As remote work becomes more popular, Colombia is one of the countries looking to attract tech professionals with its new digital nomad visa.
Colombia was named one of the cheapest places to live in 2023 in a recent ranking by International Living magazine.
In Bogota, renting a one-bedroom apartment for six months will set you back just €2,087, and the country is in the same time zone as some eastern US states — perfect if you work on US time.
Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, part of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism:
Colombia is very excited to share with digital nomads the opportunity to work in the second most biodiverse country in the world. Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Cali and other cities offer a variety of coworking and living spaces with special programs designed for long-term stays, where remote workers will have an unforgettable experience.
Who can apply for a digital nomad visa in Colombia?
To apply for a digital nomad visa for Colombia, you will need a valid passport from a country on the list of countries exempt from the need for a short-term visa, a letter confirming your employment in your home country, and health insurance. The minimum income requirement is 3 million Colombian pesos or 600 euros per month, which can be proven with bank statements.
If your income is higher than this amount, you are from a country that does not require a short-term visa to enter Colombia, such as the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, and you only plan to stay there for six months a year, you may not even need to apply. You can stay for up to 90 days, which can be extended to 180 days, without the need for entry permit paperwork.
However, the digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to two years and receive a form of government-issued identification known as a “Cedula de Extranjeria.” It is required to access a range of services, including purchasing a local SIM card or renting a property.
In the first 18 months of the program, Colombia hopes to attract around 45,000 digital nomads to the country.
