🇨🇴 How to Apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa

🇨🇴 How to Apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa

Colombia introduced the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the “V Visa Digital Nomads”, on October 24th 2022. This visa grants working nomads the ability to live and work legally for up to two years in the country.

An exciting aspect of this visa is its opportunity to establish a tech venture in Colombia, which sets it apart from other South American nations, such as Ecuador and Brazil, which also offer a digital nomad visa.

This article will summarise the four most important steps when applying for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa successfully.

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Colombia joins other South American countries, such as Ecuador and Brazil, in creating a digital nomad visa to welcome more remote workers.

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What is a Digital Nomad Visa

A digital nomad visa is a special visa allowing remote workers to live and work in a foreign country. It is increasingly sought after by those who want to take advantage of the flexibility of working remotely while exploring a different culture, language, and people, which would not be possible with a traditional work visa.

Digital nomads are typically attracted to countries with vibrant internet infrastructure, relatively low-cost living, and interesting cultures. Digital nomad visas offer an efficient way for those wanting to travel and experience the world whilst earning an income.


Colorful streets in Colombia, colorful houses, truck, Photo by Saul Mercado / Unsplash

Requirements for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa

📄 Valid Travel Document 

At least three months validity from the date of arrival in the country.

💶 Proof of Remote Income 

You must be able to prove sufficient income from either:

  • Valid working contract with a foreign company
  • Owning a business with clients outside the country
  • Becoming an independent freelancer and earning an income through providing services to international customers.

💰 Meet the Minimum Monthly Income 

You must meet the minimum monthly income requirement of $900 (€835).

🚑 Medical Insurance

A valid medical insurance policy that provides coverage during your stay.

📃 Letter of Employment

You must submit a letter in English or Spanish from your employer from a foreign company proving you work remotely (if applicable).

🔥 Motivational letter 

Entrepreneurs should send a motivational letter explaining their business project and the financial resources they currently have or plan to acquire for their venture.


4 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa

💥 Step 1: Gather all the required documents

For a successful start, it is wise to have all required documents on hand and digitized beforehand.

❗️ Required Documents

  • Copy of Passport
  • One Passport-Sized Photograph in Colour
  • Proof of Income with Certified Bank Statements from the Previous Three Months 
  • Remote Work Verification
  • Document of Health Insurance Protection
  • Letter of Employment or Motivational Letter
  • Proof of Relationship to Dependents (if applicable)
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Documents must be in PDF format, readable, and black and white. A maximum weight of 5MB is permitted for the combined documents associated with an application. Certain documents may require legalization, translation, and the addition of an apostille to be valid.

✔️ Step 2: Submit an online application

You can apply for the Colombia digital nomad visa by accessing the online portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deciding which visa to apply for on Colombia’s visa application platform can be difficult, so it is paramount to recognize that the ‘Colombia digital nomad visa’ is classified as a visitor (V) permit.

To complete the process, you must pay a non-refunded application fee of $52 (€48). It is possible to pay this via credit card.


⏳ Step 3: Wait for Approval

You can expect to receive a response regarding your Colombia digital nomad visa application within 30 days. It is possible to check your application’s status through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

If the ministry requires that you send an additional document or make any changes, you must comply within ten days. Otherwise, your application will not be accepted.


💰 Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee and Receive your Digital Nomad Visa

Once your new visa is approved, you must pay the associated fee to receive it. Depending on various things, such as the number of dependents, this fee can range from $170 (€158) to upwards of $230 (€214).

After you have completed the payment, your new digital nomad visa will arrive electronically within ten days. 🥳


Colombia Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance

For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information on Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa below.

Income Requirement $3,000 per month
Duration of Visa Nine months (possible to extend by nine months)
Cost of Visa $300
Processing Time 30 days
Family Allowed on Visa No
Ease of Applying 6/10
Tax Obligations None
Global Peace Index Ranking 47/163

Flag of Colombia, yellow, blue, red stripes on a building, sunny day Photo by Flavia Carpio / Unsplash

🌴 Why Colombia is a great place for Remote Workers

Digital nomads looking for adventure and an affordable lifestyle should look no further – Colombia is the place to be! It is possible to stay connected with widespread coworking spaces and cafes offering free wifi throughout major cities such as Medellin and Bogota.

With a low cost of living, many local delicacies to enjoy, and a vibrant culture, it’s not hard to understand why so many remote workers are drawn to this beautiful country.

Furthermore, Colombia has started to become more well-known as an up-and-coming tech startup hub – providing amazing opportunities for digital entrepreneurs to network and develop their businesses.


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F.A.Q

Does Colombia offer a digital nomad visa? 

Yes! Colombia provides a digital nomad visa, also referred to as the “Visa V Digital Nomad”, which allows people to live and work remotely in the country for up to two years.

How to be a digital nomad in Colombia? 

To be a digital nomad in Colombia, you must first meet the requirements and submit an online application via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How much is a digital nomad visa for Colombia? 

There is an application fee of $52 (€48). The visa fee can range from $170 (€158) to $230 (€214), depending on various things such as the number of dependents.