Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: 4 Steps Before You Apply
The Colombia digital nomad visa may suit you if you plan to work remotely from Medellín, Bogotá or another Colombian city for a company based abroad. The first question is whether your work arrangement fits the category. A remote job title tells Cancillería very little by itself. Your application needs to show who you work for, how you are paid and whether you can support yourself during the stay.
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1. Check who qualifies for the Colombia digital nomad visa
The V Digital Nomad category covers eligible remote workers and independent contractors providing digital services to foreign companies. It also covers qualifying digital entrepreneurship under the conditions set out by Cancillería. Check your nationality against the visa exemption criteria listed for the category. If part of your work involves a Colombian employer or client, disclose that before you choose a visa. This category restricts paid work for persons or companies domiciled in Colombia.
If you intend to visit briefly, the permission granted at entry and the visa are separate routes. For eligible nationalities, Cancillería describes conditions under which certain remote workers may enter without applying for this visa. Check the permission you actually receive and its expiration date. If you plan to stay longer, have a local income source or enter with a different passport, review the implications before relying on a short stay.
2. Prepare evidence of remote work and income
Ask the foreign company to issue a letter that describes the relationship and how you are paid. Cancillería accepts the relevant company communication in English or Spanish. An employee should confirm the identity of the legal employer. A freelancer should make sure the work relationship in the letter matches the contracts and the deposits they intend to show. The official guidance also addresses foreign company ownership and the supporting explanation required for a digital venture.
The income test for the Colombia digital nomad visa is based on at least three current Colombian monthly minimum wages, supported by bank statements for the preceding three months. Use the threshold in force when you apply. If your income arrives in different currencies or through a payment platform, gather records that explain how the payments reach the account shown in your application.
Imagine your contract says a US company pays you monthly but the deposits display only the name of a payment processor. The statements may show enough money without making the source obvious. Collect the supporting records that connect those deposits to the work arrangement. If one month looks different because a payment arrived late, identify the relevant dates before submitting.
3. Check health coverage before paying for a policy
Review the certificate and policy wording together. Check that the applicant is named, Colombia is covered and the dates span the intended stay. An international plan may have limits for each trip or exclusions that only appear in the contract. Ask the insurer to confirm coverage in writing and compare its terms with the risks listed in the official visa guidance.
Keep the insurance purchase separate from your application timeline. Ask about start dates, changes and cancellation before paying. If the visa is issued for a shorter period than you requested, the insurer’s rules will determine whether the dates can be adjusted.
You can compare health insurance options for your Colombian visa before buying a plan.
4. Plan the Colombia digital nomad visa around your travel dates
Start with the employer or client letter and three months of bank statements. Then confirm the documents required for your passport, application location and insurance. Compare dates and names before submitting online. If Cancillería requests a clarification, use the deadline and instructions in the official notice. The visa may be granted for up to two years, with the actual validity set by the authority.
Budget for government fees, insurance, document costs and professional support separately. Confirm the official fees and review period before you commit to travel. If you are already in Colombia, include the expiration of your authorized stay in your plan. A pending application and permission to remain are separate matters.
A practical planning example
Review the Colombian digital nomad visa requirements before you commit to a lease. If you are already in the country, include your authorized departure date in the timeline. If you will arrive later, distinguish your proposed travel date from the start of your insurance. Keep a copy of any work agreement or insurer letter you used so you can respond if the authority asks about it. If your employment changes while you are preparing the application, check which documents need to be updated.
Questions about the Colombia digital nomad visa
Can I use a foreign employer letter in English?
Cancillería accepts supporting communications from the foreign company in English or Spanish for this category. Check the language and formalities for the rest of your documents separately.
Does a foreign salary make me eligible automatically?
Eligibility also depends on your nationality, the work arrangement, the evidence of income and the other requirements. If your work or payment structure is unusual, explain it during your initial consultation.
Can my family apply with me?
Cancillería allows qualifying dependants under this category. Identify each person who plans to travel and confirm what relationship and financial evidence their application requires.
Before uploading your documents, review our guide to the Colombian visa photo for the file format and framing.
Official Digital Nomad visa requirements
Get support for your application
Tell us your nationality, where your employer or clients are based and how long you want to stay.
Visas en Colombia is an established immigration advisory firm with more than eight years of experience. Our initial consultation is free. We use the information you share to discuss the options that may fit, the applicable requirements and our fees. You can ask for a written proposal before deciding whether to hire us.
When you hire us for full support, we review the documents, identify inconsistencies, prepare the file with you and follow up according to the agreed scope. We offer remote appointments and meet in person by appointment at Centro Comercial Los Colores, office 120, in Medellín. English appointments are available by prior arrangement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes the visa decision.
For a phone call, dial +57 314 636 9583. To contact us by email, write to contacto@visasencolombia.com.