Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply in 2025
Thinking about working remotely from Colombia in 2025? Its new digital nomad visa offers up to two years of legal stay, but the process requires careful planning.
Colombia is gaining attention as a top destination for remote workers, offering natural beauty, rich culture, and relatively low living costs. In response to the global rise in digital nomadism, Colombia launched the “Visa V Nómadas Digitales” in 2022, allowing foreign professionals to live and work remotely from Colombia for up to two years.
This 2025 guide walks you through the visa’s requirements, application steps, and common challenges, helping you avoid surprises and maximize your time in the country.
What Is the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?
Colombia’s digital nomad visa (Type V) allows remote workers and digital entrepreneurs to legally reside in the country while earning income from abroad. Officially introduced under Resolution 5477 of 2022, the visa aims to attract global talent and promote international innovation within Colombia.
Key Benefits:
- Stay legally for up to 2 years
- Work remotely for foreign clients or employers only
- Access services like bank accounts and long-term rentals
- No need to make visa runs every 180 days
Note: You must not receive payment from Colombian entities or take up employment in Colombia under this visa.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the digital nomad visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Checklist:
- Nationality: You must be from a country exempt from short-stay visa requirements (e.g., USA, Canada, EU, Australia). Check the list of visa-exempt countries.
- Work Type: You must work remotely for a non-Colombian company or run a digital business.
- Income: As of 2025, prove a monthly income of approximately $1,018 USD (3 times Colombia’s minimum wage).
- Health Insurance: You must have valid health insurance that covers the full stay in Colombia.
Pro Tip: Applicants applying from inside Colombia may receive shorter visa durations (e.g., 1 year). Applying abroad typically secures the full 2 years.
Required Documents (2025)
Prepare the following documents in PDF format before applying:
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Letter from your employer (in English or Spanish) confirming remote work and income
- If self-employed, a motivation letter detailing your digital business or project
- Bank statements for the past 3 months, showing income above $1,018/month
- Health insurance covering: medical care, accidents, maternity, hospitalization, repatriation, and death
- Passport-style photo (3 cm x 4 cm, white background, max 300 KB)
Warning: Inconsistent formats or missing details can trigger rejection or delay. Some applicants report unexpected requests for translations or apostilles, though this is not always required.
How to Apply Online in 2025
The visa process is fully digital. You must apply through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.
Step-by-Step:
- Create an account on the Ministry’s platform.
- Upload all required documents.
- Pay the study fee (non-refundable) within 10 days of submission.
- If approved, pay the issuance fee (approximately $177 USD) within another 10 days.
- Wait for the digital visa to be emailed to you.
Application Tip: If applying inside Colombia, select “oficina en Bogotá.” Ensure your migration status is legal and current while waiting, as advised by migration experts.
Processing Time
- Officially: Up to 30 calendar days
- Real-world reports: 1 to 3 weeks if documents are clear and complete
- Outliers: Some applicants have reported waiting up to 8 to 9 weeks due to additional document requests or technical glitches
Plan your travel accordingly and avoid booking flights before receiving approval.
Common Challenges (and How to Avoid Them)
Based on real-life experiences on Reddit, expat blogs, and migration support platforms, here are the most frequent roadblocks:
| Challenge | How to Navigate It |
|---|---|
| Document format errors | Ensure bank statements show name, dates, and consistent income. Translate contracts if needed. |
| Platform glitches | Double-check upload sizes and formats (PDF, JPEG). Retry during non-peak hours. |
| Visa length confusion | The visa allows 2 years of stay, not 180 days. Misinformation often stems from tourist visa rules. |
| Tax residency | Staying in Colombia 183 or more days per year triggers tax residency. Speak to a tax professional if staying long-term. |
| Shorter visa from inside Colombia | Apply from abroad to increase your chances of getting the full 2 years. |
Income and Tax Considerations
As of 2025, Colombia’s legal monthly minimum wage (SMLMV) is COP $1,423,500. The digital nomad visa requires income equivalent to 3 times SMLMV, or approximately $1,018 USD/month (based on an exchange rate of approximately COP $4,194.18 per USD).
Tax Tip: If you stay more than 183 days in a calendar year, you may become a Colombian tax resident and could be taxed on your global income. Consult a cross-border accountant if unsure.
Summary Table: Requirements at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Income (2025) | Approximately $1,018 USD/month |
| Visa Duration | Up to 2 years |
| Eligible Nationalities | Visa-exempt countries |
| Allowed Work | Remote work for foreign companies only |
| Application Type | Online |
| Processing Time | 1 to 3 weeks (up to 30 days official) |
| Tax Residency Trigger | 183 or more days/year in Colombia |
From Application to Arrival: The User Journey
- Research visa options
Compare tourist visa (180-day stay) vs. nomad visa (up to 2 years) - Prepare documents
Double-check formatting, translation, and completeness - Apply online
Use official portal, upload docs, pay initial fee - Wait for decision
Be patient. Expect updates within 3 weeks - Visa approval and payment
Pay issuance fee and receive digital visa - Enter Colombia and settle in
Register, open a bank account, consider tax advice
Final Thoughts
Colombia’s Digital Nomad Visa is one of the more accessible options in Latin America, with a low income requirement and a 2-year duration that beats many competing programs, as noted in global visa comparisons. However, it’s not without complexity. From document formatting to platform issues and tax implications, navigating the process requires preparation and patience.
If you’re dreaming of working from a Medellín rooftop café or a Bogotá coworking space, take the time to get it right, and Colombia might just be your next remote home base.
FAQs
Yes, you can apply from within Colombia, but applicants often receive shorter visa terms, typically one year. Applying from outside the country generally increases your chances of getting the full two-year visa.
While the official processing time is up to 30 calendar days, most applicants in 2025 report approvals within 1 to 3 weeks, if all documents are correctly submitted. Delays can occur if additional documentation is requested.
You may become a tax resident if you stay in Colombia for more than 183 days in a calendar year. This can trigger obligations to report and pay tax on your global income, so it’s advisable to consult with a tax advisor before planning a long-term stay.
This visa allows remote work for companies or clients based outside Colombia. You are not allowed to take employment or receive direct payments from Colombian companies without a different type of visa or permit.
How This Article Was Researched
This article was created through a detailed review of official documents issued by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Resolution 5477 of 2022, 2025 updates to the Salario Mínimo Mensual Legal Vigente (SMLMV), and the official Colombian visa application platform. Additional insights were gathered from real applicant experiences shared on Reddit, expat forums, and platforms like Rippling and Nomad Embassy, along with verified data on processing times and application challenges. All information reflects the current status as of May 2025, and has been carefully fact-checked to help readers navigate the visa process with confidence.
