In recent years, Colombia has emerged as a sought-after destination for digital nomads looking for a cheap and nature-thriving place to settle thanks to the Colombia digital nomad visa.
In the beginning of 2023, the Colombian government introduced this visa designed to streamline the process of residing and working in the country when you’re a remote worker.
Let’s have a look at the essential requirements and immigration process to obtain your Colombia digital nomad visa.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa – Key Points Explained
Here are the key points to consider before you apply to the Colombia digital nomad visa :
- Visa duration : unlike most digital nomad visas that are valid for one year with the possibility to extend for another year, the Colombia digital nomad is automatically and directly valid for two years.
- Eligibility : you must demonstrate minimum monthly legal salaries from a foreign source to ensure financial stability during your stay (600 € / $665 per month).
- Application process : the visa application can be submitted online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at a Colombian consulate in your home country.
- Required documents : you must provide a valid passport, proof of income, and a motivational letter explaining your remote work activities.
- Taxes : digital nomad visa holders are exempt from paying income tax in Colombia, but they are still responsible for taxes in their home country.
- Family Members : the visa allows the inclusion of dependent family members.
Is It Hard To Get Colombian Digital Nomad Visa ?
Obtaining a digital nomad visa for Colombia is a relatively straightforward process thanks to the possibility of online application.
As long as you meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documents, then you’re pretty sure to secure your new digital nomad visa.
What Type of Visa is the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa ?
The Colombia visa digital nomad falls under the visa Type V (Visitor Visa) category.
It is specifically designed for remote professionals and it enables you to live and work in Colombia while contributing to the local economy.
But unlike the Type V Visa which grants a stay of up to 180 days per year, with the possibility of extending for an additional 180 days, the Colombia digital nomad visa will allow you to stay up to two years.
Eligibility & Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Meeting the following requirements is essential for a successful visa application :
- Minimum income : you must demonstrate a stable monthly income from foreign companies or clients to ensure your financial stability (bank statements or payslips from a foreign company). The minimum monthly income is 3 million Colombian pesos, or €600 / $665.
- Clean criminal record : a clean criminal record is necessary for visa approval. You may need to provide a police clearance certificate from your home country.
- Purpose : you also have to prove the nature of your remote work Colombia and how you plan to conduct your activities while in Colombia.
- Health insurance : international health policy coverage for the duration of the stay is mandatory.
- Valid passport : your passport will have to be valid for the whole duration of your stay.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Income Requirements
To be eligible for the visa for digital nomad Colombia, you must prove a stable minimum monthly income from foreign companies or clients.
The required minimum income is 3 million Colombian pesos, which is equivalent to approximately €600 or $665.
This requirement ensures that you can support yourself financially while residing in Colombia and contribute positively to the local economy. This income requirement is one of the lowest in the whole world !
Digital Nomad Visa For Colombia Documents
Gather all these documents and make sure they are accurate and up-to-date to avoid potential delays or rejections :
- Valid passport : ensure your passport will be valid for your whole stay.
- Proof of income : provide bank statements or other financial documents demonstrating a monthly income of at least 3 million Colombian pesos from a foreign company or client.
- Letter of intent : submit a letter detailing your remote work activities and the purpose of your stay in Colombia.
- Health insurance certificate : subscribe to an international health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Colombia.
- Visa application form : complete and sign the visa application form.
- Visa Fee payment document : pay the non-refundable visa application fee and keep the proof of payment.
- Passport photos : provide recent passport-sized photos (3×4 cm) with a white background.
- Criminal record (optional) : if required by the foreign affairs office, obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country to confirm a clean criminal record.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth application :
- Gather required documents: Before starting the application visa process, gather all the required documents detailed above. If necessary, obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country.
- Complete the visa application form: Fill out the visa application form, which can be found on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Double-check all the information you provide to ensure accuracy.
- Pay the visa fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (from 150 € / $170 to 210 € / $230). Keep a record of the payment, as you will need to submit proof of payment during the application process.
- Submit the application and documents: Submit your completed application form along with all supporting documents, either online or in-person at a Colombian consulate.
- Attend a Visa Interview (optional): Depending on your nationality and the discretion of the Colombian consulate, you may be required to attend a visa interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your remote work activities, purpose of stay, and financial stability.
- Receive the decision: Once your application has been reviewed and evaluated, you will receive a decision. If your visa is approved, you will be issued a visa sticker in your passport or an electronic visa depending on the method you chose during the application.
- Enter Colombia ! Upon arriving in Colombia, present your visa and passport to immigration authorities. They will stamp your passport, granting you entry and officially activating your visa.
- Register with Migración Colombia: Within 15 days of your arrival, you must register your visa with Migración Colombia. If you fail to do so, this may result to visa cancellation.
- Apply for a Colombian ID (Cédula de Extranjería): After registering, apply for a Colombian ID (Cédula de Extranjería) within 15 days. This document will serve as your official identification during your stay.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Renewal Process
As the visa is pretty new, we don’t know yet if there will be an option to extend it for an additional one or two years.
How Long Is A Colombian Digital Nomad Visa Valid For ?
The Colombia digital nomad visa is valid for a period of two years, which means it provides ample time for remote workers to live, work, and immerse themselves in Colombian culture.
This extended duration will allow you to establish a stable routine and build connections in the country without the stress of frequent visa renewals or extensions.
Cost Of Colombian Digital Nomad Visa Application
The cost of obtaining a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa consists of an application fee and a visa fee.
The application fee is approximately 47 € / $52, while the visa fee ranges from 150 € / $170 to 210 € / $230 depending on if you apply alone or with family members.
These fees are non-refundable, so make sure your application and supporting documents are accurate and complete before you submit them.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Tax To Expect
As a digital nomad in Colombia, you will be required to pay taxes on your worldwide income if you become a tax resident.
Tax residency is determined by spending more than 183 days in Colombia during a 365-day period. Colombia digital nomad visa taxes rates for individuals range from 0% to 33%, depending on your income level.
Keep in mind that double taxation agreements between Colombia and your home country might help you avoid being taxed twice on the same income.
How Long You Wait To Get Digital Nomad Visa Colombia
The processing time for a Colombia digital nomad visa can vary, but on average, you can expect to wait around 30 days from the submission of your application.
But bear in mind the actual processing time may be shorter or longer depending on the volume of applications, your nationality and the efficiency of the consulate or embassy handling your application.
Don’t forget to apply well in advance !
Bringing Family With You
Yes, you are allowed to bring your family members with you.
Spouses, partners, and children under 18 will have to apply for a dependent visa, which will allow them to reside in Colombia for the same duration as the digital nomad’s visa. This is great to enable families to stay together and experience life in Colombia all together !
Cost Of Living In Colombia
Colombia is a really affordable destination for remote workers.
Its cost of living is way lower compared to many other countries. Of course, these costs will depend on your lifestyle and the city you choose to reside in, but you can expect to find reasonably priced accommodation, food, and transportation options.
Here are some examples of what digital nomads can expect to pay while living in Colombia :
| Accommodation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | 200 to 500 € / $222 to $555 |
| Buy | 50000 to 100000 € / $55000 to $110000 |
| Hotels | 30 € to 100 € / $33 to $111 |
| BnB | 20 to 60 € / $22 to $67 |
| Food | Cost |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | 3 to 15 € / $3 to $17 |
| Groceries | 100 to 200 € / $111 to $222 /month/pers |
| Fast Food | 4 to 7 € / $4 to $8 |
| Transports | Cost |
|---|---|
| Train | 10 to 15 € / $11 to $17 per 100km |
| Bus | 0,50 to 1,5 € / $0,55 to $1,65 per trip |
| Taxi | 0,50 to 1 € / $0,55 to $1,11 per km |
| Car rental | 30 to 60 € / $33 to $67 per day |
| Airplane | 50 to 150 € / $56 to $167 per national trip |
| Leisure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Day excursion | 20 to 50 € / $22 to $56 |
| Nightlife | 2 to 5 € / $2 to $6 |
| Museum / attractions | 5 to 15 € / $6 to $17 |
| Outdoor activities | 10 to 30 € / $11 to $33 |
You can also check the Cost of Living in Colombia here.
Is There Digital Banking In Colombia
In Colombia, digital banking is on the rise, with several local banks offering digital and mobile services to customers.
Some of the most popular Colombian banks providing digital banking options include:
- Bancolombia
- Davivienda
- and Banco de Bogotá
These banks offer online and mobile banking platforms. They’re great if you want to manage your accounts, make transactions, and access various financial services conveniently.
Are you regularly on business-related journeys? Elevate your travel efficiency by integrating these banking services with apps tailored to meet the demands of business trips.
Is Colombia Safe For Digital Nomads ?
Colombia has made significant strides in improving safety and security over the past few decades.
So it has now become a more attractive destination to work remotely from Colombia. However, you will have to remain vigilant and exercise caution, especially in certain areas or neighborhoods where crime rates may be higher.
To ensure a safe experience in Colombia, we recommend you subscribe comprehensive travel insurance.
Two popular options among digital nomads are SafetyWing and World Nomads, which provide coverage for various travel-related risks, including medical emergencies, lost or stolen belongings, and trip cancellations.
Popular Digital Nomad Hotspots (Cities) In Colombia
Here are some of the best places to live in Colombia as digital nomads :
- Medellín – Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín is a favorite among digital nomads thanks to its pleasant climate, vibrant culture, and growing tech scene. The city boasts numerous coworking spaces, affordable living costs, and a strong expat community. It’s a very attractive destination for remote workers.
- Bogotá – Colombia’s capital is a bustling metropolis with a thriving arts scene, diverse culinary options, nice and busy lifestyle and ample coworking spaces. Digital nomad visas holders can enjoy the city’s rich history and nightlife and benefit from a well-developed infrastructure and excellent connectivity.
- Cartagena – Cartagena is a historic port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and well-preserved colonial architecture, then this is the best place for you. Remote workers can find a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in Cartagena, along with a laid-back lifestyle.
- Santa Marta – Santa Marta is another popular destination on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Outdoor activities lovers will absolutely love its mix of beaches, mountains and national parks. There you will also enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and affordable cost of living. An ideal destination if you’re seeking a balance between work and leisure !
- Cali, the “Salsa Capital of the World,” offers a vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and a warm climate. Your Colombian visa for remote workers will allow you to enjoy its arts scene and affordable living costs. More and more coworking spaces are settling there !
Are There Coworking Communities In Colombia
Do you wish to enjoy Colombian new visa for digital nomads in a vibrant and coworking friendly community ?
Here are some of the major cities we could find :
- Bogotá is home to several coworking communities. Some notable coworking spaces include Carpe Diem House, Casa del Parque Coworking, and Work and Go. All of them offer well-equipped workspaces, fast internet and opportunities for networking and collaboration with like-minded professionals.
- Medellín has a growing coworking scene, with spaces such as Tinkko, WeWork, and Quokka, catering to the needs of remote workers and entrepreneurs. These spaces provide a comfortable work environment along with events and workshops designed to foster creativity and skill development.
- Cali also offers coworking options for digital nomads seeking a vibrant city to work and live in. Spaces like CoWorking Cali and El Lab provide not only a productive atmosphere but also access to a community of fellow remote workers and entrepreneurs.
- Cartagena’s growing popularity among digital nomads is reflected in the emergence of coworking spaces in the city. Amongst the best coworking spaces we could find are Tu Work and Cowork Cartagena !
Final Pros & Benefits
Colombia’s digital nomad scene has much to offer : a low cost of living, diverse and vibrant cities, abundance of coworking communities, a brand new visa for digital nomads, relaxed lifestyle, nice climate…
The country’s improving safety conditions and growing expat community make it an increasingly attractive destination for remote workers.
Digital nomads in Colombia can enjoy a high quality of life, with opportunities to explore rich cultural experiences, stunning natural landscapes and a lively nightlife.
We also love its location in South America, which is an excellent base for exploring neighboring countries.
Few Drawbacks To Have In Mind
While Colombia offers many advantages for digital nomads, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
The country’s safety situation has significantly improved, but you will still have to remain cautious and avoid high-risk areas.
The internet connection might also be slower or less reliable in rural areas so you will have to cautiously choose your destination.
Another potential drawback is the language barrier, as not everyone in Colombia speaks English. So you might have to learn some basic Spanish to fit in.
3 Alternative Countries With Similar Requirements We Recommend
Looking for an alternative destination with digital nomad visas ?
The following countries provide unique benefits and opportunities.
- Estonia is a popular destination among digital nomads, thanks to its e-Residency program and smooth visa applications. The country boasts a modern infrastructure, advanced digital services and a vibrant startup scene. It is an excellent choice to work remotely !
- Croatia has recently introduced its own digital visa services in order to attract remote workers. We absolutely love its stunning coastline, its rich history and its warm climate. The country offers a relatively affordable cost of living and a relaxed pace of life, especially in Zagreb and Split.
- Costa Rica is a beautiful destination with lush jungles and stunning beaches. Its easy visa applications make it an attractive option to work remotely. The country offers a high quality of life with opportunities for outdoor adventures and a growing digital nomad community.
FAQs
How long can I stay in Colombia as a digital nomad ?
Colombia’s digital nomad visa allows you to stay for a maximum period of 2 years, which is great for longer stays and remote work opportunities.
Can I extend the Colombia digital nomad visa ?
As the visa is pretty new, we don’t know yet if there will be an option to extend it for an additional one or two years.
Is Medellin safe for remote workers ?
Medellin has become way safer in recent years, but you will have to remain cautious and stay in well-known areas. Research neighborhoods and follow local safety advice for digital nomad Medellin.
What is the easiest visa to get in Colombia ?
The easiest visa to obtain is the tourist visa, a short stay visa granted upon arrival for most nationalities. These Colombia visas, also known as visitor visas, allow a stay of up to 90 days, extendable for another 90 days.
Wrap Up
The digital nomad visa in Colombia offers remote workers an exciting opportunity to experience a vibrant culture and rich history while working from stunning locations. The visa is valid for two years and the process is relatively straightforward.
However, you will have to consider safety precautions and learn some basic Spanish to navigate the country more easily. With a growing digital nomad community and ample coworking spaces, Colombia is an attractive choice for digital entrepreneurs.
