Colombia Digital Nomad Visa - 2026 Update

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 16 January, 2026

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Colombia Rating from Citizen Remote

Overall 3.6

Internet Infrastructure 4.0

Country Stability 3.0

Cost of Living 4.0

Ease of Obtaining Visa 3.0

Taxes 4.0

Quick Visa Facts

Visa length Up to 2 years

Possible to extend? Yes, the visa can be renewed before expiration if eligibility requirements continue to be met.

Who can apply? Remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs with foreign income.

Minimum Income Requirements At least three times the Colombian minimum wage, approximately COP 4,270,500/month (~$1,100 USD)

Time for visa applications Processing usually takes 2–6 weeks.

Want to know if you can apply?

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Colombia has quickly become one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads, and it’s easy to see why. With its vibrant cities, affordable cost of living, reliable internet, and growing remote-work community, the country now offers an official Colombia Digital Nomad Visa designed specifically for location-independent professionals.

This visa allows remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs to legally live in Colombia while working for foreign companies or managing international clients. Instead of relying on tourist visas or constant border runs, eligible applicants can stay longer and enjoy greater peace of mind, all while experiencing Colombia’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and modern infrastructure.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, including who can apply, income requirements, required documents, application steps, costs, and important legal considerations.

Whether you’re planning to work from Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, or beyond, this guide will help you understand if the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa is the right fit for your remote lifestyle, and how to apply with confidence.

Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Overview

The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa is an official Type V (Visitor) visa introduced by the Colombian government in 2022 as part of its effort to attract remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs from around the world. It was formally regulated under Colombia’s updated visa framework and allows eligible foreigners to live in Colombia while working remotely for companies or clients based outside the country.

This visa provides a legal pathway for location-independent professionals who want to stay in Colombia longer than a standard tourist visa allows, without needing local employment or sponsorship. Depending on individual circumstances, the visa can be granted for up to two years, offering flexibility, stability, and legal clarity for long-term stays.

Importantly, the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote work only. It does not permit employment with Colombian companies or the provision of services to local clients. Instead, it supports professionals whose income is generated abroad and who want to enjoy Colombia as a base for remote work.

Who Is It For?

The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa is intended for:

Remote employees working for foreign companies.
Freelancers or independent contractors with international clients.
Digital entrepreneurs running online businesses registered outside Colombia.

Applicants must be able to prove that their professional activities and income come from sources outside Colombia and that they meet the minimum income and documentation requirements set by Colombian immigration authorities.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

With a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, you are allowed to:

Live legally in Colombia for an extended period (up to two years)
Work remotely for non-Colombian employers or clients.
Travel freely within and out of Colombia while the visa is valid.
Experience daily life in Colombia without relying on repeated tourist visa extensions.

However, the visa does not allow you to:

Work for Colombian companies.
Provide services to Colombian clients.
Engage in activities that generate local income within Colombia.

Overall, the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa offers a flexible and legally secure option for remote professionals who want to base themselves in Colombia while maintaining foreign income streams.

Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must submit a set of standard visa documents along with additional proof related to remote work, income, and health coverage. All documents are uploaded online through Colombia’s official visa application platform and must meet the formatting and validity rules set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Below is an overview of the basic documents required, followed by a closer look at the most important supporting requirements.

When applying for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, you will generally need to provide:

Completed online visa application form.
Valid passport, with sufficient validity and blank pages.
A recent passport-style photograph that meets Colombian visa photo requirements.
Copy of the passport biographic data page.
Proof of legal entry or stay (if applying from within Colombia)
Any additional documents requested by the consulate or immigration authority during review.

All documents must be clear, legible, and, when required, officially translated into Spanish.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

To demonstrate that you can support yourself while living in Colombia, you must provide evidence of a stable, sufficient income from foreign sources. The government requires that applicants earn at least three (3) times the current Colombian legal minimum monthly wage (Salario Mínimo Legal Mensual Vigente, SMLMV) on a consistent monthly basis. This amount must be shown through bank statements covering the past several months.

As of 2025, three times the Colombian minimum wage is approximately COP 4,270,500 per month. In U.S. dollars, this equates to roughly $1,100 USD per month, though the exact USD amount may vary with exchange rates.

When preparing this documentation, each of the most recent three months must show income meeting or exceeding this threshold. Consistent income demonstrates to the immigration authorities that you can maintain yourself independently while in Colombia without local employment.

Proof of Remote Work or Independent Activity

In addition to financial proof, you must convince immigration authorities that you truly work remotely or manage a foreign business. This means you must submit documentation showing your employment or business arrangements that are entirely foreign-based and not tied to Colombia. Accepted forms of proof include a letter from your foreign employer confirming your remote work agreement, contracts with international clients, or documents that show you own and actively operate an online business registered abroad.

The key purpose of this visa is to allow remote professionals to work from Colombia without entering the Colombian labor market. For this reason, documentation must clearly reflect that your income source remains external to Colombia.

Private Health Insurance

Applicants must also show that they have private health insurance that is valid in Colombia for the entire duration of the visa. This insurance must cover medical care, emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation, ensuring that you are fully protected while residing in the country.

Travel insurance or policies with limited coverage may not meet the requirements unless they explicitly cover the full range of health events for the entire visa period.

How to Apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa – Step-by-Step Instructions

The Colombian Digital Nomad Visa application process is completed entirely online through the official platform of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can apply either from abroad or, in some cases, from within Colombia, as long as you are in lawful status at the time of application.

Below is a step-by-step overview of how the application process works.

Step 1: Gather All Required Documents

Before starting your application, it’s important to prepare all required documents in advance. This includes your valid passport, passport-style photo, proof of remote work, proof of financial self-sufficiency, and private health insurance coverage valid in Colombia. Documents should be clear, complete, and ready to upload in digital format. If any documents are not in Spanish, official translations may be required.

Having everything prepared ahead of time helps avoid delays or requests for additional information later in the process.

Step 2: Complete the Online Visa Application

Once your documents are ready, you’ll need to complete the official online visa application form on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. During this step, you’ll enter personal details, passport information, travel plans, and information about your remote work or business activity.

You will also select the appropriate visa category corresponding to the Digital Nomad Visa (Type V) and upload all supporting documents directly to the platform.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Study Fee

After submitting your application, you’ll be prompted to pay the visa study fee, which covers the initial review of your application. This fee is required regardless of whether the visa is approved and must be paid online using the payment methods provided on the platform.

Once payment is made, your application officially enters the review stage.

Step 4: Wait for Application Review

Colombian immigration authorities will review your application and supporting documents. During this time, they may request additional information, clarifications, or updated documents. Requests are usually sent via email, so it’s important to monitor your inbox regularly and respond promptly.

Processing times can vary depending on application volume and individual circumstances, but most applicants receive a decision within a few weeks.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Issuance Fee (If Approved)

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a notification instructing you to pay the visa issuance fee. This second payment is required to formally issue the visa and finalize the process.

Once payment is completed, your digital visa will be issued and sent electronically.

Step 6: Enter Colombia and Complete Local Registration (If Required)

After receiving your visa, you can enter Colombia under the Digital Nomad Visa conditions. Depending on the length of your stay and visa validity, you may be required to register with Migración Colombia and apply for a Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner ID) shortly after arrival.

This final step ensures you are fully compliant with Colombian immigration regulations during your stay.

Stay Requirements in Colombia

Holders of the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa must comply with Colombia’s immigration and residency regulations throughout their stay. While the visa allows long-term residence in the country, it does not grant unrestricted rights, and maintaining lawful status requires meeting specific conditions set by the Colombian authorities.

Digital nomads must continue working exclusively for foreign employers, clients, or businesses during their stay in Colombia. Any form of employment or service provision for Colombian companies or individuals is not permitted under this visa. Applicants are also expected to maintain the same conditions under which the visa was granted, including ongoing remote work activity and sufficient foreign income.

Visa holders are required to maintain valid private health insurance for the entire duration of their stay. If insurance coverage expires or is cancelled, this may result in non-compliance with visa conditions and could affect the validity of the visa. Immigration authorities may request updated proof of coverage at any point.

If the visa is granted for more than three months, foreigners are generally required to register with Migración Colombia after entering the country and apply for a Cédula de Extranjería within the prescribed timeframe. This registration formalizes residency status and is mandatory for longer stays.

Finally, visa holders must respect Colombia’s general immigration rules, including timely exit or renewal before visa expiration. Overstaying, working locally, or failing to maintain eligibility conditions may lead to fines, cancellation of the visa, or future entry restrictions.

How Much Does the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The cost of the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa is made up of two mandatory government fees, both paid online through the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform. These fees are set by the Colombian government and are subject to change, but the amounts below reflect the standard costs typically applied to Type V (Visitor) visas, including the Digital Nomad Visa.

First, all applicants must pay a visa study fee, which covers the review and evaluation of the application. This fee is required regardless of whether the visa is approved. The study fee is approximately COP 230,000, which is roughly USD $50–55, depending on the exchange rate at the time of payment.

If the visa application is approved, applicants must then pay a visa issuance fee to have the visa officially granted. For the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, this fee is approximately COP 800,000, or around USD $175–180. This fee is only paid after approval and is required to receive the digital visa.

In total, most applicants can expect to pay approximately:

COP 1,030,000 in total government fees.
Roughly USD $225–235 in combined costs

These fees do not include additional expenses such as document translations, notarizations, apostilles, private health insurance, or professional assistance if you choose to use a visa consultant or lawyer.

Because visa fees are charged in Colombian pesos and converted at the time of payment, the final amount in USD may vary slightly. Applicants should always check the official visa payment portal for the most up-to-date figures before submitting their application.

Taxes for People With a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa

Holding a Colombian Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically make you a tax resident of Colombia, nor does it automatically exempt you from Colombian taxes. Your tax obligations depend primarily on how long you stay in the country and your individual financial situation, rather than the visa type alone.

In general, Colombia considers a foreigner to be a tax resident if they spend 183 days or more within a 12-month period in the country, whether those days are consecutive or not. Once you meet this threshold, you may be subject to Colombian tax residency rules, which can include reporting worldwide income, not just income earned while physically in Colombia.

If you stay in Colombia for fewer than 183 days in a 12-month period, you are typically treated as a non-tax resident. Non-residents are generally only taxed on Colombian-source income, which is important for digital nomads because income earned from foreign employers or international clients is usually considered foreign-source. However, tax treatment can vary depending on how income is structured and paid.

The Digital Nomad Visa itself is designed for individuals who earn income from outside Colombia and does not authorize local employment or business activity within the country. While this structure may reduce the likelihood of Colombian tax exposure for short-term stays, it does not remove the obligation to comply with Colombian tax laws if residency thresholds are met.

Because tax rules can be complex and individual circumstances vary, digital nomads planning to stay long-term or earn significant income while based in Colombia are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified tax professional familiar with Colombian tax law. They should also be familiar with international taxation. This is especially important if you plan to stay close to or beyond the 183-day threshold.

Living in Colombia with the Digital Nomad Visa

Living in Colombia with the Digital Nomad Visa offers remote workers the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life while maintaining a foreign income. Cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali have well-established coworking spaces, reliable internet, and growing international communities, making it easy for digital nomads to settle in and stay productive. Outside the major cities, Colombia also offers coastal towns, coffee-region hubs, and smaller cities that appeal to nomads looking for a slower pace of life without sacrificing modern conveniences.

Beyond work, the Digital Nomad Visa allows foreigners to fully experience daily life in Colombia rather than living as short-term visitors. Visa holders can sign long-term rental agreements, open local bank accounts in some cases, and integrate more easily into local communities. Combined with Colombia’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and relatively affordable cost of living, the Digital Nomad Visa makes it possible to build a stable and enjoyable base in the country while working remotely for clients or employers abroad.

Best Cities to Live in Colombia

Colombia offers a variety of cities that are ideal for digital nomads, each with its own unique vibe, amenities, and lifestyle options. Here are three of the most popular destinations for remote workers:

Medellín

Often called the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year-round mild climate, Medellín has become a top destination for digital nomads. The city boasts a modern infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and a vibrant expat and coworking community. Neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles are particularly popular for their cafes, coworking spaces, and safety, while the city’s efficient metro and public transport make getting around convenient. Medellín also offers cultural events, nightlife, and easy access to nearby nature for weekend escapes.

Bogotá

As Colombia’s capital, Bogotá is the country’s economic and cultural hub, offering a bustling urban environment with endless amenities. Digital nomads will find numerous coworking spaces, networking events, and modern cafes where remote work thrives. Bogotá is also rich in museums, theaters, and restaurants, providing a dynamic urban experience. While the city sits at a high altitude and has cooler temperatures than coastal areas, its vibrant neighborhoods such as Chapinero and Usaquén provide a mix of convenience, safety, and modern living.

Cartagena

For those who prefer a coastal lifestyle, Cartagena combines Caribbean charm with historic architecture and a lively atmosphere. The city offers warm weather year-round, beautiful beaches, and a growing remote work scene, especially in areas like Bocagrande and Getsemaní. While living costs are slightly higher than in inland cities, the lifestyle appeal and scenic environment make it a popular choice for digital nomads seeking both productivity and relaxation. Cartagena also serves as a gateway for exploring Colombia’s Caribbean coast and nearby islands.

Cost of Living

The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). 1 USD ≈ 3,900 COP on average, though exchange rates fluctuate daily based on market conditions.

The average net monthly salary in Colombia is around ₱3,350,000 COP, which equates to approximately $860 USD per month (based on recent estimates of average earnings in the country).

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Medellín

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $400–$700 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $800–$1,200 per month
Basic Utilities – $55–$85 per month (electricity, water, gas, trash)
Wi‑Fi – $20–$30 per month for a standard home internet connection with good speed
Public Transport – $0.80–$1.00 one‑way for metro/bus rides
Groceries (2 people) – $180–$300 per month,

Bogotá

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $320–$500 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $800–$1,200 per month
Basic Utilities – $50–$90 per month, depending on usage and building
Wi‑Fi – $20–$30 per month for reliable broadband service
Public Transport – ~$0.80–$1.00 one‑way on TransMilenio or local buses
Groceries (2 people) – $200–$350 per month

Cartagena

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $420–$650 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $690–$1,000 per month
Basic Utilities – $90–$110 per month (higher due to coastal A/C use)
Wi‑Fi – $22–$28 per month for standard broadband plans
Public Transport – $0.90–$1.00 one‑way for buses and local transit
Groceries (2 people) – $200–$350 per month

FAQs

Who can apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?

The visa is for remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs who earn income from foreign sources. Applicants must be able to prove that their work is conducted remotely and that they meet the minimum income requirements set by Colombian immigration authorities. Employment with Colombian companies or providing services to local clients is not permitted.

How long is the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa valid?

The visa can be granted for up to two years, depending on individual circumstances. It allows holders to live in Colombia legally while working remotely, and it may be renewed if eligibility conditions are still met and renewal is requested before expiration.

What are the minimum income requirements for the visa?

Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least three times the Colombian minimum wage, which is approximately COP 4,270,500 or around $1,100 USD per month as of 2025. Income must come from foreign sources, and proof is typically provided through bank statements, contracts, or employment letters.

Do I need health insurance to apply?

Yes. All applicants must have private health insurance valid in Colombia for the entire duration of the visa. The insurance should cover medical care, hospitalization, and emergencies. Travel insurance with limited coverage may not meet the requirements.

Can I bring my family with me on this visa?

Yes, dependents can be included on your visa application, but additional documentation is required, such as proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates) and, in some cases, proof of financial ability to support them. Dependents do not automatically gain work authorization.

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