Colombia, or the Republic of Colombia, is a country in South America located in the northwest portion of the subcontinent, with its capital being Bogotá. The Colombian territory is bordered by the North Pacific and the Caribbean Sea and is crossed by the Andes mountain range. You may very well enjoy your digital nomad stay in Colombia more than you think.
This article briefly explains the digital nomad visa in Colombia, what life is like in this country, the benefits of opting for this visa and everything you can enjoy while you are in the country.
The country is known for its great biodiversity and sheltering part of the Amazon Forest. Its economy is based on mineral extraction, fossil fuels, and agriculture, with an emphasis on the cultivation of coffee. Colombia is now South America's second most populous country, with around 50 million inhabitants.
Living in Colombia with your Digital Nomad Visa offers a plethora of experiences and opportunities that seamlessly blend work and adventure. The process of obtaining this visa is relatively straightforward, requiring proof of income and a hassle-free application process. Once you've secured it, you'll find yourself in a vibrant and welcoming community of like-minded individuals.
Colombia is a diverse country with countless places to explore, from its bustling cities to serene beaches and majestic mountains. But beyond its natural beauty, what truly sets Colombia apart is its people. Colombians are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it easy to connect with locals and fellow digital nomads alike.
One of the highlights of living in Colombia is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture. The country's cuisine, a fusion of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, is a treat for your taste buds. From mouthwatering street food to high-end restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate.
If you are looking for a place in South America and you don't have a big budget, Colombia can be a good place for you to relax with your digital nomad visa, working remotely while enjoying sightseeing.
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Cafes in Medellín and Bogotá offer free high-quality internet for their customers
The cost of living in Colombia is relatively low. A Family of four estimated monthly costs are $1,357 USD without rent. A single person's estimated monthly costs are $397 USD without rent. Rents within the city range from approximately $300 to $900 USD. Out-of-town rents range from approximately $200 to $670 USD.
Colombia's average mobile and fixed broadband Internet download and upload speed in 2022 was 10.94 Mbps. In comparison, fixed broadband internet has an average speed of 84.66 Mbps for downloads and 30.68 Mbps for uploads.
One of the main necessities of life as a digital nomad is high-quality internet, so it's important when considering spending time in another country. You can find various cafes in Medellín and Bogotá with free Wi-Fi available for customers. At the same time, a good telephone service is indispensable, as you can hire network data packages according to your needs and your budget, in case the local internet is not good.
For digital nomads and freelancers, Colombia provides the perfect backdrop to work and explore simultaneously. Armed with your trusty laptop, you can set up shop in a cozy café, surrounded by the sounds of live music and the aroma of delicious food. The work-play balance here is nothing short of extraordinary.
Non-residents like digital nomads are not required to pay income tax as they are not considered tax residents
It's easy to get a SIM card in Colombia. You have a few different providers. Claro is the most recommended as it is a very common operator in South America. A SIM card costs around $11 USD a month of data with Claro, which has proven to be fast and reliable.
In the case of non-residents, as is the case with digital nomads, it is not mandatory to pay income tax, as they are not considered tax residents. Foreigners only declare income tax if the income comes from a national source and inheritance earned in the country, such as real estate.
However, if you work as a digital nomad during your stay in Colombia and set up a coworking space, even without being a resident, having a permanent establishment forces you to declare your income from your coworking space.
Colombia has been working on decreasing its violence rates, the country witnessed a drop in intentional homicides in 2020, down 5.65% compared to 2019
Similar to any other country, Colombia does have certain neighbourhoods that may be considered unsafe. Nevertheless, the era of drug cartels and pervasive danger in Colombia is now in the past. Colombia has made significant efforts to transform itself into a safe and captivating tourist destination.
According to crime rate and statistics data for 2020, Colombia witnessed a decline in intentional homicides, with a decrease of 5.65% compared to 2019. The crime rate for intentional homicides in Colombia for 2020 was recorded at 22.64.
Colombia's digital nomad visa is valid for two years
The visitor visa for digital nomads in Colombia is designed for international travellers seeking to reside in Colombia and work remotely from there for a limited period of time. This newly introduced visa enables foreign employees to work remotely for a foreign company while enjoying the lifestyle in Colombia.
The visa regulations in Colombia are determined by resolutions issued by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Relations, located in Bogota, Colombia. The official Spanish version of the visa regulations for 2022 can be referenced in Resolution number 5477.
Like most digital nomad visas, this visa does not allow you to work or develop a remunerated activity with a natural or legal person domiciled in the national territory. Colombia's digital nomad visa is valid for two years, and it is not clear in the legislation if it is possible to extend this period.
It's crucial to highlight that, as a digital nomad, your work in Colombia should primarily involve providing remote work or telecommuting services exclusively for foreign companies through digital media and the Internet. This can be either as an independent contractor, an employee, or even an entrepreneur initiating a digital content or information technology venture that aligns with the country's interests.
And when the sun sets, Colombia's nightlife comes alive. From salsa dancing in Cali to electronic music in Bogotá, you'll find a nightlife scene that suits your tastes. The atmosphere is infectious, and you'll soon find yourself dancing the night away with newfound friends.
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With the requirements fulfilled and in possession of the documentation, you can now apply for your digital nomad visa online
Here are some specific requirements for Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa to be eligible:
Passport: You must hold a passport issued by a country or territory exempt from a short-stay visa, as per the Resolution;
Passport photo: Passport photo with a white background, sized at 3 cm width x 4 cm height, the maximum size of 300kb in jpg file for online application;
Employment: You need to provide a letter in Spanish or English from one or multiple foreign companies for which you provide services, indicating the nature of your relationship and the remuneration received. If you have a contract with the company, you must provide it, or demonstrate that you are a partner or co-owner of a foreign company and provide a letter indicating that you work remotely for the company;
Entrepreneurship: If you are an entrepreneur, you must submit a motivational letter explaining your entrepreneurship project and the financial and human resources you currently have or aspire to have for your venture.
Income: You must provide bank statements demonstrating a minimum income equivalent to three (3) times the Current Minimum Legal Monthly Wages (SMLMV) for the last three months;
Health Insurance: You must have a health policy with coverage in Colombia against all risks, such as accidents, illnesses, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, or repatriation, for the duration of your stay in the country. This policy should be valid and provide coverage within the national territory.
With all the documents in hand and all the requirements fulfilled, you can now apply for your digital nomad visa, which can be done online, quickly and easily.
With your Digital Nomad Visa in hand, you'll not only enjoy the perks of living in this captivating country but also contribute to the local economy and community. Your status as an expat and the connections you build will make you an integral part of Colombia's evolving cultural tapestry.
If your visa application is rejected, you will not be able to re-apply for a visa for a period of six months from the date of denial
You can apply for a digital nomad visa online from abroad or while legally staying in Colombia. The visa fee can be paid in your home currency or converted to Colombian pesos, and you can compare the options to determine which one saves you money. The application fee can be paid and checked on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
After your visa application is approved, you can pay the visa fee in Colombia, including at a bank branch or ATM Servibanca, a foreign bank of the consulate, or online using a credit card. Once the visa fee is paid successfully, you can anticipate receiving your visa within a period of ten days.
In case your visa application is rejected, please note that the application fee is non-refundable. If you are requested to provide additional information or documentation, you will have a period of ten calendar days to do so. After this deadline, your application will be considered abandoned.
Please be aware that appeals for denied applications are not allowed. If you apply for the digital nomad visa while in Colombia and your application is denied, you will be given a 30-day period to leave the country. Additionally, you will not be eligible to reapply for the visa for a period of six months from the date of denial. The migration office will retain the reason for the denial on file.
Related content: Obtaining Your Digital Nomad Visa In Argentina
Colombia has become a popular destination for expats due to its low cost of living
Obtaining a digital nomad visa in Colombia offers many opportunities for remote workers. Colombia is a country of wonders, with beautiful landscapes, rich history, and a favourable climate. With the digital nomad visa, you can enjoy the freedom to live and work remotely in Colombia while exploring its natural and cultural treasures. Additionally, Colombia has emerged as a popular expat destination due to its affordable cost of living, especially for those earning in USD or Euros. Overall, having a digital nomad visa in Colombia opens up a world of possibilities for adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion.
So, if you're seeking a place where work, adventure, and culture seamlessly blend, Colombia beckons. With your laptop, a love for music, and a passion for food, you'll find that living in Colombia with your Digital Nomad Visa is an experience like no other. Embrace the opportunity, savor the cuisine, and explore the stunning beaches and mountains that this diverse nation has to offer.
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Written by Mikkel Thorup
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