Let's Talk About Our Visa Situation... Ugh!

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Let's Talk About Our Visa Situation... Ugh! | Real Talk!

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2 жыл бұрын

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By now, you should know that we had to leave Colombia because of visa issues. Many of you understandably wanted to know what's going on, why we had to leave etc.
In this video, that's exactly what we will talk about. It has been getting harder and harder to obtain a visa in Colombia. Especially for people that are not retirees.
So this video should not only explain you our situation but also how it could affect your plans of living in Colombia long-term.
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Our mission is to help fellow Expats and Soon-To-Be Expats, to get the information we couldn't find when we moved to Colombia.
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Пікірлер: 95

@CuriousPerro 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your experience with visas. As a potential future expat to Colombia, it is very helpful to understand the process. Best of luck!

@Ralphie_Boy 2 жыл бұрын

*Guys, You've should have gone the regular route by applying for a residential visa as I've done, by applying at a local Colombian consulate, for example, I made my application and an interview plus my medical vaccination in Coral Gables Florida without any financial worries, within a month I was granted my temporary visa with minor restrictions since I'm retired and receiving a monthly pension, the fun began when I arrived in El Quindio in 2007, I had two weeks to report to D.O.S. now called Immigrations for another interview and my temporary cédula ie. identification card, here are where the headaches began yearly making the trip to Bogotá to renew my temporary visa, the running around for stamp's the cost of a hotel stay taxi's traveling to and from my adopted town of Calarcá, next step was to renew my cédula yearly, well after 5 years of running back and forth I was granted a permanent residence visa status, just every 5 years do I have to renew my cédula at the Immigration office here in Pereira, Sam, and Tasha knows my history, just letting new subscribers know my account of my process, and YES happily living in this wonderful country!* 🌴🤠👍

@AngelaBMartin 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story and experience with the residential visa process.

@Ralphie_Boy 2 жыл бұрын

@@AngelaBMartin Any time, Angla!

@keithsmith8543 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ralphie. Ok. I got it! Thanks! Much appreciated. 👊👍

@Ralphie_Boy 2 жыл бұрын

@@AngelaBMartin 👍

@Ralphie_Boy 2 жыл бұрын

@@keithsmith8543 👍

@Inprogress9553 2 жыл бұрын

Ouch, that sounds like a nightmare, after speaking with you about the various visa options 2 years ago I went for the 5 year investor visa by buying a house in medellin.... luckily it was a breeze and property values have gone thru the roof so it turned out to be a great investment. Thanks for the info, very informative! now im going to watch the video about how to get a driving license!

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

It really is! So happy to hear that everything worked out well for you. Good luck with the driver's license! 😃

@elkay18 2 жыл бұрын

Good for you! Now in 2021, nice apartments are much more than the 85K real estate minimum.

@rochelleglam 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, sounds like a nightmare. Just an FYI, my husband got his Colombian citizenship this last year and then incorporated a new business as a Colombian citizen and it was equally a nightmare and many of his struggles parallel yours.

@Isaac-ok1ys 2 жыл бұрын

Ohh very sad😢 you were so amazing 😢 best to you both greetings from Finland

@niko_walks 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video for a complicated topic. You two complement each other well and you’re easy to follow . . I hope to do an exploratory visit in the very near future. I’m excited to check out your guidance offerings and website.

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot!

@countingdaze 2 жыл бұрын

In the next video perhaps you could discuss the differences between an investment visa where one is starting a business and an investment visa where one has simply purchased shares of an existing company. (I watched your video on visas, by the way, but the attorney didn't get into much detail regarding ownership of a publicly traded company). From what I've learned (perhaps incorrectly), a purchase of $25,000 worth of shares in a publicly traded company, in which case one would be a passive minority shareholder, would require much simpler visa documentation. I understand that this won't be the right fit for everyone, like you two who have your own business, but it might work well for other expats who don't want to use another visa option.

@juanje99 2 жыл бұрын

That's Chichombia for you. I'm a citizen because I was born there but the bureaucracy and negligence is absolutely astounding. All the best.

@leefamilytx 2 жыл бұрын

thanks for sharing your journey, useful information for many who are considering Expat life in CO. Best wishes on the next step.

@sunrise4569 Жыл бұрын

I hopefully you guy's stay together for ever she is s beautiful and she matches you for real.

@Rohawk009 2 жыл бұрын

This is so true my friend is there and he went though the same thing so he left and move to México good luck keep the video coming

@gladiator-dh5cb 2 жыл бұрын

You guys are awesome. Always interesting. The red tape of Colombia. Sooo much fun. I feel your pain

@jocjrnyc 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Very helpful.

@keithsmith8543 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sam and Tacha. When the time comes, it's more than likely that I will apply for a Pension Visa. I'll be 53 next month and I'm not too far from retirement. Very informative and interesting podcast, as always! Thanks again. Stay safe. 👊👍

@gnolan4281 2 жыл бұрын

Keith, because of Covid the rules for a pensioner visa have changed. You must be able to document your affiliation with a Colombian health insurance company. SURA EPS offers a government approved plan. Your monthly cost depends on the amount of your monthly income. When I first retired here this policy wasn't required and as time goes by they may relax the rules.

@keithsmith8543 2 жыл бұрын

@@gnolan4281It stinks when you have the time but NOT THE AGE for retirement (in my case). Nevertheless, thanks for the update! Much appreciated.👍

@harrydaloc9112 2 жыл бұрын

@@gnolan4281 do you know anything about the investment visa?

@gnolan4281 2 жыл бұрын

@@harrydaloc9112 Twice I've been told by friends that they had enormous difficulty renewing their investment visas. The authorities check carefully to determine if you are actually running a business or if you are merely parking funds so as to remain in the country. I've used a visa expeditor for a retirement visa and several renewals and also to renew my US passport. My tendency is to employ professionals for that kind of thing because they have done it so often that they save me time, frustration, and money. Their fees seem quite reasonable to me. Sam does mention the rigorous checking by the authorities about investment visas and I was impressed by what he said because not everyone will know that.

@harrydaloc9112 2 жыл бұрын

@@gnolan4281 I’m not trying to start a business I just want to pay $200k usd on a property and get the 5 year visa

@DaveG-qd6ug 2 жыл бұрын

Good info great to see the three of you ! 💓😹

@CARACAS1 2 жыл бұрын

Hello , I wish you the best in the fulfillment of your goals; where there is a will, there is a way. As you very well know by now, the path to success is always paved with obstacles, adversity, and challenges to test one's courage, determinacion, and perseverance. Fortunately, you have time on your side; don't loose hope on what you have already achieved so far. Keep your focus on the rewards for taking risks. May the Lord God bless your plans and give you the desires of your hearts.

@theforeignspeculator 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a nightmare, do you think that if you went to Bogota, maybe you would have got a different outcome and process?? I know a lot of the time dealing with these big problems in countries like Colombia it is better to head to the capital and stay there whilst your organise your affairs. I learnt this the hardway in Jamaica.

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

We do not think so to be honest. However, we can't turn back time you know, so I guess we'll never find out.

@menopillion9853 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the info.

@DanTheQueasy-Fisherman 2 жыл бұрын

Thank God for lawyers! Dios Mio!!!!! I have to get going myself on this stuff myself living in Chapiniero, bogota! Thanks for such wisdom!

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

@DanTheQueasy-Fisherman 2 жыл бұрын

@@HowToExpat Sounds like I will need the good luck! :D Thanks again for sharing such wisdom for us Indiana Jones'!

@albertomolano 2 жыл бұрын

I am so sorry to hear about this. I just sent a petition to the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores to see if they can FACILITATE the migration of persons like you. I just don't understand: You are promoting tourism here, the process should be smooth. Maybe we can find other Colombians to push a little.

@hamid1106 2 жыл бұрын

I have applied for investor visa as well. It is more than two months and it didn't lead to anywhere

@masthedecart7650 2 жыл бұрын

Don't believe Colombian visa is too complicated. Same situation for Colombians applying for visas in USA and Europe. Now, you can understand the pain of applying for visas. Personally, in all my life travelling and living in other countries as Colombian I have spent around £50K in visas.

@joannasanchez143 2 жыл бұрын

It happens everywhere in the world , it is expensive and a long process

@seanlive6975 2 жыл бұрын

Part of the problem is lack of training, no formal training, information passed from person to person, you probably understand how the process is supposed to be better than the Colombians working in the office

@bananahead44 2 жыл бұрын

How not to Expat!!

@elvdell5582 2 жыл бұрын

Colombia is really complicating things. I really think Colombia has hit a point where they want to stem the tide of expats coming in. I can't really think of any other reason they are being so strict. I hope it is a part of a cycle and soon they come around and relax things a bit.

@lerryperry 2 жыл бұрын

It makes no sense for Colombia to be behaving like this. I mean, most of the expats are earning their incomes from outside the country, so they are not a public charge. The expats are spending money in the country which helps the economy in a big way. How can any country bite the hand that feeds them like this? If I didn't know any better, I would say that Colombia wants to become the next Venezuela!!!!

@robd1329 2 жыл бұрын

@@lerryperry maybe their tired of expats banging their women

@KhaledQeys 2 жыл бұрын

Wow awesome, I have invitation letter how can I get a visa from Colombia

@lerryperry 2 жыл бұрын

Why is it so hard to get things done in Latin America???? MY GOD!!!!

@papsi7533 2 жыл бұрын

So many beautiful and more safer countries out there guys. Think it might be time for a change and explore

@leonardbritt8945 2 жыл бұрын

I recall that David (Life with David) left Medellin after about five years there due to visa issues. Que pena! My wife has a Colombian cedula and passport and her family is costena. The thought of living in Medellin or Cartagena seemed like a realistic possibility at some point in the future. It seems that due to the economic effects of the pandemic, protests, spillover effects from Venezuela and organized groups, crime in Colombia has increased sharply (or at least my perception based on Noticias Caracol and El Tiempo). So while we had hoped to visit Medellin in 2020, at this point we are still waiting. Vamos a ver.... Best wishes resolving the visa issue!

@hawkeye98 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sam and Tacha What a nightmare. My wife and I are retiring Q1 next year. She is Colombian and I’m American. I can only pray our process will be much smoother. We have an accountant who is really good and very proactive. We also reached out to Laura at IZA for visa advice and retained her for the process. Just wondering if some of the issues you are having is due to the amount of income you generate is below some arbitrary threshold. My night mare is as a US citizen I pay US taxes and will still have to pay Colombian taxes on money I transfer into Col for living expenses. The world is becoming very complicated Be well and hopefully it all works out in your favor.

@cath4life42 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for info! my husband and I are in the same situation. If you decide to buy property, you will also have to pay taxes in Colombia correct? Thanks

@hawkeye98 2 жыл бұрын

@@cath4life42 Hi. I not really sure but it wouldn’t surprise me. It is my understanding that you have to fall under the Fiscal resident definition. I’m researching it now as we will defiantly have to buy a home at some point. I’m trying to see if the transaction is done outside of colombia by two parties that are not fiscal residents if you still have to pay taxes. For example if you have a US citizen who owns property in colombia and the property is sold to a US citizen and both reside outside of colombia it makes more sense to transfer money from a us bank to a us bank. It doesn’t make since to transfer US dollars to colombia and take an exchange rate hit to turn around and make the transaction for the seller to transfer money out of colombia and take a second exchange rate hit. Seems like every time you turn around now some one or some govt has there hand in your pocket

@AscendedWarriors 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad I have colombian citizenship...

@stephenhannawi9024 2 жыл бұрын

You guys went through a lot it seems like. Is getting student visa harder than before.

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

The student visa is easy to get, however you can't reapply for it as many times as you want. Which was a great loophole in the past.

@dareasonx24 2 жыл бұрын

Just got approved for my mercosur M visa

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

That's great news congratulations!

@ForProductions 2 жыл бұрын

WOW... this is very SAD!!! I dont understand how our laws work.. but Oh man.. this is a massive loss for Colombia.

@BubbaSunFllower702 2 жыл бұрын

They recently denied my Visa I cannot believe how hard it is to get anything done in Columbia they told me that I had an open case from when I left at the airport with no one informed me about I was there to clear up everything so that I could get back I went to immigration three times while I was there and I was not helped one single time I was told to wait until I got to the airport I did that and left now I am probably going to have to find another country to go to Good luck Columbia. I love the people hate the government

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that! Best of luck wherever you end up.

@liz6816 2 жыл бұрын

So are you saying you overstayed your visa because they wouldn’t help you at the migración office and they told you to just deal with it at the airport? And then no one at the airport noticed you overstayed, so when you came back they made it an issue?

@BubbaSunFllower702 2 жыл бұрын

@@liz6816 yes exactly like that except when I left at the airport they told me everything was fine I got home and applied for a student visa and it was denied because I had a pending case at the airport.

@davldmorand8125 2 жыл бұрын

Will the real estate visa be easier?

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, it surely has been for our clients.

@jkljkljkljkl6164 2 жыл бұрын

Why the foreign you tubers gather and talk to the Colombian Vicepresident, she knows about International Business, I know she will understand the situation to help Visa Investors to be check by people and not by a software.

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

That's easier said than done.

@hamid1106 2 жыл бұрын

as soon as she took office, things got worse. I've sent Cancilleria many emails. The replies are copy paste nonsense

@pepetovar5012 2 жыл бұрын

Just go back to swiss make a lot of money when you retired come back to col my advice

@HowToExpat 2 жыл бұрын

LOL! That's not an option for us. It will take us quite a while to get to the retirement age.

@pepetovar5012 2 жыл бұрын

@@bradleyredmond7850 exactly! Young ppl don't listen advice

@lerryperry 2 жыл бұрын

I have better advice. Tell Colombia where to shove it and go to Mexico instead. It seems like Mexico appreciates expats better than Venezuela 2.0 (aka Colombia).

@DavidEdelsohn 2 жыл бұрын

I believe that you are missing part of the "game" in Colombia, or maybe this is one of the topics that you want to avoid discussing in the videos. To Colombians, and especially Colombian civil servants, you two are rich: you are foreigners from Western Europe who are applying for a Business Investors Visa. As you mentioned, the law gives a lot of latitude to the official performing the review. The official is looking for you to offer a side deal (hint hint, wink wink) to help convince him to approve you for a three year visa. You're rich, he has the power, there is no cost to him if he makes the process difficult or you decide to abandon the visa application, and he isn't immediately rewarded for the long-term benefit to him and Colombian society if rich, foreign investors stay. By the way, Sicily is part of the Schengen zone, but the bureaucracy in Southern Europe is not the same as Switzerland either.

@Ralphie_Boy 2 жыл бұрын

*Rich? I receive a modus pension every month and both my Colombian wife and dog live very well here in Pereria!* 🤔