The new Colombia digital nomad visa is now officially accepting applications from remote workers.
Colombia has been a long-time favorite digital nomad destination, thanks to its affordable cost of living, colorful lifestyle, and reliable wifi connections. Namely, Bogota and Medellin are frequently full of visitors carrying laptops in their backpacks, searching for a place to set up their workspace for the day.
In fact, the number of tourists coming to Colombia skyrocketed by 200% between 2010 and 2019.
The announcement of a Colombia digital nomad visa is exciting and revolutionary for digital nomads. As of now, most visitors can only stay in the country for 180 days out of the year.
However, with the Colombia digital nomad visa, remote workers will have the opportunity to live in the country for up to two years!
One interesting aspect of this visa is the opportunity to start a business in digital technology in Colombia. This is a unique feature that most digital nomad visas do not allow.
Applicants may bring their spouses and dependents with them on the Colombia digital nomad visa too.
Colombia is one of the first countries in South America to offer a long-term living solution to digital nomads with this new visa. They join Brazil and Argentina in this innovative movement.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit allowing remote workers to live abroad from six months to five years, depending on the country.
To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must already work as an employee, freelance with clients, or own a business located outside of the country you wish to apply for the visa.
Digital nomad visas are excellent solutions for those who want to settle down temporarily in a destination. Rather than moving from one country to the next every few months and living on tourist visas, remote workers can relax and truly get to know a destination when they apply for a digital nomad visa.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To be eligible to apply for the Colombia digital nomad visa, you must meet certain requirements.
- Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months when applying for the visa
- Work Remotely – You must work as an employee, freelancer, or own a business outside of Colombia
- Earn $900/month – You must meet the minimum income requirement
- International Health Insurance – You must have health insurance coverage for accidents, maternity, sickness, death, repatriation, and disabilities
- Letter of Employment – You must submit a letter written either in English or Spanish from your employer proving you work remotely
- No Entry Visa Required – You must not require an entry or tourist visa to enter Colombia
If you meet the requirements, then you may begin your Colombia digital nomad application.
Steps to Apply
As with all Colombia visas, the application process for the digital nomad visa will take place online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Step 1: Gather Documents
Before you begin your Colombia digital nomad visa application, it’s a good idea to gather and digitize all of the required documents. Below is a list of the documents you will need to submit with your application.
- Copy of Passport
- Color Passport-Size Photo
- Bank Statements from the Previous Three Months
- Proof of Remote Work
- Motivational Letter (if applicable)
- Proof of Health Insurance Coverage in Colombia
- Proof of Relationship to Dependents (if applicable)
Some documents may require legalization, translation, and an apostille.
Step 2: Submit Application
You can access the Colombia digital nomad visa application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s online portal here.
The Colombia digital nomad visa is considered a visitor visa or V visa. This is important to know when selecting which visa you are applying for on the country’s visa application platform.
While the platform is fairly straightforward, you can review instructions for how to use it in this PDF guide.
You will also have to pay your application fee of $52 USD. You may pay via credit card. There is a simple guide for how to do this here.
Step 3: Wait for Approval
It will take about 30 days to receive an answer concerning your Colombia digital nomad visa application.
You can always check the status of your application through this form.
If the ministry requests an additional document or revision, you will have ten days to comply or the application will be rejected.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fee
Upon approval of your Colombia digital nomad visa, you must pay the visa fee. Depending on various factors, such as your dependents, this fee can be between $170 and $230 USD.
Once you have paid the fee, your Colombia digital nomad visa will be electronically delivered within ten days.
The visa term will begin on the day that you receive your Colombia digital nomad visa.
Colombia for Digital Nomads
One of the top digital nomad destinations in the world is Medellin, Colombia. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, youโll expect to find ideal weather, blossoming flowers, and a booming digital nomad community.
While Colombia may have a questionable reputation due to its past, more and more digital nomads are falling in love with this beautiful country. With an affordable cost of living, delicious cuisine, and colorful culture, itโs no wonder digital nomads want to live here.
Coworking spaces and cafes with free wifi are plentiful throughout major cities such as Medellin and Bogota. Youโll quickly find other remote workers setting up shop while sipping on fresh Colombian brewed coffee.
As an up-and-coming tech startup hub, Colombia is a fantastic place for entrepreneurs to network and start new businesses. In just a few years, we can count on Colombia to thrive for digital nomads and travelers alike.
Easily Apply for Digital Nomad Visas Worldwide
With over 25 digital nomad visas available worldwide, you may be wondering how to apply for one without going through the stress and hassle of bureaucracy and appointments at embassies.
The answer is with Nomads Embassy!
We have partnered with hand-selected immigration and visa lawyers to help remote workers like you apply for digital nomad visas. Through a professional, streamlined process, you can get started on your new lifestyle abroad in no time.
For professional assistance with your Colombia digital nomad visa application, simply complete the form above.
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