Expat Stories

Real experiences from the people who relocated to Colombia. Discover how they made the move and what they've learned along the way.

127
Expats Interviewed
31
Countries Represented
8
Colombian Cities
5+
Years Experience
Sophie from France

I Quit My Paris Startup to Build in Medellín

Sophie | France
Medellín
Moved 2023

"I realized that working from a café in Medellín gave me more clarity and creativity than the startup grind in Paris. Plus, my $1,800 monthly budget goes three times further here."

Sophie left a promising CTO role at a Paris tech startup after burning out. She spent six months traveling through Latin America before settling in Laureles, Medellín. Today, she runs a product consultancy for European B2B SaaS companies, working 20 hours a week while living comfortably on $1,800/month. Her apartment is a renovated colonial with a modern co-working space downstairs. She's partnered with two other founders locally and built a close expat community around sustainable business practices.

The transition wasn't seamless—visa requirements, banking setup, and healthcare registration took effort. But Sophie credits the welcoming local tech scene and lower cost of living with giving her the space to rebuild her entrepreneurial vision without financial pressure. She now mentors startup founders, both local and foreign.

Digital Nomad

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Michael from Canada

Second Act in Bogotá

Michael, Canada • Moved 2020

"After 40 years in Toronto finance, I wanted out. Bogotá's cultural scene is incredible—opera, museums, galleries. And my pension stretches beautifully."

Retiree $2,100/mo
Juan from Spain

Building a Coffee Export Business

Juan, Spain • Moved 2022

"The coffee expertise here is world-class. I partnered with local farmers and now export directly to Spain. The margins are extraordinary."

Entrepreneur Variable
Maya from Australia

Design Nomad in Caribbean Cartagena

Maya, Australia • Moved 2024

"Cartagena's colonial architecture inspires my design work daily. The Old City is a live Pinterest board—and my clients love the exotic location shoots."

Digital Nomad $1,500/mo
David from UK

Teaching English in Cali

David, UK • Moved 2021

"I teach at three institutes, work freelance tutoring online, and still have afternoons free for salsa dancing. Cali is the salsa capital for a reason."

Teacher $1,400/mo
Elena from Germany

Remote Engineer, Global Impact

Elena, Germany • Moved 2023

"My Berlin salary goes 3x further here. I work mornings, mountain hike in afternoons. Medellín's eternal spring is real."

Remote Worker $1,900/mo
Lucas from Brazil

Freelance Writer, Political Analyst

Lucas, Brazil • Moved 2022

"Being in Bogotá, the political heart of South America, keeps me sharp. My coverage of regional issues is now sought by major outlets."

Freelancer $1,600/mo
Priya from USA

Wellness Retreat Founder

Priya, USA • Moved 2024

"I run yoga and meditation retreats. Colombia's natural beauty—waterfalls, mountains, coffee plantations—is the perfect backdrop. Guests transform here."

Entrepreneur Variable
Patricia from USA

Retired Teacher, Caribbean Dreams

Patricia, USA • Moved 2020

"I spent 35 years teaching in Los Angeles. Now, I'm learning Spanish, volunteering with local charities, and watching Caribbean sunsets every evening."

Retiree $1,800/mo
Thomas from Netherlands

Product Manager for EdTech

Thomas, Netherlands • Moved 2023

"My Amsterdam company gave me approval to work remote. Bogotá's startup ecosystem and lower cost of living let me finally save money while building products."

Remote Worker $2,000/mo
Amara from Senegal

Music Producer & DJing

Amara, Senegal • Moved 2024

"Cali's vibrant music scene pulled me in. I produce beats, DJ at clubs, and collaborate with local musicians. The energy is unmatched in Latin America."

Digital Nomad $1,300/mo

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Help other expats make informed decisions. Tell us about your experience relocating to Colombia.