Everything You Need to Know About the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa in 2023

Have you ever dreamed of working remotely from a vibrant South American country with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty?

Well, the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa “Visa V Nómadas Digitales” (Visa V for Digital Nomads) could be your ticket to turning that dream into a reality.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this unique visa, from eligibility requirements to popular cities for digital nomads in Colombia.

So, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Colombia?

Let’s dive in!

• • With a $177USD low cost application fee for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa grants digital nomads the opportunity to reside and work in Colombia national territory legally for up to two years and equip you with a state identification known as ‘Cedula de Extranjeria', however you are not able to renew it.

• • Requirements include a valid passport, a letter from your employer proving a minimum monthly income of approx. $684USD/m from foreign employment or proof of other foreign sources of income, as well as valid health insurance.

• With Colombia being the second most biodiverse country in the world, while boasting affordable cost of living, reliable internet infrastructure and supportive co-working spaces, it really is an ideal destination for you!

The Colombian Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2022, and mandated by the Colombian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Relations allows remote workers to legally reside and work in Colombia for up to two years.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for digital nomads to experience the rich Colombian culture while enjoying the benefits of a supportive remote working environment.

Gone are the days of struggling with tourist visas and navigating grey areas of legality; digital nomad visas, as well as short-stay visa options, are specifically designed for your digital lifestyle.

To qualify for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa, applicants need to meet specific eligibility requirements, including income, proof of foreign employment or income from a foreign entrepreneurship project, passport photo and valid health insurance.

These requirements ensure that digital nomads have the financial stability and resources to contribute positively to the Colombian community during their stay.

To prove you meet these requirements you will need the following documents:

• A valid passport

• A color photo that is 2x2 inches, features a white background, and meets the standard criteria.

• A letter from your employer, written in either Spanish or English, to confirm your employment outside Colombia

• For entrepreneurs:A motivational letter detailing your entrepreneurship project

• Bank statements from the last three months

• A comprehensive health insurance policy that covers:

• Documentation proving your relationship to any dependents, if applicable

There is more information on income requirements and health insurance below

For the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must show proof of income equivalent to at least three times the Colombian minimum wage (local currency: colombian peso) from the last three months, approximately $684USD/m.

This income can be demonstrated through three months bank statements or other financial and human resources documents, ensuring you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Colombia without relying on local employment.

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement in Colombia for an entry permit. Applicants must provide proof of valid health insurance coverage, which can be in the form of bank statements or other documents showing proof of coverage.

Submission of all the necessary documents for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa is conveniently carried out online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia at the following Visa Application Website.

This process involves the following documents preparation, online application, and payment of fees.

So whether you’re already in Colombia or applying from abroad, the digital nomad visa application is just a few clicks away.

The process is straightforward to complete.

All you need to do is provide the necessary documents.

Before starting your Colombian Digital Nomad Visa application to gain legal entry, it’s essential to gather and scan all necessary documents, including your valid passport, proof of income, and health insurance.

Ensuring that all required documents are in order, either in English or Spanish, will help streamline the application process and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

It is important to note that the Colombian government immigration officials require all documents for the application form to be in English or Spanish.

The online application process for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa is straightforward and user-friendly, carried out through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

You’ll need to provide the documents required for personal information, such as name, address, and passport details, as well as a motivational letter explaining about your stay in Colombia and the purpose of your visit.

Remember to double-check your application for accuracy before submitting it.

The visa Fee for the Colombian visa application ranges from $170 to $230, depending on the specific type of visa and duration of your stay.

After the visa fee is paid, The processing times for the visa application typically take around 30 days.

The full process of the application is unclear.

Remember that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

When visiting Colombia, expect a world of opportunities and experiences. From exploring popular cities like Medellin and Bogotá to enjoying the affordable cost of living and reliable internet infrastructure, Colombia provides an ideal environment for remote workers.

Cartagena is another popular hotspot in Colombia which is known for its beaches.

The country’s breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and growing digital community, combined with its favourable exchange rate, allow digital nomads to experience Colombia’s vibrant culture and friendly communities while maintaining their remote work lifestyle.

In addition to its many attractions, Colombia also boasts a supportive environment for digital nomads, with numerous coworking spaces available throughout the country.

These coworking spaces offer comfortable and productive work environments, as well as opportunities for networking and collaboration with other digital nomads and local professionals.

And now enter Colombia, a country in South America, has popular colombian cities for digital nomads, which host coliving and coworking space including:

• Medellín

• Bogotá

• Cartagena (on the Caribbean coast)

• Cali (just 2.5hrs from the Caribbean sea)

Each city offers its own unique attractions and amenities. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the colourful coastal city of Cartagena, digital nomads have an array of options when choosing a city to call home.

These cities not only provide a rich cultural experience but also offer a supportive environment for remote work, making them ideal destinations for digital nomads.

One of the most attractive aspects of living in Colombia is the low cost of living compared with other countries.

With affordable housing, food, and transportation options, you can save money while enjoying a high quality of life.

Colombia’s cost of living is significantly lower when compared to that of the United States. Rent, in particular, costs 84% less than in the US.

This budget-friendly environment allows remote workers to make the most of their stay in Colombia without breaking the bank.

Reliable internet is a must for remote workers, and like Colombia's digital nomad visa, Colombia’s internet infrastructure does not disappoint.

The beautiful country in South America offers widespread availability of high-speed connections, with a median fixed download speed of 86.66 Mbps and an upload speed of 30.68 Mbps.

This reliable internet service ensures that digital nomads can stay connected and maintain productivity while working remotely in Colombia.

The digital nomad visa Colombia gives you access to numerous coworking spaces, providing digital nomads with an array of options for comfortable and productive work environments.

These coworking spaces not only offer essential facilities and amenities for the remote work you are doing for foreign companies but also serve as hubs for networking and collaboration with other digital nomads and local professionals.

With a variety of coworking spaces to choose from, digital nomads in Colombia can easily find the perfect space to suit their needs.

It’s essential to check with the Colombian ministry to be aware of the legal considerations of this Colombian visa, such as tax obligations, visa restrictions, and compliance with local laws.

It is also worth noting, non-resident digital nomads do not have to pay income tax in Colombia, much like the Malta digital nomad visa.

However, unlike in Malta, where you do not have to pay local taxes for the entire duration of your stay, in Columbia Foreign nationals staying over a period of 183 days or more are regarded as tax residents, meaning they must declare their income to the local tax authorities accordingly.

Staying informed about local laws and regulations will help ensure a smooth and successful experience in Colombia.

However, the remote worker visa only allows for a stay of maximum 180 days, which doesn't make you a tax resident of the country.

The advantages of the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa include:

• Legal residency for the potential of two years

• Ability to legally work remotely

• Access to government services

• Contribution to the local economy

Digital nomads’ partners or children are also eligible to receive the visa as beneficiaries, making it a family-friendly option for those looking to embark on a Colombian adventure together.

To ensure a successful experience in Colombia, it’s essential to:

• Research local customs and etiquette, allowing you to better understand and adapt to the local culture.

• Join networking groups and engage with the nomad community for support, guidance, and camaraderie.

• Stay informed about safety and security updates to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

Embracing the coworking culture by utilizing the various co-working spaces and cafes available in Colombia can also contribute to your success.

These spaces offer a conducive environment for productivity and focus, as well as opportunities for networking and collaboration with fellow digital nomads and local professionals.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to making the most of your experience in Colombia.

In conclusion, the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa presents an incredible opportunity for remote workers to legally live and work in this captivating South American country.

With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and supportive environment for digital nomads, Colombia offers a unique and memorable experience for those seeking to explore new horizons while maintaining their remote work lifestyle.

By understanding eligibility requirements, application, and legal considerations, as well as embracing the tips for a successful experience in Colombia, you can make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

So why not take the plunge and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Colombia? The world is your oyster, and Colombia is waiting to be discovered.

To conclude, here is the full list of countries, where you can get a Digital Nomad Visa in 2023:

*Digital Nomad Visa introduced but not yet implemented