With the new Digital Nomad Visa, it’s easier than ever to live and work remotely in one of Latin America’s most exciting countries. Whether you’re a freelancer, a remote employee, or an entrepreneur building the next big thing, Colombia welcomes you with open arms.

First things first— why travel to Colombia? why should Colombia be on your radar as a digital nomad? Picture this: Medellín, the "City of Eternal Spring," with its perfect weather year-round and a thriving community of remote workers and entrepreneurs just like you. Or perhaps Cartagena, with its colonial charm and Caribbean beaches, calls your name. And then there’s Bogotá, the capital, offering a vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and a cosmopolitan vibe. The best part? All three cities are just a short one-hour flight from each other, making it easy to explore Colombia’s diverse landscapes and cultures while you live and work here. Wherever you choose to set up your laptop, Colombia offers a blend of vibrant cities, affordable living, and a work-life balance that’s hard to beat.

Imagine waking up here in Medellin to views of lush green mountains, working from a cozy café where the coffee is always fresh and delicious. So let’s take a journey through everything you need to know about this visa—from the amazing benefits it offers to a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.

Let’s dive into what makes the Digital Nomad Visa so appealing:

• Banking and Local benefits: Once you’re settled with your visa, you can easily open a Colombian bank account, making it a breeze to pay rent, utilities, or even get a local phone plan. Plus, you’ll have access to the country’s high-quality healthcare system, which is one of the most affordable in the region.
• Freedom to Work Remotely: Whether you’re working for a company based in Europe, freelancing for clients across the globe, or running your own online business, this visa allows you to legally live and work in Colombia while earning income from abroad. No need to deal with complicated work permits or local contracts—just focus on doing what you do best.
• Bring Your Loved Ones: The Digital Nomad Visa also allows you to bring along your family members as dependents. So, if you’ve been dreaming of relocating with a partner or even your kids, Colombia makes it easy to share this new adventure together.
• Stay Longer, Live Better: One of the biggest benefits is that this visa allows you to stay in Colombia for up to two years. Forget the hassle of renewing short-term tourist visas—this gives you the time and freedom to truly settle in, build relationships, and explore at your own pace.

A Few Restrictions to Keep in Mind

Of course, there are some limits to what you can do with this visa:

• No Local Employment: This visa doesn’t allow you to work for Colombian companies or get paid by a local employer. It’s designed for people whose income comes from abroad, so if you’re hoping to land a local job, you’d need a different type of visa.
• Remote-Only Income: All your income must come from foreign sources, whether that’s clients, employers, or your own international business. Working for or receiving payment from Colombian businesses isn’t allowed under this visa.
• No Direct Path to Residency: While the Digital Nomad Visa offers up to two years of blissful Colombian living, it doesn’t provide a direct path to permanent residency. If you’re thinking long-term, you’ll need to look into other visa options later on.
• No Automatic Renewal: Once your two-year period is up, you’ll need to apply for a new visa if you want to stay longer. The good news? By then, you’ll probably know if Colombia is your forever place!

What Do You Need to Apply?

Now, let’s talk about this Colombia visa and the requirements. Don’t worry, the process is pretty straightforward:

1. Passport & Nationality: To start, you’ll need to hold a passport from a country that is exempt from needing a short-stay visa to enter Colombia. This includes most North American, European, and some Latin American countries.
2. Proof of Employment or Freelance Work: If you work for a foreign company, you’ll need to provide a letter (in English or Spanish) that explains your job, how much you earn, and that you’ll be working remotely. If you’re a freelancer or business owner, you’ll need to show contracts or proof that your income comes from outside Colombia.
3. Entrepreneurs, Listen Up!: If you’re planning to launch a digital startup, you’ll need to submit a letter explaining your business project—how it’ll work, what resources you have or plan to secure, and how it fits into Colombia’s growing digital landscape.
4. Income Threshold: You must demonstrate a stable income equivalent to three times the minimum wage in Colombia, which is about $1,000 USD per month. Just provide bank statements from the past three months to show that you meet this requirement.
5. Health Insurance: Since health is a priority, you’ll need to have health insurance that covers your stay in Colombia, protecting you from accidents, illness, and other unexpected events.

At Project Medellín, we’re more than happy to assist you throughout the entire process. Whether you need help filling out the application, translating documents, or simply understanding how to navigate your new life in Colombia, we’re here to guide you. Just write to us or book a consultation, and together, we’ll craft a personalized action plan to ensure your remote work journey in Colombia is smooth and successful.