Colombia has joined countries all across the globe offering digital nomad visas to freelancers, remote workers and entrepreneurs who want to live abroad long-term.
“Colombia is thrilled to share with digital nomads the privilege of working from the second most biodiverse country in the world,” Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism said in a statement.
Prior to this announcement, visitors could only stay in the country for 180 days out of the year. However, with the Colombia digital nomad visa, remote workers can live in the country for up to two years for just $700.
Colombia is one of the first South American countries to offer a long-term living solution to digital nomads with this new visa. They join Brazil and Argentina in this innovative movement.
Why you should visit Colombia
In addition to the countless coworking spaces and cafés with free Wi-Fi you’ll find in major cities such as Medellin and Bogota, here are some reasons why you should visit Colombia.
Incredibly affordable to live
International Living named Colombia as the cheapest place to live in 2023 with the best quality of life. From food to accommodation to transportation, things are incredibly affordable in the country.
The cost of living in Colombia is low compared to other places like the United States and Europe, and you have no shortage of community events for digital nomads.
Excellent healthcare
The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Colombia’s health system #22 out of the 191 countries it reviews. Colombia also houses 20 of the 49 best hospitals in Latin America. So you can therefore expect excellent care at an affordable price while living in the country.
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Geographically varied
Alongside the welcoming and friendly citizens, the South American country is blessed with beautiful landscapes, and a variety of compelling places to have an unforgettable experience.
From hiking Colombia’s great mountains and kayaking in the Amazon to driving in the Caribbean and whale watching in the Pacific, there are more than enough places to explore,
Also, the weather could not be any better, staying a comfortable 22–25 degrees Celsius (71-77 Fahrenheit) for most of the year.
Requirements for Colombia’s digital nomad visa
Colombia’s digital nomad visa is called the “visa v.” To qualify you must be able to prove that you can provide remote work or teleworking services, from Colombia, through digital media and the internet, exclusively for foreign companies, as independent or labour-related, or to start a digital content or information technology venture of interest to the country.
The visa allow you to stay for up to two years and get a form of state identification known as ‘Cedula de Extranjeria’. This will help you access a number of services in the country, including signing up for a mobile phone contract or renting a property.
Other requirements for the Colombia digital nomad visa include:
- As an applicant, you must be a passport holder issued by any of the countries or territories exempt from short-stay visas (check the list here).
- A letter in Spanish or English, issued by one or more foreign companies you provide services for. The letter should indicate the type of link and the type of remuneration you receive. It should also indicate the kind of contract you have with the said company. The letter should show how you contribute, or demonstrate if you are a partner or co-owner of any company abroad. Also, a separate letter indicating that your work for the company is carried out remotely.
- As an entrepreneur, you’ll present a motivational letter explaining your entrepreneurship project and the financial and human resources that you have or aspire to have for your entrepreneurship;
- You’ll demonstrate through bank statements that you meet the minimum income equivalent of at least 3,000,000 Colombian Pesos (approximately $700).
- You need to also possess a health policy with coverage in the national territory against all risks in the event of accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation, for the time foreseen for your stay in the country.
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