Are you considering Colombia as your next base for working remotely?
Maybe you’re looking for a city with an established digital nomad community, like Medellin. Or perhaps the capital, Bogota, with its rich history and plenty of spots to live and work, is more your style. You might even be considering a coastal city like Santa Marta or Cartagena.
Whatever your preference, Colombia offers a dedicated digital nomad visa – Visa V Nomadas Digitales – that can make things a lot easier for you to stay and work in the country for an extended period.
That being said, let’s take a deeper look at Colombia’s digital nomad visa and how you can apply for it.
In This Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Guide
What exactly is the Visa V Nomadas Digitales?
Officially launched in 2022, Colombia’s digital nomad visa – Visa V Nomadas Digitales – provides a legal route for remote professionals to live and work in the country for an extended time.
The visa is part of Colombia’s push to welcome international remote workers, giving digital nomads and location-independent workers a chance to experience life in the country without worrying about paperwork or overstaying.
Eligibility for Colombia's digital nomad visa
According to the official website of the Colombian government, remote professionals must either work for a foreign company, be a freelancer providing services outside the country or “start a digital content or information technology venture of interest to the country.”
It’s important to note that the visa is only for work done outside Colombia – any work conducted within the country, makes you ineligible. Work performed within Colombia is not permitted under this visa.
What do you need to apply?
In addition to working for a company or clients outside Colombia, applicants must meet several requirements. They must hold a passport from a country or territory exempt from short-stay visas. A letter from a foreign employer or proof of remote work, such as a contract or evidence of partnership in a foreign company, must also be provided.
Applicants need to show a minimum income of three times Colombia’s monthly minimum wage – currently COP 1,750,905 per month, according to IR Global – over the last three months and have health insurance covering things like accidents, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalisation, death or repatriation for the duration of their stay. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs must submit a brief letter explaining their project and the resources supporting it.
How to apply for Colombia's digital nomad visa
Applications for the V Visa Nomadas Digitales can be done directly through the Colombia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you apply for Colombia’s digital nomad visa:
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Start online
Begin your application through the Colombia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. This is where you initiate the process for the V Visa Nomadas Digitales. -
Upload your documents
Submit all the required documentation, including a photo size 3x4cm of yourself in colour and with a white background. There will be an initial study fee of USD$50 to submit the application. -
Make payment once your visa is approved
Once your application is processed and accepted, you’ll be required to pay an issuance fee of around USD $180. You will then need to provide your biometrics at a local consulate or upon arrival in Bogota. You also need to pay for a foreign ID card.
Please note that it can take around two to four weeks for a Colombia digital nomad visa application to be processed. Applications are also allowed for beneficiaries of the applicant.
How long can you stay, and can it be renewed?
Colombia’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to two years. This gives remote professionals a very generous allowance to stay and work in the country.
However, once the two years have concluded, the visa cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than two years, you will need to reapply for the visa or seek other alternative options.
What about paying taxes in Colombia?
If you’re in Colombia on the V Digital Nomad Visa and earning income from abroad, you generally won’t have to pay local taxes. As long as you’re not working for a Colombian company and your stay doesn’t exceed 183 days in a 12-month period, you typically won’t be considered a tax resident. However, staying longer, you may be considered a tax resident.
That said, tax rules can be extremely complex and may change, so it’s a good idea to consult a tax advisor to ensure you remain fully compliant based on your individual situation.
Do you even need a visa?
If you’re only planning a short visit to Colombia, you probably won’t need a visa. Citizens from countries including the US, UK, Canada and much of the EU can enter and stay as tourists for up to 90 days, and it’s possible to extend this to 180 days within a year.
But if you want to spend several months in Colombia and work remotely while immersing yourself in local life, a tourist entry won’t be enough. The V Digital Nomad Visa is made for remote professionals, allowing you to live and work legally in the country for up to two years, without worrying about visa issues, so you can focus on exploring, living and working freely.
Further assistance
While applying for Colombia’s digital nomad visa is generally straightforward, you might have questions or need clarification about certain parts of the application process.
There are many ways you can get in touch with Colombian officials about the V Visa, including via email at contactenos@cancilleria.gov.co or through contact number +57 (1) 382 6999.
