The Expats in Medellín

In recent years, Medellín, has transformed into a top destination for expats from all around the globe. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant climate, Medellín offers a unique blend of urban life, natural beauty, rich culture, and an affordable cost of living. This has attracted retirees, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and adventurers who are seeking a vibrant and relatively inexpensive place to live. However, moving to Medellín as an expat involves more than just picking a neighborhood and finding a nice apartment; it requires an understanding of the local culture, rental market, visa processes, and some general tips to make the most of life in this thriving Colombian city.

In this blog post, I will dive into the expat experience in Medellín, covering everything from the rental prices and popular neighborhoods to visa issues and insider tips for those considering a move.

Why Expats Choose Medellín

Climate
One of the main reasons expats flock to Medellín is its comfortable year-round climate. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,495 meters (4,900 feet), the city enjoys spring-like weather with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (62°F to 80°F) throughout the year. Unlike the coastal cities of Colombia that can be humid and hot, Medellín’s weather is refreshingly mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities and daily living.
Cost of Living
Another significant draw for expats is Medellín’s affordable cost of living. While prices have increased in recent years due to the growing expat population, it’s still possible to live well on a modest budget. The lower cost of housing, groceries, and transportation makes Medellín an attractive option for retirees and digital nomads, who can often maintain a high quality of life on a fraction of the budget they’d need in North America or Europe.

Infrastructure and Connectivity
Medellín is considered one of the most innovative cities in Latin America. The city has a modern public transportation system, including the famous Metro, a network of cable cars (Metrocable), buses, and well-maintained roads. Medellín’s infrastructure is ideal for expats who want to live in a city with good internet access, reliable utilities, and convenient transport options. In addition, the city has a number of coworking spaces, catering to the digital nomad community.

Culture and Community
Medellín has a warm and welcoming culture, and expats often find it relatively easy to integrate. The locals, known as “Paisas,” are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The expat community in Medellín is also large and diverse, offering numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals through meetups, networking events, and cultural activities.

Healthcare
Colombia’s healthcare system is highly regarded, and Medellín is home to some of the best hospitals and clinics in the country. Healthcare costs in Colombia are significantly lower than in the U.S. and Europe, which is another factor that makes Medellín attractive to retirees and expats. The country also offers health insurance plans that expats can easily access once they have residency.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats in Medellín

Finding the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions for expats settling in Medellín. The city offers a variety of areas to suit different lifestyles and budgets.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular neighborhoods:

El Poblado

El Poblado is arguably the most popular neighborhood for expats and tourists in Medellín. Known for its upscale lifestyle, El Poblado boasts luxury apartments, trendy restaurants, bars, shopping malls, and beautiful parks. It’s the most expensive neighborhood in Medellín, but it offers a high standard of living and safety, which appeals to many foreign residents. You’ll find many English-speaking locals here, as well as businesses that cater specifically to expats.

Rental Prices in El Poblado:

1-bedroom apartment: COP 2,500,000 to COP 3,500,000 ($600–$900 USD per month)
2-bedroom apartment: COP 3,500,000 to COP 5,500,000 ($900–$1,400 USD per month)
Luxury apartments can go upwards of COP 10,000,000 ($2,500 USD per month)

Laureles

Laureles is another popular expat neighborhood, known for its more relaxed vibe compared to the bustling El Poblado. It offers a good mix of residential and commercial areas, with tree-lined streets, plenty of green spaces, and a more local, authentic feel. Laureles is home to several universities, so there’s a youthful energy here. It’s also well-known for its diverse restaurant scene and affordable cafes.

Rental Prices in Laureles:

1-bedroom apartment: COP 1,500,000 to COP 2,500,000 ($400–$600 USD per month)
2-bedroom apartment: COP 2,500,000 to COP 3,500,000 ($600–$900 USD per month)

Envigado

Technically a separate municipality, Envigado is located just south of Medellín and offers a quieter, more residential alternative to El Poblado. Envigado has retained much of its traditional charm and is popular with both expats and local families. It’s generally more affordable than El Poblado and has a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of green spaces, local markets, and parks.

Rental Prices in Envigado:

1-bedroom apartment: COP 1,200,000 to COP 2,000,000 ($300–$500 USD per month)
2-bedroom apartment: COP 2,000,000 to COP 3,000,000 ($500–$800 USD per month)

Belén

Belén is one of Medellín’s largest neighborhoods and is known for being more affordable than El Poblado or Laureles. It has a more local feel but still offers plenty of conveniences, including shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. Belén is popular with both young professionals and families, and it’s well-connected to the rest of the city via public transport.

Rental Prices in Belén:

1-bedroom apartment: COP 1,000,000 to COP 1,800,000 ($250–$450 USD per month)
2-bedroom apartment: COP 1,800,000 to COP 2,800,000 ($450–$700 USD per month)

Navigating Rental Prices and Finding Accommodation

Finding the right rental in Medellín can be both exciting and challenging. While prices in some areas, such as El Poblado, may seem high compared to the rest of Colombia, they’re still relatively affordable by international standards. Here are some tips for finding accommodation in Medellín:

Use Real Estate Websites

There are a number of online platforms where you can search for rentals, including:

Finca Raíz
Inmuebles24
CompartoApto – A great option for finding shared accommodation.

Work with Local Real Estate Agent

If you don’t speak Spanish or are unfamiliar with the city, it may be helpful to work with a local real estate agent. They can help you navigate the rental market, negotiate prices, and ensure that everything is in order with your rental contract.

Short-Term Rentals

For expats who are new to Medellín, starting with a short-term rental can be a good idea. Many Airbnb listings offer monthly discounts, which allows you to settle in while looking for a long-term rental that suits your needs.

Beware of Rental Requirements

In Colombia, landlords often require a fiador (a co-signer who owns property in Colombia) or several months of rent upfront for long-term leases. This can be a barrier for some expats. However, working with a real estate agency or offering to pay a larger deposit can sometimes help overcome this requirement.

Visa Issues for Expats in Medellín

Moving to Medellín involves navigating Colombia’s visa system, which can seem complex at first. However, Colombia offers several visa options that cater to different types of expats, including retirees, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs. Below, we’ll outline some of the most common visa options and provide tips for making the process smoother.

Visitor Visa (V)

The Visitor Visa is a temporary option for those who plan to stay in Colombia for up to 180 days in a calendar year. This visa is ideal for tourists, digital nomads, or individuals exploring the possibility of living in Colombia long-term. U.S., Canadian, and EU citizens do not need a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days, but can apply for an extension of another 90 days.

Migrant Visa (M)

The Migrant Visa is a more long-term option and is suitable for those planning to live in Colombia for an extended period. There are various types of M visas, including:
M Retirement Visa (Pensionado): For retirees with a monthly pension of at least 3 times the minimum wage in Colombia (about $750 USD per month in 2023).

M Work Visa

For foreigners who have a job offer from a Colombian company.
M Business Visa: For entrepreneurs who wish to invest in Colombia or start a business.

Let’s be honest the bureaucracy is not that easy as in Uruguay but it is still manageable. Still, the growing tribe of digital nomads is populating Colombia and the services related to this new sort of immigrants are growing as well. If you don’t feel like handling all the practices by yourself you can request an assistance at one of many agencies specialized in visa formalities, job contracts and rentals for foreigners. Expat Group is the most popular among the expats in Colombia and it offers a wide range of services at a reasonable price. Whatever is bringing you to Colombia and whatever services will you use, remember that English is not widely spoken and the basic Spanish is a must to survive so if you don’t speak it, make sure to enroll for an online or in person course while in Colombia.

Nomadlytics