Finally, foreigners can apply for a digital nomad visa in Colombia! This new visa allows individuals who meet certain requirements to stay legally in the country with a visitor status. To obtain the digital nomad visa, it is essential to consider the following requirements and conditions.
Foreigners who have an employment contract abroad and can perform their work remotely from anywhere in the world must submit the following documents:
Requirements to get a digital nomad visa in Colombia
Valid passport with at least six months of validity.
Latest entry stamp to Colombia (if the applicant is in the country) or, if applicable, an extension of stay. If the foreigner is not in Colombia at the time of the application, this requirement does not apply.
Digital passport-style photo, size 3×4, taken under optimal conditions.
Letter or document from the employer stating:
• The position held.
• The type of employment contract.
• The monthly salary amount.
• Confirmation that the applicant can perform their duties remotely from anywhere in the world.
Last three bank statements showing a monthly income equivalent to three times the current legal minimum wage in Colombia.
Medical assistance or a health insurance policy with coverage in Colombia for the estimated length of stay, including coverage for accidents, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, or repatriation.
If the foreigner does not have an employment contract but owns a company outside Colombia and can prove its existence, they may also apply for the visa. In this case, they must present a certificate of existence of the company they own (a document apostilled in their country of origin if it is part of The Hague Convention).
It is important to note that all documents issued in another language must be translated into Spanish and, if the country of origin is part of The Hague Convention, must be apostilled or legalized as required (countries include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, South Africa, the UK and the U.S. among others).
Once all the requirements are met, the application must be submitted to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visa approval time is at the discretion of the authorities but may be granted for up to two years.
Note: This visa does not allow the holder to work or engage in paid activities with individuals or entities domiciled in Colombia.
Advantages of the visa
Some advantages of having a digital nomad visa in Colombia are as follows:
Legal stay in Colombia: Allows you to reside legally in the country for the period designated at the time of visa approval by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Legalized remote work: Provides the possibility of continuing to work remotely from Colombia.
Travel flexibility: Offers the freedom to travel within Colombia, leave the country, and return frequently as long as the visa remains valid.
Possibility of opening a bank account: Some banks in Colombia allow visa holders to open bank accounts.
Foreigner ID card: Facilitates legal identification in the country while the visa is valid.
Each foreigner may personally apply for their digital nomad visa. However, to increase the chances of success and avoid errors in the process, it is recommended to seek advice from an immigration expert.
This article should not be considered legal advice and is written for informative purposes only. If you would like assistance with a visa application in Colombia you can contact the author, immigration attorney Lina Polanco, of Connect-A.