Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: Your 2025 Guide for Remote Work in Colombia

Colombia provides a dedicated digital nomad visa (Type M – Remote Worker Visa) for non‑residents earning income remotely from abroad. This permit enables legal residence for up to one year initially, with the option to renew for a second year, giving a total stay of 24 months.

What Is the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?

The visa is a temporary residence permit (Type M) specifically for remote professionals working for employers or clients outside Colombia. It allows holders to live legally in Colombia and access local services such as banking, healthcare, and utilities.

Who Can Apply?

You may apply if you:

• Are a citizen of a non-Colombian country.

• Work remotely for foreign clients or employers—not located in Colombia.

• Earn stable monthly income from abroad or present equivalent savings/assets.

• Provide proof of health insurance, clean criminal history, and accommodation in Colombia.

Family members may accompany you under sponsorship rules.

Income Requirements & Financial Eligibility

Colombian rules require:

• A minimum monthly income of USD 3,000 (or equivalent), earned from foreign sources.

• Alternatively, verified foreign savings or assets covering your stay.

• Additional income may be necessary if applying with dependents or family members.

  
  

Required Documents

Applicants typically need:

• A valid passport and digital passport-style photo.

• Proof of income or foreign financial self-sufficiency (bank statements, income receipts).

• Employment letters, freelance contracts, or client agreements from abroad.

• Proof of accommodation in Colombia (rental contract or reservation).

• Health insurance valid in Colombia for the duration.

• Clean criminal record certificate issued within the past 90 days.

• Completed visa application forms with translations as required.

Document apostilles or notarization may be required.

Application Process & Fees

• Submit your application at a Colombian consulate abroad or through the online national immigration portal depending on availability.

• You must pay a Type M application balance and permit issuance fee, typically totaling USD 30–40, plus processing charges.

• Processing time generally varies between 3 to 8 weeks, influenced by consulate workload and document completeness.

• Once approved, you’ll be granted a national visa, valid for one year, allowing multiple entries. Upon arrival you can obtain a cedula de extranjería (resident ID card).

  
  

Duration & Renewal Terms

• Initial validity: 12 months.

• Renewable once, allowing up to 24 months total residency.

• At renewal, updated proof of continuing foreign income, valid insurance, and accommodation is required.

Beyond two years, other residency pathways should be considered.

Tax Residency & Legal Considerations

• You become a Colombian tax resident if you spend over 183 days in a fiscal year or establish domicile.

• As a tax resident, you may be taxed on worldwide income, so planning is essential.

• Consider double-tax treaties and home-country obligations; Colombia has treaty coverage with some nations.

• Foreign-sourced digital work income may be exempted initially, depending on rule updates, but confirm at time of application.

  
  

Cost of Living & Lifestyle in Colombia

Colombia offers affordability and vibrant culture, with cost of living varying by city:

• Bogotá: Rent for a 1BR city centre apartment around USD 600–1,000 per month.

• Medellín: USD 500–850 monthly.

• Utilities & high-speed internet: USD 60–120.

• Groceries and dining: USD 200–350.

• Transport, coworking, leisure: USD 150–250.

Cities like Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, and Pereira are popular among remote workers due to infrastructure and community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Colombia’s digital nomad visa valid?

The Type M remote worker permit is issued for 12 months initially and can be renewed once, allowing a total of 24 months stay.

What income do I need?

Minimum USD 3,000 net per month from foreign sources, or equivalent savings/assets. Additional funds may be required for family sponsorship.

Can family members come with me?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children may be sponsored. You will need to meet higher income thresholds and provide family documentation, insurance proof, and housing evidence.

Will I pay income tax in Colombia?

If you stay over 183 days per year or establish domicile, Colombia may consider you a tax resident, taxable on global income. Foreign digital income might be exempt for newcomers—check regulatory updates.

Can I apply from within Colombia?

Generally no. The initial application must be initiated from outside Colombia via a consulate or official online portal.

How long is processing?

Processing time is usually 3 to 8 weeks, depending on consular load and documentation clarity.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros:

• Legal two-year residency for remote workers earning abroad.

• Access to local systems: banking, rent, ID, health coverage.

• Relatively lower cost of living and warm climate.

• Option to bring family members.

Cons:

• Income requirement may be steep for some freelancers.

• Tax residency triggered by extended stays.

• Renewal requires re-verification of documents.

• Less mature nomad infrastructure than long-standing nomad hubs.

• 
  

Is Colombia the Right Fit for Your Remote Work Journey?

Colombia offers a structured, affordable, and culturally rich visa pathway for remote professionals earning income from abroad. If you meet financial criteria, want community in cities like Medellín or Bogotá, and prefer Latin American lifestyle with modern conveniences, Colombia is a compelling destination for up to two years of legal remote working abroad.

Or, if you want something completely different, Japan also offers a digital nomad visa...