handle A to Z of the move, from the origin country to the destination.

At International Sea & Air Shipping we provide a wide range of international relocation services including packing household goods, providing the right freight and container choices, moving the belongings, offering guidance in other aspects of the move and more.

Our team of experienced professionals are equipped with knowledge to guide you at every step. You can look forward to a smooth relocation to Colombia from the USA with us by your side.

About Colombia

Colombia, named for explorer Christopher Columbus, is a constitutional republic in northwestern South America. Bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, the Caribbean Sea, Panama and the Pacific Ocean, Colombia is a part of the Ring of Fire-a region commonly subjected to earthquakes and volcanoes. A number of Caribbean and Pacific islands are also included in the Colombian territory.

Colombia has cultural influences of Native American, Spanish, European, African, American, and Middle Eastern cultures. Colombia’s diverse music and dance traditions are excellent examples of the country’s varied ethnic influences.

Colombia has the fourth largest economy in Latin America, and is known as the world’s leading source of emeralds. Colombia is rich in natural resources-major exports include petroleum, coal, coffee, gold and other produce. The main trade partners of Colombia are US, EU, China, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil and Germany.

Customs Regulations for Colombia

  • Original Passport for customer and all family members
  • Visa (mandatory for consignee) valid for at least one year
  • Residence or Work Visa
  • Foreigners must apply for Work or Residence Permit
  • Certificate of Residence issued by the Colombian Consulate, certifying that owner has lived abroad for at least two continuous years
  • Diplomats must have Diplomatic Entry Form, to be requested from Foreign Ministry by Diplomatic Mission
  • Inventory (in Spanish)Inventory must show: Major appliances and electronics (vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, roasters, TVs, VCRs, stereos, small personal computers, etc.) must state make, model and serial number
  • Transmittal documents showing actual weights and/or volume, delivery details, etc.
  • Only one household goods shipment from one country allowed per family
  • All shipments pay duty, import tax, sales tax (VAT), and warehouse fees which are charged to customer’s account
  • Owner must have lived outside of the country for at least two years
  • Owner must not have imported any household goods in the last seven years
  • Customs may ask for Bank Guarantee that goods will not be sold for one year
  • Shipments 100 percent inspected
  • Household goods must arrive within 30 days before or 120 days after the arrival of the customer
  • Duties/taxes on C.I.F. value of household goods are assessed
  • Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in small quantities are subject to duties and sales tax (Import License may be required)
  • One sporting weapon is permitted per family
  • Only one of each major electrical appliance is allowed, except air conditioners which are limited to three
  • Bedroom furniture must correspond to the number of persons in the family
  • Weapons, ammunition and explosives
  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Pornographic material
  • Uniforms or equipment relating to the Police or Armed Forces
  • No used automobiles may be imported into Colombia
  • Import License is required and must be obtained prior to arrival of automobile
  • Do not include an auto as part of the household goods shipment
  • Documents required:Original Commercial Invoice (detailed and in US dollars)
  • Title
  • Registration
  • Copy of Bill of Sale
  • All documents must agree with the Import License
  • Quarantine IS NOT required for cats and dogs
  • Contact destination agent prior to forwarding
    • Documents required:Vaccination Certificate
    • Import License
    • Notarized Health Certificate from Veterinarian

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

Moving to Colombia from the USA – How to prepare?

Moving to Colombia from the USA can be an exciting adventure. It is important to research and prepare for the cultural differences and logistics involved in this transition. Consider factors such as language, healthcare, housing, and employment options.

Understanding the visa requirements and legal processes is crucial. Additionally, networking and connecting with local communities can help with the adjustment. Keep an open mind, be flexible, and embrace the new experiences that Colombia has to offer. Remember to also stay in touch with family and friends back home to maintain a support system during your move.

Colombia has a lot to offer. The country is a stunning global destination and a vibrant hub of cultural activities. You will never be bored; rather a proper planning for the move to Colombia from the USA can help you relocate hassle-free and settle down peacefully.

Visa process to move to Colombia

There are more than 60,000 US expats living in Colombia! NO doubt an encouraging point to consider a move to Colombia from the USA. However, for moving to this South American country you need to apply for a proper visa that suits your purpose of entering and staying in the country for a long term.

Here are some information that you can check for the different visas to move to Colombia from the USA –

Work Visa

When you are looking to obtain a work visa, which is also known in Colombia as an entrepreneur’s visa, you need to meet eligibility criteria. However, to get the work visa you first need to secure a job in Colombia as your employer has to sponsor for the work visa on your behalf and you have to produce the business contract as a proof. The duration of a work visa in Colombia is for a year. However, this is renewable and after you have held a work visa for 5 consecutive years then you are eligible for a permanent residency in Colombia.

Student Visa

Colombia offers student visas to the eligible candidates. For this you first have to enroll and then be accepted in a Colombian institution. These visas allow the holder to enter and stay in the country for more than 90 days. However, note that student visas can only be issued in the Colombian capital, Bogota.

Investment Visa

To move to Colombia from the USA another option is to obtain an investment visa. An investment visa in Colombia is a type of permanent visa and can be obtained in three different ways as listed below:

  • Purchasing of at least $100,000 USD in bonds, stocks, or certified deposits will enable you to obtain this visa
  • You can also purchase at least $100,000 USD worth of shares or stocks belonging to a private company
  • Third option is to purchase a minimum of $200,000 USD in Colombian real estate.

An investment visa does not need to be renewed. Additionally, after holding an investment visa for 3 years you can apply for permanent residency.

Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is available for tourists from the USA and from the UK upon arrival. These visas are relatively simple to obtain and are generally valid up-to 90 days and can be extended up to 180 days. If you are applying for a tourist visa to move to Colombia from the USA you will require a passport valid for at least 180 days from entry.

Additional information:

There is another visa called the Business visa. Travelers upon showing proof of employment of a business or those who are investors can apply for this business visa. A business visa is valid for three years for relocating to Colombia from the USA and can be used for multiple entries to the country. However, a business visa holder cannot stay back in the country for more than six months at a stretch.

Top reason to move to Colombia from the USA

  • A growing universal economy·
  • A stable government and political scene·
  • Expats feel welcome in a friendly society·
  • Good quality of education·
  • Lively and vibrant cultural scenario

Best cities to move to Colombia from the USA as an expat

There are a number of bustling and progressive cities dotting Colombia. However, it’s been noticed that the following three are more favorite with the expats moving to Colombia from the USA –

Bogota – The Colombian capital and the largest city in the country.

Cali – Santiago de Cali, commonly called Cali is the nation’s sports hub with two football stadiums. This city is also known as one of the oldest inhabited places in South America.

Medellin – The City of Eternal Spring, Medellin offers a wonderful climate year round and welcomes a large number of settlers.

We hope this guide has provided all you need to know to move to Colombia from the USA and to get a hassle-free relocation you can get in touch with us at the International Sea & Air Shipping team. We are always ready to help you.