Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
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Harrison Pierce
Last update
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Colombia Rating from Citizen Remote
Overall 
3.6
Internet Infrastructure 4.0
Country Stability 3.0
Cost of Living 4.0
Ease of Obtaining Visa 3.0
Taxes 4.0
Quick Visa Facts
Visa length 2 years
Possible to extend? No
Who can apply? Anyone with passports from specific countries
Minimum Income Requirements $684 per month
Time for visa applications TBA
Want to know if you can apply?
Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Overview
Colombia is the latest country to launch a digital nomad visa. As of April 2023, application are officially open for Digital Nomads to get a visa that will allow them to work and live in Colombia. It’s called the “Visa V Nómadas Digitales” (Visa V for Digital Nomads)
The Colombia digital nomad visa comes with multiple benefits. It is more affordable than most digital nomad visas. The visa costs $177 and you only need to earn at least $684 per month in order to qualify.
If you want to live and work in Colombia as a digital nomad, all you need is a valid passport, health insurance, a letter from your employer to prove your employment, and bank statements to prove your earnings.
This visa grants you 2 full years to stay in the country. Plus, it will also give you access to a state identification known as ‘Cedula de Extranjeria’. This identification allows you to rent properties and sign up for mobile phone contracts.
Plus, your application for this visa is allowed for beneficiaries such as spouses and kids.
Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, said: “Colombia is thrilled to share with digital nomads the privilege of working from the second most biodiverse country in the world.”
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Colombia
All you require is a valid passport from a country on the list of those exempt from needing a short-stay visa.
Countries on this list include:
United States
Germany
Australia
Canada
Spain
Indonesia
Portugal
And more!
You must also earn at least $684 every month in order to qualify. You must prove you work for foreign employers through a letter. You can’t work or receive a salary from a Colombian company.
You can also apply with your family, under the same application form.
How to Apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
You can apply for the Colombian digital nomad visa online, by following these steps:
Step 1 – Acquire All The Necessary Documents
Before you start the application process, make sure you’ve gathered all the documents you’ll need. Make sure you have them scanned, since the application is made online.
Step 2 – Visit Application Website
Once you have all your documents, you can enter the Visa Application Website.
The website has a video tutorial on how to start a new application.
Step 3 – Fill Out The Application
The application will request personal information that you must fill out as accurately as possible.
If this is your first time applying, leave the “Application Registration Number” empty. The system will assign you a registration number once you submit the form.
Step 4 – Submit Your Documents
Once you’ve filled out all the information required by the form, you can submit your documents. Make sure they’re scanned and titled properly, so they’re easy to read.
Step 5 – Wait For Updates
You will receive updates on your application through the email address you provide.
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Need help applying?
Ivania - Colombia Immigration Lawyer
Documents required to apply for the digital nomad visa in Colombia
In order to apply for this digital nomad visa, you’ll need the following documents:
A valid passport
A 2×2-inch photo in color, with white background, recent, head-on, without accessories, clear visage, in JPG format with a maximum weight of 300 KB.
Letter in Spanish or English from your employer to prove your employment outside Colombia
In the case of entrepreneurs, submit a motivational letter explaining your entrepreneurship project and the financial and human resources
Bank statements for the last three months
Health policy with coverage in the national territory against all risks in case of accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation, for the time foreseen for your stay in the country.
Proof of relationship to dependents, if applicable
How much does it cost?
The Visa V for Digital Nomads in Colombia costs $177
Timeline for Applying
You’ll need from 30 minutes to an hour in order to fill out the application online.
There isn’t a clear timeline for the whole application process.
Capital Bogotá
Form of Government Unitary presidential republic
Population 50,372,424
Climate Tropical
Language Spanish, English (in San Andrés and Providencia)
Currency Colombian peso (COP)
17 people in Colombia!
Join the community of remoters!
Colombia has exploded in popularity over the past few years as digital nomads flock to experience fantastic year-round weather and a low cost of living. The country has significantly improved safety in the last decade, making it an enticing and easily accessible place for those from North America and Europe. Starting (hopefully) October 22, 2022, digital nomads will be able to get a visa to stay in this beautiful country.
Living in Colombia as a digital nomad
Colombia is one of the best places in South America for digital nomads. There is a sizeable nomadic population in Medellín. You can find events like Gringo Tuesday every Tuesday at Vintrash in the center of Poblado. There are several Whatsapp group messages that you can join to connect with like-minded travelers that share your interests.
Attractions and best places to visit
There is no shortage of attractions and fantastic places to visit throughout Colombia. It all depends on what you are interested in and what kind of experience you want. For instance, if you’re going to lounge on the beach and do nothing but relax, head over to the islands off the coast of Cartagena or Santa Marta. If you want to experience a colorful city and explore nature, go to Guatape, about two hours from Medellín.
Of course, you must try all the Colombian coffee you can handle while visiting. Take a tour of a coffee farm so you can see how the coffee is grown throughout the country. There are different seasonal events throughout the year, so check the calendar before you arrive to see what you can participate in. There are a lot of hikes you can do in the mountainous areas of the country. To get a whole experience of the various cultures within the country, we recommend visiting Bogota, Medellín, and the coast if possible. Each destination has something unique to offer that you cannot find elsewhere.
Digital Nomad Hotspots
Arguably the most prominent digital nomad hotspot in Colombia is in Medellín. Along the hilly streets, you will find no shortage of cafes and coworking spaces with people from all over the world conducting business. The biggest draw to Medellín is the weather, so the city is aptly nicknamed “The City of Eternal Spring.”
Another big spot for digital nomads is in Cartagena. If you love the beaches, Cartagena is for you. However, be prepared for warmer weather and more humidity than in Medellín.
Bogota is the capital of Colombia and is more dangerous than both Medellín and Cartagena. However, you can still find many fantastic experiences here, with many travelers saying it has the best nightlife in Latin America. There are over 11 million people in Bogota, so something is always happening.
Cost of Living
Colombia has a low cost of living compared to many other destinations in South America, at the time of writing, $1 = 4451.61 COP.
You can expect to pay around $285/month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Medellín. Living outside the city, you can find apartments at $220 a month or lower.
When it comes to market prices, here are the following averages:
1ltr of milk $0.77
12 eggs $1.51
1kg chicken filets $3.39
Bread $0.84
You can expect to spend $3.24 on a meal at an inexpensive restaurant or up to $17.90 on a two-course dinner. Internet, cable, and mobile plan prices will run you about $22.58 per month.
Colombia, on average, has a cost of living 64% lower than the United States, and rent costs 84% less than the United States. So, if a US company employs you, you can live well for much less than back home.
Digital Nomad Essentials
Internet
Reliable and fast internet used to be hard to come by in Colombia, but the country has been going digital in recent years. So you can expect to find fast wi-fi in big cities and decent wi-fi elsewhere. Many cafes throughout Medellin and Bogota will have free wi-fi available for patrons, and blackouts are not very common.
SIM cards
It is straightforward to get a SIM card in Colombia. You have a few different providers, but we generally recommend Claro. We paid $10.36 for a SIM card and one month of data with Claro, which proved to be fast and reliable. Claro is a typical South American provider, so you might have used them if you were traveling to Chile or Argentina.
Coworking Spaces
There is an abundance of coworking spaces throughout Colombia. Finding them in bigger cities like Medellín and Bogota is certainly easier. Many hostels will have coworking spaces as part of the hostel from which anyone is allowed to work if they pay for a membership.
For example, the Selina Hostel in Medellín provided day passes to their coworking space for 40,000COP or a weekly pass for 172,000COP. Not only are coworking spaces great for working, but they are a great way to meet other digital nomads in the area.
Is Colombia safe?
Just like any country, Colombia has its dangerous neighborhoods. However, long gone are the days of drug cartels and danger. Colombia has worked hard to make it a safe and wonderful place for tourists.
There are a few common sense tips that you should use no matter where you are in the world:
Avoid walking around at night, especially if you are alone. Take a taxi (a short trip home will likely cost you around $2.)
Look around before taking your phone out. Avoid taking it out on busy streets, as cyclists can ride past and grab it out of your hands.
Avoid wearing lots of jewelry and smart watches, as these can make you a target.
Check ATMs for skimmers or devices that might steal your card/card number.
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Check the news and digital nomad groups to be up to date on important information and neighborhoods.
You can have an excellent experience in Colombia by following just a few safety tips.
Need help applying?
Ivania - Colombia Immigration Lawyer
FAQs for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Does Colombia have a digital nomad visa?
Yes! They recently launched the Visa V for Digital Nomads. This visa allows digital nomads to live and work remotely in Colombia for up to 2 years.
The visa will also offer a pathway to immigration and citizenship, which was previously unavailable. It is considered a Visa V for visitors, specific to digital nomads, as outlined here:
“To provide remote work or telecommuting services, from Colombia, through digital media and the Internet, exclusively for foreign companies, as independent or labor-related, or to start a digital content or information technology venture of interest to the country.
What is the length of the Colombia digital nomad visa?
The Colombia digital nomad visa is valid for 2 years.
Is it possible to extend the Colombia digital nomad visa?
No, there is no extension for the Colombian digital nomad visa.
How long does it take to complete the entire application process?
You’ll need from 30 minutes to an hour in order to fill out the application online.
There’s still not an estimated processing time, since the visa is new. You should expect to wait 30 days to get a response. You will receive updates at the email address you provided during your application.
If you want to check on the status of your application, you can visit this website.
Can you apply for a Colombia digital nomad visa while abroad?
Yes, you can apply for the digital nomad visa abroad online through the official website.
What currency should you pay for a Colombia digital nomad visa?
You can pay the fee in your home currency or select to convert it to Colombian pesos. You’ll get the option to select the currency when submitting your application.
How can you pay the visa fee?
The visa fee is $177, and you pay for it online during your application.
Will you get a refund for your visa application if you are denied?
There is no information yet regarding the denial of the Colombian digital nomad visa. However, it is likely the visa fee is non-refundable.
Can U.S. citizens travel to Colombia without a visa?
Yes, U.S. citizens are permitted to travel to Colombia without a visa.
If you have further questions, consult the visa page on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Author
Harrison Pierce is a full-time digital nomad and freelance writer.
He specializes in travel and personal finance and works with a variety of companies and publications to create meaningful content. Harrison travels with his cat, Isabelle, and spends most of his time in South America. Although he has only been writing professionally for under a year, he has always had a passion for the craft.
