Colombia recently unveiled its Digital Nomad Visa, which allows foreigners to live in the country for 24 months while pursuing remote work. They will also have access to a government-issued ID card that will help their holders access financial services and even start a company in Colombia.
Colombia was listed as one of the least expensive places to live in 2023 in a recent study by International Living magazine. According to Euronews, it would cost about €2,000 to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Bogota for six months.
“Colombia is thrilled to share with digital nomads the privilege of working from the second most biodiverse country in the world,” Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism said in a statement. “Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, the Coffee Landscape and other destinations offer a variety of coworking spaces and accommodations with specific programs developed for more extended stays where remote workers will have unforgettable experiences.”
Ilana Milkes, CEO of Tech World, introduced the idea at the most recent Mobile World Congress after working with the government organization Procolombia for two years. Given the expanding tech industry in major cities such as Bogota and Medellin, and the propensity of digital nomads to live somewhere other than their current country, this is an important step for the nation.
How to get Colombian digital nomad visa?
At the time of application, you must be in possession of a passport or other travel document that has at least six (6) months remaining validity and has blank, visa-printable pages. The last entry stamp for Colombia must be visible.
Fill in all applicable fields of the online form. If you live abroad, you may submit the application online or in person at a consular office in your home country or in a country where you have a valid visa for temporary or permanent residency.
Then gather the following documents:
- Attach a 3×4 cm color photo with a white background, a recent, front view, without accessories, and a clear face in JPG format with a maximum file size of 300 KB.
- An employment certificate (in Spanish or English) issued by the foreign companies you work for, indicating the type of compensation you receive.
- Attach your employment contract (if you have one).
- Show that you are a partner or shareholder of a company by writing a letter stating that the work will be done remotely.
- A letter of motivation describing the initiative and the financial and human resources you have or want to have to carry it out is recommended for new entrepreneurs.
- Account statements must show a minimum income of three Minimum Legal Monthly Wages in Force (SMLMV) in the last three months. The required monthly income is 3 million Colombian pesos (€600).
- Health insurance in Colombia covering all risks during your stay in the country.