The First 90 Days: Expat Onboarding Checklist for Medellín (2026)

Your first 90 days in Medellín set the foundation for everything that follows. This checklist breaks the onboarding process into manageable phases so you don't miss critical steps or waste time figuring out what to do next.

Before You Arrive

• Passport valid 6+ months with 2+ blank pages
• Apostilled FBI background check (if applying for DN or retirement visa)
• Pension verification letter (retirees — apostilled and translated)
• 3 months of bank statements showing income above ~$1,420/month
• Health insurance valid in Colombia (SafetyWing or similar for initial period)
• Download apps: Uber, InDrive, DiDi, Rappi, Google Maps (download Medellín offline map), WhatsApp
• Start Spanish basics (Duolingo, iTalki — even 20 hours helps)
• Book 2–4 weeks in a furnished Airbnb or Casacol apartment for exploration
• Register with your embassy (U.S.: STEP at step.state.gov)

Week 1: Orientation

• Get a SIM card — Claro 30GB/30 days (COP 32,000) at any carrier store, OXXO, or mall kiosk. Bring passport
• Get a Cívica card — free personalized card at San Antonio Metro station (bring passport). Saves COP 580/trip
• Explore 3+ neighborhoods — spend full days in Laureles, Envigado, and El Poblado. Walk the streets, eat corrientazos, sit in cafés. Feel the vibe
• Join MDE Community — sign up at mdecommunity.com, join 2–3 WhatsApp groups
• Attend Gringo Tuesdays — arrive at 4 PM for the free language exchange portion. Meet 10+ people in one evening
• Set up Wise — link your home country bank, verify Colombian recipient (you'll need a local bank account first — use cash/cards for Week 1)

Weeks 2–4: Foundation

• Choose your neighborhood — based on Week 1 exploration. Sign a 1–3 month furnished lease for deeper testing
• Apply for your visa — Digital Nomad, Retirement, or other applicable category. Online at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co. Processing: 2–6 weeks
• Start Spanish tutoring — 3 hours/week minimum. Find a tutor via iTalki ($5–$15/hr) or local referrals ($8–$16/hr)
• Open Nequi and DaviPlata — both accept cédula de extranjería (once you have it) for digital account opening
• Set up Bancolombia — requires in-person branch visit with CE, passport, proof of address. This is your primary banking hub
• Enroll in EPS — mandatory for visa holders. SURA or Sanitas recommended. ~$60/month minimum
• Find a GP — schedule an initial checkup to establish a doctor relationship

Month 2: Integration

• Apply for Cédula de Extranjería — once visa is approved. COP 294,000 (~$80). Appointments open Sundays 5 PM on Migración website — fill within 30 minutes
• Set up home internet — if your apartment doesn't include it. Movistar or Tigo fiber, 3–7 day installation
• Evaluate Prepagada — add private health coverage (SURA, Colsanitas, Colmédica) for faster specialist access
• Establish weekly routines — gym membership, language exchange schedule, social meetups, volunteer commitment
• Consider an unfurnished lease — if staying 2+ years, start exploring local-market unfurnished options for significant savings

Month 3: Settled

• CE arrives — processing takes 10 business days to 3–4 months. With CE, you can open bank accounts, sign contracts, and build credit
• Build credit — utility contracts in your name, consistent bank deposits, consider a store credit card at Éxito
• Optimize finances — set up recurring Wise transfers, DaviPlata savings earning 8.25% E.A., budget tracking
• Evaluate your setup — is your neighborhood right? Is your apartment the right size/price? Is your social life sufficient? Adjust if needed while you're still flexible
• Start planning long-term — lease renewal, furniture purchases, potential property viewing, visa renewal timeline