In response to the growing trend of digital nomads and remote workers, Colombia has implemented a new type of Visitor Visa named “Digital Nomad Visa” that facilitates the stay and remote work of foreign citizens in the country. The Resolution 5477 of 2022 establishes a specific visa for those who wish to provide remote work services for foreign companies or undertake digital projects of interest to the country.
Since October 2022, when Resolution 5477 went into effect, Medellin Guru, in partnership with expatgroup.co, has been helping foreigners who want to obtain migratory stability in Colombia while they work with their companies in a remote modality. Nomad Visa permits to expats be able to make the most of their current jobs stability, being remote workers, and combining the excellent cost of living in Colombia to get the lifestyle they dream of.
With a period of staying up to two (2) years and a comprehensive process to obtain approval, the Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most requested in Colombia.
Why to choose Medellin if you are a Digital Nomad
There are many reasons to live as a Digital Nomad in Medellin. First and foremost is the city’s exceptional climate, often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” due to its comfortable, year-round weather. This pleasant climate, with minimal temperature variations, eliminates the need for air conditioning or heating.
Sunny weather
Spring season in almost all months of the year.
From 17 to 26 F°
You won't need air conditioning, thick clothes or complex baggage.
Fresh climate
The weather is always refreshing, even in the afternoon.
When you can go
The best months to visit Medellin is from August to March.
The city’s stable economy, rich biodiversity, friendly people, reliable infrastructure, and emphasis on family and culture further enhance its desirability. The metro system and affordable public transportation also make it easy to get around and the cost of living for a Digital Nomad in Medellín is relatively low, making it an attractive option for expats.
Access to quality and affordable healthcare is a significant advantage of Medellín, with several highly-rated hospitals in the city. The highly nomadic lifestyle with many coworking places, cafeterias and restaurants, high-end and low-cost hospitality services, and all the attractions and things to do inside the city and in the nearest villages and towns.
Stadistics of approved Colombian Visas
Acording to the latest statistics from the Chancellery, migration growth has increased from March 2022 to March 2023, as many people take advantage of tourism, business, business contacts, and business strengthening opportunities in Colombia. Medellín has become an attractive destination for many due to its proximity to the U.S., growing expat community, easy visa processes, and shared time zone with the eastern U.S.
2023 Income Requirement for Colombian Digital Nomad Visa
The income requirement for the Colombian V-Digital Nomad Visa must exceed three times the minimum wage in Colombia for the last quarter of the year. The minimum salary in Colombia is 1,160,000 pesos per month in 2023.
So in 2023, you need an income of only 3,480,000 pesos (which is only $773 USD at the exchange rate of 4,500 pesos to USD) to qualify for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa.
The minimum monthly salary in Colombia increases each year.
How to apply for a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
The implementation of this new resolution has a significant impact on the attractiveness of Colombia as a destination for digital nomads and remote workers. The flexibility and opportunities this specific visa provides encourage the arrival of highly skilled professionals and digital entrepreneurs, contributing to knowledge exchange, economic growth, and technological development in the country.
About the required documents to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, it’s optional by law to be officially translated into Spanish and be apostilled and legalized. If your application is required by Chancellery for additional documentation or the apostille or translation of any document, you only have 10 calendar days to comply with this requirement before they withdraw your application.
The apostille and translation process can take longer than granted to comply with the requirement, so we highly recommend doing this from the beginning to provide all the documents in the first application with the minimum risk, translated, apostilled, and legalized depending on the corresponding document and its authority.
Each type of document has its unique treatment. You can contact us to help you with the apostille and translation. If you are applying from Colombia and the documents are issued in the USA, you can contact our ally and use their apostille and translation service. Their service only applies to applications made from Colombia and documents issue in USA.
Medellin Guru Digital nomad Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.330 Medellin Guru reader
expatgroup.co
Documents required for a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for the digital nomad visa in Colombia, interested individuals must have these minimum requirements:
Medellin Guru Insurance Service
The insurance agency we partnered with has helped 1.377 Medellin Guru readers
Advice: Provide in advance the FBI background check if you are an U.S. Citizen
Previously, in Resolution 6045 of 2017, it was the Ministry’s task to verify the background check (Article 38). However, with the entry of the new resolution in 2022, the applicants also must provide the Background Check for the visas that require it as a mandatory document. Also, the government can request additional documentation for any visa category under discretionary authority, including criminal records. Even if your visa doesn’t require the Background Check as a mandatory requirement, if the Chancellery requests it, you must provide it as soon as possible.
Here is proof that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is requesting the FBI Background Check for the Digital Nomad visa application process, even if it wasn’t a specific requirement by law from the beginning.
expatgroup.co can help you obtain your FBI Background Check from Colombia, taking your fingerprints in its office in Medellin. They can make the process for you and receive your FBI Certificate valid for your visa. If you want their professional help, click on the green button below, and we’ll send you to our partner as a referral from Medellin Guru with no additional cost.
FBI Background Check Service
- Filling out the FBI form
- Fingerprinting (Medellín)
- International shipment to USA
- FBI criminal record certificate
- Authentication of the certificate through a public notary in the USA
- Apostille certificate
- Official translations into Spanish
About the Digital Nomad Visa process
Colombian visa applications can be conveniently completed online. You can access the official government website to start obtaining a Colombian Nomad Digital Visa. The online application requires at least 30 minutes to complete the form. The fees for the study are USD 54,92, and the visa is USD 177,03.
The application fee can be paid via the Colombian online payment platform PSE, by Colombian Servibanca ATM, by bank deposit on Banco GNB Sudameris, or using a Visa or Mastercard Credit Card. You can use the Consulate Payment too, but you must contact the nearest you to ask for that information. It’s crucial to exercise caution and seek assistance if you lack experience submitting visa applications.
Accuracy and completeness are paramount when filling out the application, as the Colombian Government can reject applications that contain substantial errors or omissions. Suppose you find yourself navigating the visa application process independently without a specialized consultancy. In that case, it’s highly recommended to consult with an experienced visa agency that can invaluably ensure that all aspects of the application are meticulously addressed and submitted correctly.
If you need assistance, you can trust us. We partner with expatgroup.co, a Visa Agency with more than ten years of experience. If you choose to work with us, we will obtain a commission to support this web. You will help us to continue bringing exciting and accessible content for all.
Benefits and restrictions of Digital Nomad Visa
The amount of validity time is up to two (2) years. After this time, you must apply again for the same or another kind of visa. Conversely, you must have a contract or a commercial relationship only with foreign companies. This visa doesn’t allow you to work or engage in paid activities with legal entities or individuals domiciled in the national territory.
In addition to the opportunity to work remotely for foreign companies or undertake digital projects in Colombia, holders of this visa can request the inclusion of dependents through the Beneficiary Visa process, which can allow their immediate family members to accompany the Digital Nomads during their stay in the country.
Using a Visa Agency for a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Medellin Guru has partnered with what we believe is the best visa agency in Medellín to offer Colombia visa services. Features of this service include:
- Online chat: Obtain prompt responses to visa-related inquiries.
- Online quotes: Receive instant visa quotes.
- Bilingual team: Benefit from a team proficient in English and Spanish.
- Office in El Poblado, Medellín: Conveniently located for in-person consultations.
- Competitive pricing: Enjoy competitive rates compared to other visa services.
In addition, many more visas are in process – short, medium or longer term, depending on client needs.
Successfully Aproved Visas
Through this service we have helped
If you choose to get consultancy from professionals, the services of a Visa Agency can facilitate obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa. The visa agency can assist you with the process of application.
Medellin Guru Digital nomad Visa Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.330 Medellin Guru reader
expatgroup.co
We reviewed all the Colombia visa agency services in Medellín and found one agency that offers a more efficient visa service with more features and more comprehensive communications including online chat, WhatsApp, video calls by Google Meet or Zoom, email, and phone plus a low price and a convenient office in El Poblado.
Our visa partnership is an affiliate relationship (like the Amazon affiliate program). If you use our visa partner, Medellin Guru receives a small commission and you support the website. This is at no additional cost to you. The price remains the same, whether you use a button or affiliate link on this website or not.
Furthermore, the visa agency we partnered with offers visa services anywhere in Colombia. So, if you are located in another city in Colombia you can use this service.
Getting a Colombian Cedula
After you have successfully received your Colombia Digital Nomad Visa approval, you have a maximum of 15 calendar days to register your visa with Migración Colombia to get a Cédula de Extranjería (Colombian ID for foreigners). Or if you received your visa at a consulate, you will have 15 calendar days after you arrive in Colombia to register your visa.
Due to being photographed and fingerprinted this must be done in-person at a Migración Colombia office.
Especially relevant, it is very important to register your Colombian visa within the allowed time frame. If not, you will be liable for a big fine of up to seven times the minimum monthly salary in Colombia. The minimum salary in Colombia is $1,300,000 COP per month in 2024. So, the fine is up to 9,200,000 COP pesos in 2024.
To register your Digital Nomad Visa and apply for a cedula this must be done at one of the Migración Colombia offices. You can find Migración Colombia offices in major cities in Colombia.
- Barranquilla – Carrera 42 # 54-77, Barrio El Recreo
- Bogotá – Calle 100 #11B-27
- Cali – Avenida 3 norte # 50N-20
- Cartagena – Carrera 20 B # 29-18, Barrio pie de la Popa
- Medellín – Calle 19 #80A-40, Barrio Belén (the entrance is on the other side of the building on Calle 19A)
A complete list of the Migración Colombia offices is found here. In addition, we have a guide to applying for a Cedula Extranjeria in Colombia.
Dual Citizenship
After having a migrant (M) work visa for five years you are eligible to receive a resident (R) visa. And after having an R visa for five additional years you can apply to become a citizen of Colombia.
Also, you won’t have to give up your existing citizenship. Colombia permits dual-citizenship, as does the U.S. and many other countries.
Once you become a dual citizen with Colombian citizenship, you will no longer need to deal with visas anymore. Also, you will be able to travel to a few countries as a Colombian citizen without a visa such as Russia, which require a visa for U.S. citizens.
Also, if you have Colombian citizenship, this benefits you with the Mercosur trade block. Nationals of Member States (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) and Associated States (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) do not need a passport or visa to travel around the region, with only a national identity card required.
In addition, the Mercosur Agreement grants the right to residence and work for citizens with no requirement other than nationality. Citizens of the Member States and Associated States that are part of the agreement enjoy a facilitated procedure for applying for a residence visa, as long as they have a valid passport, birth certificate and a negative certificate of criminal record.
To become a citizen, Colombia requires a citizenship test, just like the U.S. does. You will be required to pass a test related to Colombian history, geography and the constitution. Also, a basic Spanish oral test is required. Those who have a bachelor’s degree from a Colombian university or are over 65 years old are exempt from these tests.
Furthermore, a complete list of the requirements for Colombian citizenship is found on the Cancillería website here.
Medellin Guru's Comprehensive Visa and Passport Series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in mid-October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:
- Colombia Visa Guide: Ultimate Guide How to Get a Colombian Visa
- How to Obtain a Colombian Visa with Up-to-Date Info – an overview of all the Colombian visas
- Popular Colombian Visas for Foreigners: Which Visa is the Most Popular?
- Colombia Visa FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Colombia Visas
- Travel Insurance: Meets the Health Insurance Requirement for Colombia Visas
- Visa Agencies: A Guide to Visa Agencies in Medellín and Colombia
- 9 Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the seven most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:
- Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
- Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
- Expertise visa – for professionals
In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.
Furthermore, we provide information about travel insurance that meets the insurance requirement for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.
All of our Colombia visa articles were updated in 2022 to ensure they are up-to-date and are being updated again in 2023 In addition, all visa articles on this website will be kept up-to-date as new details are disclosed.
The Bottom Line: Obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa
Implementing the Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia has opened new opportunities for professionals and digital entrepreneurs interested in establishing themselves and working here. This measure aims to foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and economic growth, making Colombia an attractive destination for those seeking to combine their nomadic lifestyle with remote work or digital entrepreneurial projects.
The visa costs in Colombia are lower than in many other countries in Latin America. Also, the Colombian visa process is streamlined with online applications and is relatively fast.
The visa agency we partnered with has helped to Medellin Guru readers obtain Digital Nomad Visas, other visas, and passport renewals. Click on the blue button below and that will take you to a page of the visa agency where you can obtain a quote and ask questions using a chat.
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