Colombia digital nomad visa guide

The basics

Based on the foreign ministry's visa types page, the Digital Nomad visa falls under the Visitor (type V) category. Visitor visas are described as intended for short to medium stays and do not grant temporary or permanent resident status.

Validity

Up to two years, according to the official page

Stay per entry

Not stated on the official page reviewed

Where you apply

Not stated on the official page reviewed

Fee

Not stated on the official page reviewed

Who it's for

The official page describes the visa as for providing remote work or telework from Colombia through digital media and the internet, exclusively for foreign companies. This can be as a freelancer or as an employee, or to start a digital content or information technology venture of interest to the country. Rules vary by nationality.

• Remote workers, either self-employed or employed by a foreign company
• Entrepreneurs starting a digital content or information technology venture
• Beneficiaries of the main holder may also apply, according to the official page

Documents

The official page lists the following specific requirements. The official page does not give a longer checklist than this.

• Passport issued by a country or territory exempt from the short-stay visa requirement, as set out in the relevant resolution. Which nationalities qualify is set out in the resolution the page refers to.
• Letter in Spanish or English from one or more foreign companies the applicant works for, stating the type of relationship and the type of pay. If there is a contract with the company, it should be provided. Alternatively, proof of being a partner or co-owner of a foreign company, plus a letter stating the work is done remotely.
• For entrepreneurs, a motivation letter explaining the project and the financial and human resources available or expected.
• Bank statements showing income equivalent to at least three monthly legal minimum wages (SMLMV) over the last 3 months.
• Health insurance valid in Colombia covering accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation, for the intended length of stay.

Stay and extensions

The official page states the visa is valid for up to two years. It also states the visa does not allow work or paid activity with a legal entity or person based in Colombia.

The same page notes that digital nomads, remote workers and digital entrepreneurs of nationalities that do not need a short-stay visa may enter without a visa and stay with an entry permit granted by the migration authority. This applies if their stay does not generate payments from Colombian companies. The stay is described as up to 90 days, extendable to a maximum of 180 days, continuous or not, per calendar year. Whether your nationality is exempt should be checked in the relevant resolution.

The official page does not state extension or renewal terms for the Digital Nomad visa itself.

Things to confirm

• Application fee
• Where and how to apply, and the steps in order
• Processing times
• Whether your passport is on the list of countries exempt from short-stay visas
• Stay per entry and any extension or renewal terms for the visa
• Current minimum wage figure for the income requirement
• Any recent changes to this visa

Sources

Every claim above comes from these pages. Higher tiers carry more authority. How we tier sources.