Despite being heavily populated, this country invites remote workers and digital nomads from all over the world. Not only is it one of the most attractive destinations in South America but it’s also the main economic center. You can settle here as a digital nomad to enjoy a wide array of facilities. From the low cost of living to friendly locals, Colombia has it all.
If you are thinking about packing your bags and moving here, make sure to learn some basic essentials about this city. This ultimate guide covers everything regarding visa policies.
Does Colombia have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Luckily for remote workers, the government introduced a Colombian digital nomad visa in 2023. This new Colombia digital nomad visa is commonly known as “Visa V Nómadas Digitales” (Visa V for Digital Nomads). This visa remains valid for 2 years and allows applicants to stay for 180 days each year. The application process is pretty standard and easy as well.
Colombia has an easy visa policy overall but it’s different for everyone, based on their nationality and citizenship. For instance, United States and EU citizens can enter the country visa-free for a period of 90 days as long as they are here for tourism purposes.
Here are some of the visa requirements:
- Valid passport
- Employment letter (proof that you work remotely)
- Health insurance
- Passport photo
- Bank statements
Other citizens can attain a tourist visa, also known as the V visa, to enter the country for 180 days per year. Colombia offers over 30 visa alternatives for foreigners and visitors which means that you can easily find a good fit.
Who can Apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?
On a general note, this visa is best suited for business owners, travelers, tourists, remote workers (and their family members), or people who can conduct their work digitally. Other than that, here are some general requirements to be deemed eligible.
- Remote workers, employed by foreign companies
- People who are not associated with Colombian companies
- Individuals planning to live in Colombia for more than 90 days
- Meet the minimum monthly income requirement (discussed below
- The Colombia digital nomad visa is only available to countries that are exempt from short-stay visas.
- United States
- Germany
- Australia
- Canada
- Spain
- Indonesia
- Portugal and more
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia?
It is not all that difficult to apply for a Colombia digital nomad visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the procedure.
- Check Eligibility requirements
First and foremost, you need to find out if you are even eligible for the Colombia digital nomad visa. You can do so by going to the official Visa Application Website. You’ll find a video explaining the application process in detail.
- Gather the documents
Now is the time to gather all the documents required for a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa. Make sure to double-check them before submitting. The required documents are listed below.
- Fill out the application form
This step includes a lot of intricate details. Hence, the necessary amount of attention should be given. The form will appear amidst the process while you’re applying online.
- Submitting the application
The Colombian government and authorities allow you to submit applications through accessible means. You can submit it online on the official website and It’ll reach an adequate police station based on the location of your stay. Following that, you will receive confirmation and your caseworker will contact you for further details.
- Pay the fee
Once you have applied, you’ll have to pay the visa application fee of 52$. You can pay via credit card in case of online application. Cash or bank transfers will be eligible as well. This fee will be paid directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Wait for feedback
Now that you have done everything on your part, all you need to do is wait. The relevant Colombian authorities will process your application at their earliest convenience and send feedback. Upon receiving approval, you can enter Colombia.
How Much Does it Cost?
The visa application process for a Colombia digital nomad visa is around $52. This affordable fee can be paid through different means including but not limited to bank transfer and card payment.
However, please keep in mind that this is just the application fee. You’ll need to pay an additional amount once your visa application is approved. The visa fee itself lies between 170$-230$. The visa V costs 177$ as per recent reports.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
If you’re someone who is thinking about applying for a Colombian digital nomad visa then these are the applications and documentation you should start gathering.
Applications and Documentations
- Valid passport: a passport that will remain valid for the duration of your intended stay. It should have a blank page for the stamp.
- 2×2 colored photo: recent, head-on, white background, without accessories, clear visage, in JPG format with a maximum weight of 300 KB
- Proof of employment: applicants must submit proof that they are currently working for a business based outside of Colombia. This could be proved by the submission of an employment contract or a letter from the employer.
- Bank slips for the last 6 months
- Proof of sufficient means: you can submit proof in the form of payslips or bank statements.
- Valid health insurance: international medical insurance that will remain valid and cover all medical expenses for the duration of your entire stay.
- Proof of relationship to dependants (if you are bringing any)
Financial requirements
Luckily for remote workers, the minimum income requirement for a Colombian digital nomad visa is extremely low. As long as you can prove that your monthly income is above 684$, you are deemed eligible to apply for this visa.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomads and remote workers would be happy to learn that the visa processing time for a Colombia digital nomad visa doesn’t take a long time. Your application will be processed within 30-45 days of submission and you’ll receive an answer as soon as possible. As for the process, you can complete it within 30 minutes.
This is the standard time. However, it can change depending on the competency of the station or diplomatic mission in charge. It can also extend if your case worker or counselor finds that they need more details or documents.
Make sure to send an accurate application so it can be processed quickly.
Benefits of the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Developing safety
While Colombia is considered a safe country overall, there are still some flaws in the system. Some neighborhoods are known to be shady because of their bad reputation. Tourists and digital nomads are advised to be wary of petty crimes and tourist scams in the city. Apart from that, the city is developing by the day and working on this problem. Ever since the increase of police officers in crowded tourist areas, the crime rates have dropped significantly. If you stay on your guard and follow basic precautions, you can travel freely with ease of mind.
Fast internet
The good news for remote workers is that Colombia has great internet connectivity. The internet speeds are fairly decent and perfectly suitable for remote work. The country experiences fixed broadband speeds of 111.81 Mbps which shows that digital nomads can keep a remarkable work-life balance. You can depend on Colombia’s reliable internet speeds to meet last-minute deadlines and strive at work!
You can also get local SIM cards upon landing in the country. If you wish to take an extra step towards reliability then local providers are your best option. The most common services are Claro, Tigo, and Movistar. Almost all the cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces offer free and fast wifi so that’s a bonus too.
Rich cultural heritage and natural beauty
Colombia is nothing short of a vibrant cultural tapestry and a historical hub. The city is surrounded by art and it is well depicted in every single corner. Colombian culture is a beautiful concoction of Spanish heritage, indigenous traditions, and African culture. The local culture of Colombia represents just that and offers a colorful mix. Additionally, Colombia is home to friendly people and it hosts a ton of cultural festivals. This country is also a good place for nature lovers. There are tons of places where you can go and reconnect with nature and there is a wide scope for outdoor activities as well. There are some mountainous regions in the west as well.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Colombia?
Colombia has a flexible tax policy that varies based on specific circumstances. Whether you are a tax resident or not is defined by the amount of time you spend in the country.
In simple words, anyone who spends more than 183 days will be subject to Colombian local taxes. After that period, you’ll have to pay taxes on your global income.
Furthermore, individuals will also be required to pay taxes on the income earned in Colombia or the real estate/ assets they possess in the country. This condition applies even if the individual hasn’t spent 183+ days.
Renew Digital Nomad Visa Colombia
A Colombia digital nomad visa is originally designed to last for a maximum period of 2 years. However, you can re-apply and extend the term as long as you continue to meet the visa requirements. It can be renewed multiple times at the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Colombia?
United States citizens don’t need a visa to enter Colombia as long as they are planning to stay for less than 90 days and as long as they spend >180 days in a calendar year. Any longer than that, citizens will need to explore alternative visa options to validate their stay.
What is the best place for digital nomads in Colombia?
Medellin, the capital city of Antioquia province, is a beautiful place located in Colombia. Medellin is considered one of the major cities because of its vibrant culture and friendly locals. You’ll feel right at home and blend in! There are also a lot of cultural and recreational activities so you can spend time enjoying festivals and events.
When is the best time to visit Colombia?
Since Colombia is located in the equatorial zone, it has a consistent climate all year long. This means that the country doesn’t typically experience the variety of four seasons due to this geographic uniqueness. You can visit at any time and expect to see a similar condition in terms of weather.
What if my renewal application for a Colombia digital nomad visa is rejected?
If your visa renewal is rejected, you have 30 days to leave the country. Following that, you can re-apply from scratch after 6 months.
What is Cedula de Extranjeria?
Cedula de Extranjeria is the status of state identification provided by the Colombian government once you acquire the digital nomad visa. This identification status allows you to rent properties and register for mobile contracts within the country.
Final Thoughts
The country of Colombia has always been well-known among tourists. However, it is now turning into a digital nomad hotspot. Nomads from all over the world have been compelled by its pleasant weather, affordable cost of living, charm, and much more. However, there is so much more to this city than meets the eye.
If you are ready to explore it, make sure to learn about its visa policies. This article discussed Colombia’s digital nomad visa program and the process that concerns it. We hope it answered all your questions, provided the list of necessary documents, and helped you evaluate the visa policy of this country. If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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