A practical guide for remote professionals considering Colombia as their base.
Last updated: March 17, 2026 | Última actualización: 17 de marzo de 2026
Important disclaimer: This page provides general information about Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa based on publicly available legal sources. It does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements and interpretation can change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with the
Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) or consult a qualified immigration attorney before applying.
1. What Is the Digital Nomad Visa?
Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa is a Visitor Visa (Type V) established under Article 46 of Resolution 5477 of 2022, issued by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It allows foreign nationals to live in Colombia while working remotely for foreign companies or as independent contractors serving foreign clients, through digital means and the internet.
Key benefits: Legal stay for up to 2 years, ability to obtain a Cédula de Extranjería (foreign ID), access to open bank accounts and sign leases, and the option to include dependents (spouse and children).
2. Eligibility Requirements
Based on Resolution 5477 of 2022, the general eligibility criteria are:
- Hold a passport from a country exempt from short-stay visa requirements for Colombia (this includes the US, Canada, UK, EU member states, Australia, and most Latin American countries; the full list is established by Resolution 5488 of 2022).
- Work remotely for a foreign company or serve foreign clients. The work must not generate income from Colombian sources.
- Demonstrate a minimum monthly income equivalent to at least three (3) times the Colombian legal monthly minimum wage. As of 2025, this threshold is approximately COP 4,270,500 per month (roughly USD $1,100, though the exact USD amount varies with exchange rates).
- Have valid health insurance covering Colombia for the duration of your stay, including medical care, hospitalization, and emergencies.
2025-2026 update:Starting in mid-2025, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been applying a stricter interpretation of the visa requirements. Some applicants outside of the technology or digital media sectors have reported rejections based on “profile incompatibility,” even though the original regulation does not explicitly restrict professional profiles. Additionally, apostilled criminal background checks (including FBI reports for US applicants) are now commonly required. We strongly recommend consulting an immigration attorney before applying if your profession is not directly related to IT or digital content.
3. Required Documents
The following documentation is generally required for the application:
- Completed visa application form (available on the Cancillería website).
- Recent color passport-sized photograph on a white background (JPG format).
- Copy of your passport identification page (valid for at least 6 months from application date).
- If applying from within Colombia: copy of the passport page showing your most recent entry stamp.
- Bank statements from the last 3 months proving consistent foreign-sourced income meeting the minimum threshold.
- Letter from your foreign employer confirming your remote work arrangement, or contracts with foreign clients, or proof of ownership of a foreign-registered digital business.
- Valid health insurance certificate covering Colombia.
- Apostilled and translated criminal background check (requirements vary; US applicants should obtain an FBI background report).
All documents should be in PDF format and under 5 MB total. Documents not in Spanish must be officially translated.
4. How to Apply
- Gather and digitize all required documents.
- Visit the Cancillería online visa portal.
- Create an account and complete the visa application form.
- Upload your documents and pay the study fee (approximately USD $55).
- Wait for a decision (typically 2-4 weeks, though processing times vary).
- If approved, pay the visa issuance fee (approximately USD $177) and download your electronic visa.
- Within 15 days of entering Colombia (or approval, if already in-country), register with Migración Colombia and obtain your Cédula de Extranjería.
5. Short-Stay Alternative (No Visa Required)
If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, you can enter Colombia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days on a tourist entry permit (PIP), extendable once for an additional 90 days (total maximum: 180 days per calendar year). During this time, you may work remotely for foreign companies as long as your income does not come from Colombian sources. This option is suitable for stays of up to 6 months without the need to apply for a formal visa.
6. Tax Considerations
Be aware of the following tax implications:
- If you stay in Colombia for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you may be considered a tax resident and required to declare your worldwide income to Colombian tax authorities (DIAN).
- Colombian income tax rates for residents range from 19% to 39%, depending on income level.
- Tax treaties may apply depending on your country of origin.
We are not tax advisors. Consult a qualified tax professional familiar with Colombian and international tax law for advice specific to your situation.
7. Useful Official Resources
8. How The Good Traveler Colombia Can Help
While we are not an immigration agency and cannot process your visa application, our Tropical Shift workation experiences are designed specifically for remote professionals considering Colombia. We provide verified high-speed-internet accommodations, curated weekends, and local concierge support that makes your time in Colombia productive and extraordinary. Learn more about our digital nomad experiences.
