Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: Full 2025 Guide

May 31

“Medellín is the new Berlin.” That’s not a travel blogger exaggerating — that’s what dozens of digital nomads are saying after spending a few weeks sipping $1 cappuccinos and working with 200 Mbps Wi-Fi under palm trees.

Colombia has gone from “maybe later” to “booked a flight” in the remote work world. And now, it’s official: with the launch of the Colombian digital nomad visa, remote workers can stay legally, long-term — no awkward border runs or sketchy tourist visa extensions required.

If you’re earning your income online, and your current office is a laptop plus strong coffee, Colombia might be your next best move. It’s warm. It’s vibrant. It’s affordable. And, yes, it’s fast becoming one of the most remote-friendly countries in Latin America.

But here’s the thing: applying for a visa isn’t as breezy as ordering another arepa. You need the right documents. The right income. The right process.

So this guide cuts the fluff and shows you exactly how to get Colombia’s digital nomad visa — step by step, with everything you need to know before packing your laptop and heading for the Andes.

Let’s break it down.

What Is the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?

It’s called the Type V Visa for Digital Nomads, and it’s Colombia’s official way of saying, “Sure, come work here. Just don’t take one of our local jobs.”

This visa launched in October 2022, and it’s aimed squarely at remote workers, freelancers, and online entrepreneurs who earn their income from outside Colombia. If your boss lives in Berlin and you live in Bogotá, that’s fair game.

How long can you stay? Up to two years, with legal residency status. You don’t get permanent residency or citizenship from it, but you do get a Cedula (foreigner ID), which makes everything easier — from renting apartments to opening a bank account.

It’s one of the more accessible digital nomad visas out there. And Colombia’s not just offering warm weather and cheap rent — they’re offering legal stability for people who want to stay longer than the typical 90-day tourist shuffle.

Who Is Eligible?

Before you book that one-way ticket, make sure you actually qualify.

Here’s the breakdown:

You must be a citizen of a visa-exempt country. That includes most of North America, Europe, and parts of Latin America. If you need a tourist visa to visit Colombia, you’re probably not eligible.
You must work remotely — either as an employee, freelancer, or business owner — and your clients or company must be based outside Colombia.
You must earn at least 3x the Colombian minimum wage, which comes out to around USD $900 per month(though that can fluctuate slightly).
You need valid health insurance that covers your stay in Colombia.
And of course, a passport with at least 6 months of validity.

Bonus points if you speak Spanish. Not required, but it makes the paperwork 10x easier.

Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll need to pull together before you apply. No fluff — just the essentials:

Valid passport: Make sure it’s got at least 6 months left before it expires.
Proof of remote work: This could be a letter from your employer, a contract with clients, or proof of self-employment (like a business registration).
Proof of income: Three months of bank statements or invoices that clearly show you meet the income threshold.
Health insurance: Must be valid in Colombia for the duration of your stay.
Passport-style photo: Because bureaucracy still loves headshots.
Completed visa application form: Done online (more on that in the next section).

If your documents are in English, you may need to have them officially translated into Spanish. Use a certified translator just to be safe. The last thing you want is a rejection over grammar.

How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (Step-by-Step)

No embassy visits. No snail mail. You can do it all online, and here’s how:

Step 1: Prep your documents

Scan everything clearly. Save as PDFs or JPEGs. No weird crops. No photos of your laptop screen. Just clean, professional files.

Step 2: Apply online

Go to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and fill out the Visa Application Form. The site is a bit clunky, so take your time. The form will ask for your work details, passport info, purpose of stay, and a few other standard things.

Step 3: Pay the fee

You’ll pay two fees:

Application fee: ~$52 USD
Visa issuance fee (if approved): ~$177 USD

Pay by card directly through the portal. Once you submit, you’ll get a confirmation email.

Step 4: Wait

Processing time usually takes up to 30 calendar days, though it can be faster. If they need more documents or clarification, they’ll email you.

Step 5: Arrive and register

Once approved, enter Colombia and register your visa with Migración Colombia within 15 days. You’ll also apply for a Cedula de Extranjería — your Colombian foreigner ID. It’s like your golden ticket for adulting in Colombia.

Costs Involved

Expect to spend around $300 to $400 total to get your Colombian digital nomad visa, depending on your specific situation. Here’s a breakdown:

Visa application fee: Around $52 USD, paid when you first submit your application online.
Visa issuance fee (if approved): Roughly $177 USD, paid once your application is accepted.
Document translation and notary services: These vary depending on where you’re located and what needs translating, but plan for $50 to $100 USD if your documents aren’t already in Spanish.
Health insurance: Required for your stay in Colombia. Plans range between $30 and $100 per month, depending on coverage and provider.
Cedula registration (foreigner ID): Once you arrive, you’ll need to register your visa and apply for a Cedula de Extranjería. That’ll cost about $60 USD.

Planning for these fees upfront makes the process smoother and helps you avoid annoying delays or surprises.

Living in Colombia as a Digital Nomad

Now for the fun part.

Colombia is a dream for remote workers — especially those who’ve outgrown $4,000/month New York apartments and inconsistent Southeast Asian Wi-Fi.

Medellín: Warm, modern, walkable. Strong nomad community. Coworking on every block.
Bogotá: Urban, gritty, lots of culture. A bit chaotic, but you’ll never be bored.
Cartagena: Beach life, colonial charm. Better for short stays or unplugging between projects.

Cost of living?

You can live well in Colombia for $1,200–1,800/month. That includes rent, groceries, eating out, coworking, and weekend trips.

Internet?

Surprisingly great. In cities, 100–200 Mbps is standard. Some coworking spaces go even faster.

Vibe?

Relaxed but energized. Colombia has that perfect mix of work focus and adventure. Coffee breaks turn into salsa nights real fast.

Tips for a Smooth Application

Some hard-earned wisdom to keep you from pulling your hair out:

Triple-check your documents — blurry scans or outdated bank statements will get you kicked back to square one.
Translate professionally — don’t use Google Translate. Ever. Officials will spot it a mile away.
Apply early — give yourself at least a month of buffer before your planned departure.
Keep everything digital — backups in Dropbox, Google Drive, USB stick… whatever works. Just don’t lose your files.
Bookmark your application portal login. You’ll need it again for status updates and approvals.

Pro tip: If this stuff overwhelms you, hire a local visa service in Medellín or Bogotá. It’s not cheating. It’s called outsourcing. You’re a remote worker — you live for that.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s keep you out of the rejection pile:

Applying with the wrong visa type. You want Type V, not tourist or business.
Not meeting the income threshold. “Close enough” doesn’t count.
Using screenshots instead of actual PDFs. Come on.
Forgetting to register your visa after arrival. This one’s huge. You must register and apply for your Cedula within 15 days of entering Colombia.

And finally — don’t assume anything. Read the requirements twice, and if in doubt, email the consulate.

Conclusion

Getting the digital nomad visa for Colombia isn’t rocket science — but it’s not something you want to freestyle, either.

Miss a document? You’ll wait weeks. Skip the insurance? No go. Land in Bogotá without registering your visa? Say hello to immigration fines and stress you don’t need.

But with the right prep — and a little patience — this visa opens the door to something seriously exciting: two years of sunshine, Spanish lessons, street food, and a new remote lifestyle that actually feels balanced.

Here’s your next step: check if you meet the income threshold, gather your docs, and block an hour to start your online application. That’s it. You’re one afternoon away from planting your laptop in Colombia — legally.

Whether you’re building an agency, coding on a rooftop, or writing your novel in a hammock, Colombia is calling. Loudly.

And now? You’ve got the visa to answer.

FAQ

Yes, Colombia officially launched a digital nomad visa in 2023. It's designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who work for companies or clients outside of Colombia. This visa allows you to live and work remotely from Colombia for up to 2 years.
It depends on how long you stay. Digital nomads are not considered tax residents in Colombia if they stay less than 183 days in a calendar year. If you stay longer than that, you may become a tax resident and be subject to Colombian income tax on worldwide income. It’s recommended to consult a local tax advisor if you plan to stay long-term.
To qualify for the visa in 2025, you typically need:
- A valid passport from an eligible country (many nationalities qualify).
- Proof of income of at least 3 million COP per month (approx. USD $800).
- A letter from your employer or proof of freelance/entrepreneurial activity.
- Health insurance that covers you in Colombia.
- A completed visa application and required documents.
Generally, digital nomad visas are intended for remote workers, freelancers, or business owners who:
- Work online for companies or clients located outside the host country.
- Meet minimum income requirements.
- Have valid health insurance.
- Can show proof of employment, contracts, or business ownership.

Michelle Coulson