Colombia's digital nomad visa opens doors for remote workers seeking a vibrant and diverse environment to live and work. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming communities, Colombia beckons digital nomads to embrace a unique blend of professional productivity and unforgettable experiences.
Does Colombia offer a digital nomad visa?
In October 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombia unveiled a digital nomad visa, officially named the 'Visa V Nómadas Digitales,' which was subsequently launched in January 2023.
Who is eligible for a Colombia digital nomad visa?
Eligibility for the Colombia digital nomad visa requires meeting the following conditions:
- Possession of a passport from a country or territory exempt from a short-stay visa.
- Employment in remote work for a foreign company.
- Intention to engage in work within Colombia for a duration exceeding 90 days.
- Proof of income for the preceding three months.
Requirements for Colombia digital nomad visa
To meet the eligibility criteria for the Colombian digital nomad visa, applicants must:
- Possess a passport from a country with no entry visa requirement for Colombia.
- Substantiate remote work status or demonstrate ownership/partnership in a digitally operated company.
- Confirm non-engagement in business or service transactions with Colombian companies or citizens.
- Provide evidence of monthly earnings equal to or exceeding three times the minimum monthly earnings in Colombia.
- Present proof of health insurance covering the entire duration of their stay in Colombia.
Digital nomad visa in Colombia: proof of income
To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia, individuals must demonstrate a monthly income of at least $900 USD. This prerequisite can be satisfied by presenting bank statements as evidence of financial stability.
What documents are required for a Colombia digital nomad visa?
To complete the application for the Colombian digital nomad visa, ensure you have the following:
- Valid Passport
- Copy of the Passport
- 2 Passport-sized Photos
- Evidence of Remote Work Eligibility (e.g., a contract with non-Colombian companies)
- Confirmation of Business Ownership or Partnership (if applicable), indicating the business is not registered in Colombia
- Bank Statements from the past 3.
- Cover Letter detailing your motivation for coming to Colombia and outlining your business plan for entrepreneurial projects, if applicable
- Proof of Health Insurance covering the Colombian territory, valid for the entire duration of your stay.
How to apply for a Colombia digital nomad Visa?
The application procedure for the Colombia digital nomad visa involves the following steps:
- Gather the necessary documents
- Access the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
- Pay the application fee
- Wait for a decision
- Pay the visa fee:
How much does the Colombia digital nomad visa cost?
The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa encompasses two main components: the application fee and the visa fee.
- Application Fee: Prior to submitting your application, an application fee of approximately $52 must be paid. This payment can be conveniently made using a credit card or other specified payment options provided during the application process.
- Visa Fee Upon Approval: Upon the approval of your visa, the subsequent step involves paying the visa fee. This fee, influenced by factors such as the inclusion of dependents, varies between $170 and $230.
Paying taxes as a digital nomad in Colombia
Digital nomads, categorized as non-residents in Colombia, are exempt from income tax obligations since they are not regarded as tax residents. As a result, non-resident foreigners are only required to declare income tax if their earnings originate from a national source or if they inherit assets within the country, such as real estate.
It is crucial to emphasize that establishing a coworking space as a digital nomad in Colombia, even without formal residency, creates a permanent establishment. Consequently, income generated from the coworking space must be declared.
Furthermore, foreign nationals staying in Colombia for more than 183 days annually are deemed to have tax residence and are obligated to declare all income, both domestic and foreign-sourced.
It is crucial to emphasize that establishing a coworking space as a digital nomad in Colombia, even without formal residency, creates a permanent establishment. Consequently, income generated from the coworking space must be declared.
Furthermore, foreign nationals staying in Colombia for more than 183 days annually are deemed to have tax residence and are obligated to declare all income, both domestic and foreign-sourced.
How long does it take for the Colombia digital nomad visa to process?
The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa generally takes around 30 days for processing. To stay informed about your application status, it is advisable to regularly monitor the online portal or get in touch with the relevant authorities for updates.
Can I bring dependents with a Colombia digital nomad visa?
With a digital nomad visa in Colombia, bringing dependents does not impose additional income requirements. However, the visa fee is subject to variation based on the number of accompanying dependents. Depending on specific circumstances and the number of dependents included in the visa application, the fee may range between $170 and $230.
What if I’m not eligible for Colombia digital nomad visa as a digital nomad?
Colombia Digital Nomad Visas are exclusively open to foreign nationals from 98 countries or territories with a short-stay visa exemption. If your country is not included in this list, alternative visa options remain available.
The Migrant Visa (Visa de Migrante in Spanish) serves as an excellent alternative for remote work in Colombia, even for those ineligible for the Digital Nomad Visa. This long-term visa requires a valid passport with a six-month validity post-planned departure, evidence of financial stability, and proof of health insurance coverage.
For shorter stays, applying for a tourist visa is a viable option.
The Migrant Visa (Visa de Migrante in Spanish) serves as an excellent alternative for remote work in Colombia, even for those ineligible for the Digital Nomad Visa. This long-term visa requires a valid passport with a six-month validity post-planned departure, evidence of financial stability, and proof of health insurance coverage.
For shorter stays, applying for a tourist visa is a viable option.
