Colombia has positioned itself as one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads in 2024, thanks in part because of its low cost of living compared to other countries in the Americas.
Travellers going to Colombia will encounter a vast diversity of exotic places that serve as inspiration for developing new projects and evolving your online career. This is what makes Colombia a top 10 of nomadic destinations!
That’s why, today, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Colombian digital nomad visa. But before we get into detail, here’s a brief summary:
- The Colombia digital nomad visa type V has been in force since October 2022.
- It is designed for remote workers, self-employed, or employed workers, who provide services to companies outside the country.
- This visa is mandated by the Colombian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The Colombian digital nomad visa requires you to take out travel insurance. Note that it is of great importance to have strong medical coverage in the country.
How to apply for the Colombia digital nomad visa?
Applying for the Colombia digital nomad visa is a much simpler process than it seems, as it can be done 100% digitally through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.
Here are the 4 steps to follow to successfully complete this application. Take note!
- Once you have checked that you meet all the requirements, go to the “Procedures and Services” platform on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Or simply click on this link, but it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Ministry’s website as well.
- Start the Type V Visa registration and fill in your information, including your name, surname, country of origin, and occupation.
- Submit all requirements digitally and in PDF form.
- Pay the fees established for this visa in the “Fees, payments and processing offices” section of this website.
It’s that easy! If you want to check the status of your application at any time, the “Visas” section itself has an option called “Check your visa application status”, so you can keep up to date with the process.
Visa delivery time
Regarding how long it takes to process the Colombian digital nomad visa, there is still no concrete information available.
Fortunately, however, the application platform has a section that allows you to see the status of the application at all times, as mentioned earlier.
How does the Colombia digital nomad visa work?
The Colombia digital nomad visa, also known as the Type V digital nomad visa, was launched in October 2022. Its objective was to benefit all those travellers who come to Colombia to work remotely, whether they are self-employed, or employed by a company outside of Colombia.
In this sense, it is a fundamental requirement that the provision of remote services is carried out exclusively for foreign companies, although I will go into this in more detail later!
Regarding the duration of the Digital Nomad Visa Type V, Colombia has stipulated a maximum of two years, leaving aside concerns related to the authorised stay in the country.
There are certain types of visas that, despite being valid for one year, governments hold that they are only authorised for 180 days. However, the Type V Visa, according to Resolution 5477, has removed any such limitation for digital nomads.
Advantages of the Colombia digital nomad visa
Here are the main benefits of the Colombian digital nomad visa:
- It allows digital nomads to bring partners and children with them to Colombia during their stay in the country.
- The total validity of the visa is 2 years.
- A smooth, digitised process.
Disadvantages of the Colombia digital nomad visa
I should also take this opportunity to cover the less convenient aspects of the Colombian digital nomad visa:
- Bank statements showing a minimum income of USD 800 per month are required. However, this is relatively low when compared to other digital nomad income requirements.
- Those who decide to work or develop profitable activities with natural or legal persons within Colombia, will have to apply for an Entry Permit, granted by Migration officials.
Is travel insurance mandatory for travel to Colombia?
The Colombian digital nomad visa requires you to take out travel insurance. Even if it weren’t a requirement, there are certain risks associated with travelling to Colombia that make it highly inadvisable to travel to the country without it.
That’s why I want to dedicate the following section to telling you which is the best insurance according to the criteria established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the visa application.
What’s the best travel insurance to Colombia?
To be able to make the most of your Colombian digital nomad visa, you need good insurance. Luckily, there is a great promotional offer available now for a limited time only, check it out:
Get a 5% discount on Heymondo until 30/04/2024. Get in quick!
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- Fill in your trip info
- Click on “Calculate Price”.
- All done! The discount will be applied automatically.
Some of the most useful benefits of Hey Mondo travel insurance for digital nomads include:
- 24/7 assistance platform.
- Repatriation and early return.
- Travel expenses for a family member if you are hospitalised for over a week.
Comparative table of travel insurance to Colombia
Here’s a comparative table to help you select the ideal travel insurance policy for your Colombian experience. By comparing different policies, you can ensure that you get the coverage that suits your needs.
See also: Digital Nomad Travel Insurance in 2024
The benefits and features in the following table have been chosen on the basis of their utility for digital nomads:
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️ | ⭐️ | |
Price 3 months | 174€ | 210€ | 338€ | 126€ | 195€ |
Discount valid until 30/04/2024 | – 15% for families | – 5% | – 5% | ❌ | ❌ |
ACTIVATE DISCOUNT | ACTIVATE DISCOUNT | ACTIVATE DISCOUNT | GET A QUOTE | GET A QUOTE | |
Legal assistance | 13.000€ | 12.000€ | 3.000€ | ❌ | ❌ |
Covid-19 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Medical expenses | 1.000.000€ | 500.000 € | 200.000€ | 222.600€ | £10,000,000 |
Hospitalization | Actual costs | 500.000€ | 250.000€ | 200.000€ | £10,000,000 |
Theft or loss of luggage | 2.000€ | 2.500€ | Optional | 2.670€ | £2000 |
Repatriation | Actual costs | Actual costs | Actual costs | 17.800€ | Actual costs |
Sports activities | ✅ | Optional | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Recommended for | All types of stays | All types of stays | All types of stays | Digital nomad | All types of stays |
Review | Chapka insurance | HeyMondo insurance | IATI travel insurance | SafetyWing insurance | Word Nomads Insurance |
Discount > | Promo Code Chapka | Promo Code HeyMondo | Promo Code IATI |
Requirements to apply for the Colombia digital nomad visa
The Colombia digital nomad visa has a series of requirements to take into account before starting the application process.
There are 5 specific and essential requirements for this visa to be approved. I will explain them in detail below:
- Have a passport with at least 6 months validity at the time of applying for the visa and issued in any of the countries exempt from requiring tourist visas to Colombia.
- Obtain a letter issued by one or more foreign companies for whom you provide your services. This document must specify the type of relationship you have with the company and the earnings received, as well as a copy of the contract, if it exists. When the applicant is a partner or co-owner of a company, it will be necessary to submit documents proving this.
- Entrepreneurs must present a letter of motivation, where you explain the project you are going to carry out, and the financial and human resources you have at your disposal. This letter can be in Spanish or English.
- Have health insurance with coverage throughout the national territory, which includes aspects related to illness, disability, maternity, accident, death, hospitalisation, and repatriation. See also: Travel Insurance to Colombia
- Submit bank statements showing the applicant’s financial solvency. These must reflect a minimum income of approximately USD 800 per month for the last 3 months. This amount is the equivalent of three legal minimum wages in the country.
Although there is no official information from the Colombian government, it is estimated that the cost of the visa will be:
- Around $50 for the study fee
- Around $200 for the issuance of the visa, once approved.
The Colombian Government provides the following PDF to explain the card payment process.
What activities are allowed and prohibited on the Colombia digital nomad visa?
As in many other visas for digital nomads, in Colombia it is a prerequisite that the activity to be carried out by the remote worker is carried out through digital media and the Internet, and only to foreign companies.
It is therefore acceptable to work as a freelancer, or to be linked to a company, as long as it is located outside the country.
On the other hand, if the idea is to start an IT or digital content venture, this project must be of economic interest to Colombia.
What nationalities are allowed and prohibited?
Regarding the nationalities allowed and prohibited when applying for a visa for digital nomads in Colombia, the first thing to bear in mind is that travellers must meet the requirements I mentioned above.
However, it is worth remembering that only those countries that are exempt from visa requirements to enter Colombia as tourists have access to the Colombian digital nomad visa.
In the following list provided by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can see the countries exempt from tourist visas and, therefore, the nationalities that can access the Type V Digital Nomad Visa.
Can you apply for the Colombia digital nomad visa if you are already in the country?
Another advantage of the Colombian digital nomad visa is that you can apply for it if you are already in the country for some other reason.
It is necessary to go in person to one of the offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit the documents that I have listed in the requirements. It’s that simple!
Is it possible to bring a partner or children with the approved visa in Colombia?
As I mentioned in the advantages of the Colombian digital nomad visa, the government of Colombia allows this type of remote worker to travel to the country with a partner or children.
Specifically, the visa specifies these companions as beneficiaries, and they are included in the application of the Colombia digital nomad visa holder.
How to travel to Colombia at the best price in 2024
Choosing insurance that is tailored to your needs is vital, but remember that the following factors play a crucial role as well:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- The card you use
- How you book your activities
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years, they’ll help you save money on your travels, so you can focus on the things you enjoy about travelling.
Fly to Colombia at reduced prices!
You know, flights don’t cost the same from all countries! To pay for my cheapest flights, I use NordVPN.
Basically, it’s a private network that allows you to access Internet sites from locations other than your own, and this can have some serious benefits:
In April 2024, enjoy a 59% discount on NordVPN.
Click here: Activate Discount
Flights from Barcelona to Buenos Aires don’t cost the same if you buy them from Spain as from India, for example. So, once you’ve installed NordVPN, simply access websites like Skyscanner and compare prices by entering as if you were browsing from different countries.
The 8 countries from which it is cheapest to buy flights are: Malaysia, Bulgaria, India, Turkey, Romania, Indonesia, Portugal, and Thailand. Once you have NordVPN, head over to Skyscanner and start paying reduced prices for flights all over the world!
Stay at a discount in Colombia all year round
Access Booking.com now and get discounts of up to 15% in April 2024 by becoming a Genius user.
There are also ways to save money when booking your accommodation with Booking. The first of which is becoming a Genius user, something you get from making 2 bookings (Genius level 1), and 5 bookings (Genius level 2).
As a Genius user in Booking.com, you can enjoy:
- Discounts on room rates.
- Free breakfast.
- Upgrades to superior room categories.
- Free parking.
- Late check-out.
- Welcome gifts.
In addition, there are hotels in Booking.com that directly offer you a 10 to 15% discount on your rate for being a Genius user.
Access to get discounts of up to 15% by becoming a Genius user.
Finally, Booking.com has a Minimum Price Guarantee program, so if you find a cheaper price for your hotel on any other website, they’ll match it!
Reserve your entertainment and sightseeing in advance
GetYourGuide is an indispensable tool for organising any trip to any destination. It’s a platform that helps you book tourism and leisure activities for your trip.
With GetYourGuide, you can book your activities online to avoid queues, and take advantage of a discount for online bookings. This way, you save time and money, so you can enjoy more activities during your trip!
Get the best travel card for Colombia
If you travel frequently, the Revolut Metal Card is another great way to save money. For starters, they offer you unlimited currency exchanges without paying any fees!
This Card allows you to make unlimited domestic transfers free of charge, and withdraw up to £800 a month from international ATMs.
If you spent £650 abroad in a month using a standard card, and withdrew £350 at ATMs, you would have paid around £44 in fees.
With the Revolut Metal card, you would have paid £0 in fees.
Keep up to date with future digital nomads visas in 2024!
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List of countries with digital nomad visas in April 2024
There are now a wide range of countries in the world that offer digital nomad visas for remote workers. They offer the possibility to live and work in their countries for a limited period, although some of these initiatives even have pathways to citizenship.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to refer you to our article on the 40+ countries offering digital nomad visas in 2024.
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41 / 195 | Trend in | Duration | Tax | Travel insurance | Proof |
COUNTRIES | April 2024 | in months | to pay | See recommended | of income |
Anguila | 12 | $2000 | Yes | Yes | |
Antigua Barbuda | 24 | $1500 | Yes | Yes | |
Aruba | 3 | $75 | Yes | No | |
Barbados | 12 | $2000 | Yes | Yes | |
Bermuda | 12 | $260 | Yes | Yes | |
Brazil | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Cape Verde | 6 | $60 | Yes | Yes | |
Colombia | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Costa Rica | 24 | $550 | Yes | Yes | |
Croatia | 12 | $155 | Yes | Yes | |
Curaçao | 6 | $300 | Yes | No | |
Cyprus | 12 | $65 | Yes | Yes | |
Dominica | 18 | $900 | Yes | Yes | |
Ecuador | 24 | $450 | Yes | Yes | |
United Arab Emirates | 12 | $610 | Yes | Yes | |
Estonia | 12 | $100 | Yes | Yes | |
Georgia | 12 | $35 | Yes | Yes | |
Germany | 36 | $100 | Yes | Yes | |
Grenada | 12 | $1500 | Yes | Yes | |
Greece | 12 | $90 | Yes | Yes | |
Hungria | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Iceland | 6 | $60 | Yes | Yes | |
Indonesia | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Italy | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Latvia | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Cayman Islands | 24 | $1470 | Yes | Yes | |
Seychelles Islands | 12 | $50 | Yes | Yes | |
Malta | 6 | $315 | Yes | Yes | |
Malaysia | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes | |
Mauritius | 12 | $0 | Yes | Yes | |
Mexico | 12 | $45 | Yes | Yes | |
Montserrat | 12 | $500 | Yes | Yes | |
Norway | 48 | $630 | Yes | Yes | |
Panama | 9 | $300 | Yes | Yes | |
Portugal | 12 | $165 | Yes | Yes | |
Czech Republic | 12 | $165 | Yes | Yes | |
Romania | 12 | $125 | Yes | Yes | |
Saint Lucia | 12 | $70 | Yes | Yes | |
Spain | 12 | $85 | Travel insurance | Yes | |
Health insurance | |||||
Sri Lanka | 12 | $500 | Yes | Yes | |
Thailand | 🆕 | 🆕 | Yes | Yes |
If you’d like to learn more about the countries currently offering this type of visa, you can see an up-to-date map showing all the countries offering a digital nomad visa in 2024.
In my opinion, Colombia really is a dream destination. It offers exciting cuisine, immense natural diversity, and friendly locals. No wonder, then, that the Colombia digital nomad visa has already attracted freelancers from around the world.
I hope that this article has brought you one step closer to your dream of living and working on a Colombian digital nomad visa, I can assure you, you’re going to have a blast!
If you have further questions, feel free to get in touch with us! 🇨🇴 🌴
