Colombia is quickly becoming a top destination for digital nomads. With its affordable cost of living, year-round temperate climate, fast-growing infrastructure, and vibrant cities like Medellín and Bogotá, it’s easy to see why. In response to this growing trend, Colombia officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa in late 2022, opening the door for remote workers to live and work legally in the country for up to two years.
As of 2025, Colombia continues to attract thousands of remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs eager to enjoy its dynamic lifestyle and lower overheads. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa – from eligibility and application to taxes, healthcare, and where to live.
🌱 Health Insurance for Colombia
Choose Genki Native if you have no access to a national health care system in your home country. In other words, if you have no other health insurance, then get comprehensive cover.
Choose Genki Traveler if you have access to a national health care system in your home country or another country, or if you have other comprehensive health insurance. The local Colombian health care system does not count for this visa.
🇨🇴 What is the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?
The visa is officially named Visa V Nómadas Digitales. It allows foreign nationals to live in Colombia while working remotely for overseas employers or running a digital business. The visa is valid for up to 2 years and provides a legal framework for remote work in Colombia without engaging in local employment.
The Digital Nomad Visa falls under Colombia's Visitor Visa (Type V) category and was established under Resolución 5477 of 2022. It was created to attract digital talent and remote professionals.
⭐️ Key Benefits of the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa
👩🏽💻 Work remotely for foreign companies while living in Colombia
🪪 Obtain a Cédula de Extranjería (foreign ID card)
💳 Open Colombian bank accounts
✍🏽 Sign leases and access services as a legal resident
💰 Possible tax advantages with proper planning
📌 At a Glance: Visa Facts for 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 2 years |
| Application Fee | ∼ $52 USD |
| Visa Issuance Fee | ∼ $170-$230 USD |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks (up to 30 days by law) |
| Minimum Monthly Income | COP 4,270 (∼ $1,100 USD) |
| Family Inclusion | Yes (Spouse and children under 25) |
| Renewal Options | No formal extension; must reapply |
👩🏽💻 Who Can Apply for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa?
To qualify for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa in 2025, you must:
- Hold a passport from a visa-exempt country (e.g., the US, Canada, the EU, UK, Australia)
- Work remotely for a foreign company or client, or run your own digital/tech business
- Earn at least 3x the Colombian minimum monthly wage (~COP 4.27 million or USD $1,100)
- Show proof of health insurance that covers Colombia
- Have a passport valid for at least 6 months
✏️ Step-by-Step Application Process (2025 Updated)
Before You Apply: Preparation Checklist
- A valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration
- A passport-style photo (3x4 cm, white background)
- A letter from your employer or clients confirming remote work and income
- 3 months of bank statements showing income over the minimum
- A health insurance certificate covering Colombia
- Translations and apostilles (if documents are not in Spanish or English)
👉🏽 Download the Full Visa Application Checklist here
Detailed Application Walkthrough
- Create an account on the official visa portal: tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co
- Fill out the online application form under Type V - Nómadas Digitales
- Upload your documents in the required formats (PDF, JPG)
- Pay the application study fee (~$52 USD)
- Wait for visa processing (up to 30 calendar days)
- Respond to any additional document requests from Cancillería
- Once approved, pay the visa issuance fee (~$170-$230 USD)
- Receive your e-visa by email and enter Colombia
- Within 15 days of arrival, register with Migración Colombia and get your Cédula de Extranjería
Common Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Submitting blurry or incomplete document scans
- Insufficient income proof or deposits not matching the employment letter
- Health insurance does not list Colombia explicitly
- Employer letter missing job title, income, or the remote nature of work
- Uploading a photo with incorrect dimensions or background
- Applying too close to your planned arrival date
✅ Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements (Complete List)
Required Documents
- Passport copy (biographic page)
- Color photo (3x4 cm, white background)
- A letter from a foreign employer or clients
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Health insurance certificate
- Motivational letter (if applying as an entrepreneur)
Document Deep Dive
What officials are looking for
- Employment Letters: Must state job title, salary/income, remote status, and duration
- Bank Statements: Show regular deposits from employer/clients exceeding COP 4.27 million/month
- Insurance Policies: Should cover emergency medical, hospitalization, repatriation
- Translations/Apostilles: Required for foreign official documents (e.g., birth/marriage certificates for dependents)
👉🏽 Download the Full Visa Application Checklist here
💶 Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Cost Breakdown
- Application fee: ~$52 USD
- Visa issuance fee: ~$170-$230 USD
- Cédula de Extranjería: ~$65 USD (COP 230,000)
- Translations and apostilles: Varies ($20-$100+)
📚 Tax Implications for Digital Nomads in Colombia
- Tax Residency Rule: If you spend more than 183 days in 365 days in Colombia, you’re considered a tax resident. Tax residents must report global income and may be taxed according to progressive rates.
- Foreign Income: Colombia taxes worldwide income for tax residents. Non-residents are only taxed on Colombian-sourced income.
- Double Taxation Agreements: Colombia has treaties with several countries to avoid double taxation (e.g., Spain, Canada, the UK, and Switzerland).
• Track your days in Colombia
• Use tax treaties and exclusions wisely
• Consult a tax professional if staying >183 days
🏦 Banking and Financial Logistics for Digital Nomads
Opening a Bank Account
You’ll need:
- Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner ID card)
- Your passport and visa
- A Colombian address and local phone number
Banks like Bancolombia and Davivienda often work with foreigners. Wise and Revolut are also good digital alternatives.
• Exchange rate (May 2025): ~COP 4,200/USD
• ATMs limit withdrawals (~COP 600k-3M)
• Many places accept cards, but carry cash for small purchases
🏡 Living in Colombia as a Digital Nomad
Cost of Living
Estimated monthly expenses for a solo nomad:
- Rent: $300-$600
- Food: $200
- Insurance: $50
- Coworking: $100
- Transport: $30-$50
Where to Live
Remote Work Infrastructure
- Internet speeds: 100+ Mbps in major cities
- Coworking spaces: Selina, WeWork, local options
- Café work: common, but bring noise-canceling headphones
- Mobile data: Claro, Movistar, and Tigo offer strong coverage
Sarah Kuhlemann
🏥 Healthcare for Digital Nomads in Colombia
Insurance & Healthcare Access
- You need private comprehensive health insurance
- EPS system (Colombia’s public healthcare) is optional but available to residents only
- Quality private clinics in Medellín, Bogotá, Cali
- Most doctors in cities speak some English
🌏 Colombia vs. Other Digital Nomad Visa Programs
Colombia stands out for its low income threshold and long duration.
Sarah Kuhlemann
🔁 After Your Visa Expires: What Next?
- You can reapply with new documents
- Or switch to another visa (e.g., marriage, investment, work)
- No official grace period – must exit before expiry
- Time on this visa does not count toward permanent residency
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply from within Colombia?
Yes, if you're in Colombia legally.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, spouse and children under 25 as beneficiaries.
Can I work for Colombian clients?
No, only foreign income is permitted.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No, but it helps with daily life.
Can I leave and return during the visa period?
Yes, it's a multiple-entry visa.
What if I change jobs?
As long as you're still remote and meet income, it’s fine.
🚀 Resources and Tools for Digital Nomads
- Official websites: Cancillería Visa Portal, Migración Colombia
- Visa agencies: Colombian Visa Services
- Community: Colombia Digital Nomads Facebook Group, Digital Nomads Medellin Facebook Group
- Language: Duolingo, Baselang, Italki
🎀 Conclusion
The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most accessible and generous options for remote workers in 2025. With low income thresholds, two years of legal stay, and access to a vibrant, affordable lifestyle, it’s no wonder digital nomads are flocking to cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali.
Whether you’re freelancing, building a startup, or working remotely, Colombia offers a warm welcome and a high quality of life. Use this guide to take the next step—and don’t forget to download the checklist to streamline your application!
Ready to make Colombia your remote work base? Apply now or connect with experts to get help with your application.
Sarah Kuhlemann
Sarah Kuhlemann
Sarah Kuhlemann
