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How to Get the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (Step-by-Step Guide)

Colombia is making it easier than ever for digital nomads to stay long-term. The new Digital Nomad Visa lets freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs live legally in the country for up to 24 months — with a simple online application, low income requirements, and quick processing. Here’s exactly how to get it.

With its unbeatable affordability, vibrant culture, and thriving nomad communities in cities like Medellín and Bogotá, Colombia has quickly become one of Latin America’s top destinations for remote workers. The cost of living is a fraction of what you’d pay in North America or Europe, while still offering modern infrastructure, reliable internet, and a welcoming local population that’s increasingly accustomed to international remote workers.

For those who want to stay longer than a tourist visa allows, the new Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (Type V Visa) is the perfect solution.

In this article:

What is the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?

Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility Requirements

Step-by-Step Application Process

Required Documents

Costs & Processing Time

Benefits of the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa

Best Cities in Colombia for Digital Nomads

What is the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?

The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa was introduced in 2022 as part of the country’s strategic push to attract remote workers and digital entrepreneurs from around the world. This initiative reflects Colombia’s recognition of the growing remote work trend and its desire to position itself as a leading destination for location-independent professionals.

This is a Visitor (Type V) visa specifically designed for digital nomads, remote employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. The visa is valid for up to 2 years, making it one of the longest-duration digital nomad visas available in Latin America.

The visa is intended for freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote employees, and solopreneurs who work for non-Colombian companies or serve international clients. It’s perfect for anyone looking to establish a longer-term base in Colombia while maintaining their remote work or online business.

Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet several key criteria:

Work Status: You need to provide proof of remote work or freelancing activities. This can include employment contracts with foreign companies, client letters, business registration documents, or other evidence of your professional activities outside Colombia.

Income Requirement: You must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of approximately $900 USD, which equals three times the Colombian minimum wage. This requirement is subject to periodic updates based on changes to the local minimum wage, so it’s worth checking the current amount when you apply.

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date into Colombia.

Health Insurance: You must have health insurance coverage that’s valid in Colombia throughout your intended stay.

These requirements are designed to ensure that digital nomads can support themselves financially while living in Colombia and won’t become a burden on local social services.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa is entirely online and relatively straightforward:

Step 1: Apply Online Visit the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to begin your application. The entire process can be completed digitally, which is convenient for nomads who may be applying from anywhere in the world.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents Upload all necessary documents including your passport copy, proof of income, health insurance documentation, completed application form, and a passport-style photo. Make sure all documents are clear, legible scans or photos.

Step 3: Pay Visa Fees The typical fee structure includes a processing fee of around $50 USD plus an approval fee of approximately $177 USD, though these amounts can vary and should be confirmed on the official website.

Step 4: Await Approval Processing typically takes 30 days or less, though many applicants report receiving approval much faster. During this time, immigration officials will review your application and supporting documents.

Step 5: Receive Electronic Visa Once approved, you’ll receive your electronic visa, which means you won’t need to visit a Colombian consulate in most cases. The digital format makes it easy to present upon entry to Colombia.

Required Documents

Gathering the right documentation is crucial for a successful application. Here’s what you’ll need:

Valid Passport: A scanned copy of your passport’s main page, ensuring it has at least 6 months of validity remaining.

Visa Application Form: The completed digital application form from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Passport Photo: A recent passport-style photograph that meets official requirements.

Proof of Income: Bank statements from the last three months, recent payslips, or contracts that demonstrate you meet the minimum income requirement.

Employment/Business Documentation: A letter from your employer confirming your remote work arrangement, or proof of your freelance business or entrepreneurship activities.

Health Insurance Proof: Documentation showing you have health insurance coverage valid in Colombia for the duration of your intended stay.

Make sure all documents are translated to Spanish if they’re originally in another language, and ensure they’re properly formatted as PDF files for upload.

Costs & Processing Time

Understanding the financial commitment is important for planning your application:

Application Fee: Approximately $50 USD for processing your application.

Visa Issuance Fee: Around $177 USD upon approval of your application.

Processing Time: Most applications are processed within 30 days, though many nomads report much faster approval times.

Renewal Options: The visa can be renewed, though there are limits to how many times this can be done. It’s worth checking current renewal policies as these can change.

The total cost of under $230 USD makes this one of the most affordable long-term visa options available to digital nomads globally.

Benefits of the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa

The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa offers numerous advantages that make it attractive to remote workers:

Legal Long-Term Stay: Live and work legally in Colombia for up to 2 years, providing stability and peace of mind that tourist visas can’t offer.

Access to Local Services: With legal residency status, you can access banking services, sign apartment leases, and use other local services that may be difficult to obtain as a tourist.

Cost of Living: Enjoy Colombia’s incredibly affordable cost of living compared to North America and Europe. Your money goes much further, allowing for a higher quality of life.

Flexibility: Base yourself anywhere in Colombia, whether you prefer the eternal spring climate of Medellín, the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Bogotá, the coastal charm of Cartagena, or any other Colombian city.

Thriving Nomad Communities: Join well-established communities of international remote workers who have already made Colombia their base.

Bogota, Diego Grandi/Shutterstock

Best Cities in Colombia for Digital Nomads

Colombia offers several excellent options for digital nomad bases, each with its own unique character:

Medellín remains the top choice for many nomads, thanks to its year-round spring-like weather, strong and welcoming nomad community, excellent WiFi infrastructure, and modern amenities. The city has invested heavily in becoming a tech hub and offers numerous coworking spaces and networking opportunities.

Bogotá, as the capital city, provides a more cosmopolitan experience with extensive cultural offerings, business connections, and urban sophistication. While the weather is cooler and cloudier than Medellín, the city offers unparalleled opportunities for those interested in Colombian business and culture.

Cartagena appeals to nomads seeking a coastal lifestyle with historic charm. The city’s colonial architecture and Caribbean atmosphere create a unique working environment, though the hot, humid climate isn’t for everyone.

Cali and Santa Marta represent affordable and growing options for nomads looking for alternatives to the main hubs. These cities offer lower costs of living and smaller but growing international communities.

The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa represents a game-changing opportunity for remote workers looking to establish themselves in Latin America. With its straightforward online application process, reasonable income requirements, affordable fees, and generous 2-year validity period, Colombia has positioned itself as one of the most nomad-friendly countries in the region.

The combination of Colombia’s incredible affordability, rich culture, improving infrastructure, and welcoming attitude toward international remote workers makes it an ideal base for digital nomads. Whether you’re drawn to the innovation and community of Medellín, the cultural richness of Bogotá, or the coastal lifestyle of Cartagena, the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa gives you the legal framework to make any of these cities your long-term home base.

Don’t let visa restrictions limit your nomadic journey. The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa offers the perfect solution for establishing yourself in one of South America’s most dynamic and affordable countries.

Ready to make your move? Check out our comprehensive guides on Best Places to Live in Medellín as a Digital Nomad and the Complete guide to being a digital nomad in Medellín to plan your perfect Colombian adventure.