Planning to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia? The first question many ask is which city is the best to settle in. Although destinations like Medellín or Barranquilla are favorites, the question we offer here is simple: Why not live in Bogotá?
The country’s capital might not be the first option that comes to mind when reviewing lists of cities for digital nomads, even though Colombia remains one of the best countries to obtain this type of visa. But that doesn’t mean it lacks charm: according to the Bogotá Mayor’s Office, more than 1.2 million tourists visited the city between January and August 2025.
Only a ‘rolo’ (the name given to people born and raised in Bogotá) can understand the true charm of the country’s capital, especially for a foreigner looking to work remotely while enjoying the culture, economy, and beauty of Colombia. In this blog, we will give you 10 reasons why a digital nomad should live in Bogotá.
1: If You Live in Bogotá, You Live Closer to Embassies and Consulates
It is likely that during your process to apply for your Digital Nomad Visa, you will have to attend interviews, process documents, or carry out procedures not only with Colombian entities but also with those of your own country. A good reason to live in Bogotá is that, as the capital, it is also home to many diplomatic missions.
For example, if you are a citizen of the United States and need to renew your passport while you are a digital nomad, your country’s embassy is in Bogotá, which eliminates many of the most cumbersome parts of the process. Another advantage is that it is the center for many key entities in your visa process, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería).
In Bogotá, the main Centro Facilitador de Servicios Migratorios (CFSM) is also located. This is the headquarters of Migration Colombia, where you can access some of the most important migratory services while in Colombia, such as extensions or salvoconductos for your entry permit while you are requesting your visa, issuing Foreigner ID Cards (Cédula de Extranjería), managing visa registrations, and issuing migratory movement certificates.
2: Bogotá Has All the Necessary Services for Foreigners
But the advantage offered by Bogotá is not limited to proximity to embassies or consulates, but also to the enormous availability of services necessary for expats in the country, which may be harder to obtain in other cities.
For example, you will likely need to apostille documents during your stay: Bogotá not only has public entities that can do so, but also agencies that can assist with the process. For example, fingerprinting has become an important requirement for many foreigners seeking visa approval. Expatgroup.co offers fingerprinting in Bogotá and facilitates the apostille and translation of the document.
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3: If You Live in Bogotá, You Have Access to Some of the Best Internet in Colombia
One of the vital things for any digital nomad is having a good internet connection, and Bogotá is one of the best cities to ensure you won’t end up in trouble because you can’t connect to a video call or send a file.
According to a report by the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC), the country’s capital has some of the best fiber-optic internet coverage. Not only this, but it also holds the number one spot in service quality (considering not only speed but also network stability, technical support, and availability). Keep in mind that the price of fixed internet service will depend on the estrato you live or work in (we also have an amazing guide explaining what an estrato is and how it works).
| Operator | Speed per plan | Price in Pesos | Price in dollars (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Movistar |
900 MB
|
$118.990 |
$32 |
|
ETB |
910 MB |
$118.000
|
$32 |
|
Tigo |
500 MB |
$119.900
|
$32 |
|
Claro |
900MB |
$130.000 |
$32 |
We calculated this table using an exchange rate of $3,750 Colombian pesos to $1 USD.
4: If You Live in Bogotá, You Can Ride a Bicycle to Get Anywhere
Did you know that Bogotá has dedicated lanes for bicycles? The ‘ciclorutas’ are segments of sidewalks throughout the city where only bicycles, skates, and any other low-speed vehicles are allowed to circulate.
This initiative, nearly 30 years old, is now one of the most extensive cycling routes in Latin America. With 630 km of permanent bicycle infrastructure, it is possible to travel across Bogotá from end to end by bike, and for many, it is the most effective way to travel through the city. Bogotá even features weekly events called ‘ciclovías’ where, for half a day, some of the most important avenues and streets are closed to all but cyclists. Undoubtedly, it is a perfect city for digital nomads used to getting around on two wheels.
5: Bogotá Is One of the Best Cities for Coworking
Another priority for any digital nomad is a shared workspace. The good news is that Bogotá is a nest for coworking in Colombia. According to a report by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) (an investment manager in the country), Bogotá concentrates 66% of the national inventory of properties destined for this purpose.
In fact, the report indicates how some areas of the city have literally become ‘office neighborhoods,’ with Calle 100, Andino/Nogal, Parque de la 93, and Salitre accounting for nearly 85% of the concentration of these spaces. Looking to share a space to do business or work? The north of the city is the place to look for a coworking space, with dozens of options available.
6: Improving in Terms of Security
Bogotá is not the first capital in the world to have security problems, but the good news for digital nomads is that the situation is improving. According to data from the mayor’s office, from 2024 to 2025, 9 of the 11 major crimes in the capital (such as theft and vehicle robbery) decreased.
Citizen perception has also improved. These figures also show that today, an additional 10% of people in Bogotá feel safer. At the same time, the government is making ongoing investments in areas such as surveillance cameras and expanding police stations to enable rapid response. According to a security report presented by the mayor of Bogotá in 2025, the number of cameras in the city’s security network was increased to 1,019, with a promise to continue installing cameras in the coming years.
Of course, foreigners should remain vigilant. For example, there are certain basic recommendations such as always taking a transportation service through applications, keeping mobile or electronic devices under surveillance, and doing tourism in areas of the city where there is a greater presence of police, such as Monserrate, La Candelaria, and a good part of the historic center of the country’s capital.
7: Live in Bogotá If You Enjoy the Cold Weather More
Although many have an image of Colombia as a tropical paradise, Bogotá is one of the cities that break this rule: at 2,600 meters above sea level, our city is the third-highest capital in the world. This means the climate is usually much colder than in other cities.
Depending on the season, it can range from 44 degrees Fahrenheit (6.6 degrees Celsius) to 66 degrees Fahrenheit (18.8 degrees Celsius). It is also one of the cities with the most consistent climate: some rainy seasons and even some hot seasons, but overall, the trend is toward temperate/cold weather.
The temperature also means the flu is a constant for Bogotá residents. For this reason, we also suggest implementing a good health policy that guarantees coverage for the occasional season of sneezes and red noses in Bogotá every three months. EG assist, for example, is one of the best alternatives on the market, especially for those seeking coverage when applying for their visa.
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8: El Dorado, The Airport With the Most National and International Flights in Colombia
Bogotá is also home to El Dorado International Airport, the country’s main air transport terminal and one of the busiest in the region. By 2026, it will offer flights to more than 102 destinations and 13,989 national and international connections.
This is important because, for digital nomads who must travel constantly, it means fewer layovers and often even cheaper tickets. It also means a much more accessible gateway and exit for those who have to make express trips back to their companies or coordinate international business.
9: Living in Bogotá Is Connecting With the Colonial Architecture of the Country
Bogotá is likely one of the few cities in the world where the architecture tells such a fascinating story. The city has various ‘historical centers’: areas where colonial houses and buildings have been preserved but function today for modern businesses.
Cobblestone streets, small streams next to sidewalks, or houses that look like they were taken from Disney’s ‘Encanto’: taking a walk through La Catedral, Egipto, Belén, La Concordia, Santa Bárbara, and Las Aguas is the equivalent of walking through a museum that tells you the wonderful history of the city.
La Candelaria:
Located in the center-east of the city, right at the foot of the eastern hills. Stands out for its Spanish layout, intact colonial architecture, and historic mansions that surround the emblematic Plaza de Bolívar, which is also flanked by many of the city’s most important buildings, such as the Palacio de Justicia, Capitolio Nacional, Palacio Liévano, and the Capilla del Sagrario de Catedral Basílica.
Must visit: The Museo Del Oro houses a collection of more than 34,000 gold pieces and nearly 20,000 other materials (ceramics, stone, shell, and textiles) that tell the history of the pre-Hispanic societies that inhabited Colombian territory
Quinta Camacho:
Located in the center-east of the city, born on the grounds of an old hacienda, this neighborhood is a heritage site for its English architecture. Its key aspects are the triangular gables, the use of Bogota stone, and steep roofs, creating a “garden city” atmosphere unique to the capital. Today, these heritage structures are home to some of the city’s best signature restaurants and bistros, making it a favorite destination for lovers of good food.
Must visit: In Quinta Camacho, there is what is known as the Ruta Gourmet: it is the place where some of the best restaurants and cafes in the capital meet, which have transformed old houses into haute cuisine spaces.
Egipto:
Located east of Bogotá, right on the slopes of the eastern hills. Founded more than 400 years ago, this neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city, and the architecture tells the story of the organic growth of Bogotá, where the purest colonial roots merge with popular self-construction housing: from single-story houses with thick rammed earth walls and heavy wooden gates dating back to the 17th century, to more recent constructions that defy gravity on the slopes of the hill.
Must Visit: The Nuestra Señora de Egipto church stands out for its humble white façade that contrasts with the intense green of the eastern hills, and inside it houses artistic treasures such as the oil painting of ‘Nuestra Señora de Egipto.
La Macarena:
Located at the east-center of Bogotá. The La Macarena neighborhood is the bohemian enclave par excellence of Bogotá, located east of the Plaza de Toros de Santamaría. It is easily recognized by its cosmopolitan and artistic atmosphere, where steep streets and mid-20th-century architecture create a tranquil refuge amid the chaos of the international hub. For any traveler, it is essential to visit Carrera Cuarta, known as “Calle Bonita”, which is lined with an exceptional gastronomic offer that includes everything from French bistros to Colombian fusion cuisine.
Must Visit: The Museo Nacional: originally designed by Danish architect Thomas Reed to serve as the Cundinamarca Central Penitentiary, today, its thick stone and brick walls house a vast collection divided into four fundamental pillars. Art, history, archeology, and ethnography: the museum houses more than 20,000 pieces that range from the pre-Hispanic period to contemporary art, including works by iconic artists such as Fernando Botero, Alejandro Obregón, and Guillermo Wiedemann.
El Chico
Located in the north of the city. This is one of the most exclusive and sophisticated sectors of Bogotá, located in the northern part of the city, specifically in the town of Chapinero, extending between streets 88 and 100, from Carrera Séptima to the Autopista Norte. This neighborhood is the epicenter of luxury and design, where modern office towers, high-value residences, and large green areas are mixed, offering a respite from the urban environment.
Must Visit: There are two recommendations: first is Parque de la 93, a vibrant space surrounded by top-notch gastronomic offerings, trendy bars, and open-air cultural events. There is also Chicó’s Museum, an old colonial hacienda that preserves the charm of the savannah of yesteryear and whose gardens are considered invaluable historical and natural heritage within the capital.
For this reason, houses and apartments in Santa Fé (the area that brings together the vast majority of historic neighborhoods in the center of Bogotá) are also among the most sought after by foreigners or digital nomads who dream of working in one of these places straight out of a postcard.
10: Culture, fairs, and events: the city that never stops
Digital nomads seek new destinations not only to work but also to learn about and enjoy the country’s culture. And in Bogotá, there is a new activity for foreigners every week.
Music and concerts
As far as music is concerned, Bogotá is one of the cities that usually receives international guests, but it is also home to Estéreo Picnic, one of the most important festivals in the region. For example, the 2026 edition featured artists such as Lorde, The Killers, and Sabrina Carpenter.
There are also the ‘Al Parque’ concerts that occur all year round: free festivals of musical genres ranging from rock to classical music that are usually celebrated in Parque Simon Bolivar, the biggest park in Bogotá. ‘Al Parque’ concerts also bring big stars (supported by the district) like Julieta Venegas, Babasónicos, Juanes, Los Auténticos Decadentes, Doctor Krápula, and Andrea Echeverri, just to name a few.
We also recommend checking the events in La Media Torta: this space is usually the home to several free festivals organized by Idartes (the government department of arts and sports in Bogotá) that bring national and international artists and keep the music flowing all year long.
Conventions and events
Bogotá is also home to Corferias (the city’s biggest convention center), which also has at least two different fairs every month dedicated to every single topic you can imagine: Colombia 4.0 (tech), Feria del Hogar (everything home related), Expovinos (wines), Expochocolate (chocolate), Expocafe (Coffe), which could go on.
There are some special events. For geeks, we have SOFA, which is the biggest colombian hobbies convention: cosplay, international actors, rows of vendors, and a whole weekend of activities. We also have our version of Comic-Con, which is a little smaller but still manages to bring a ton of guests.
La Feria del Libro is also one of the biggest events at Corferias all year: a convention that celebrates books by bringing national and international authors from all genres for presentations, book signings, author meetings, and, of course, the chance to get rare books in one place.
Sports and activities
We have established that Bogotá is a city that welcomes sports, as shown by the Ciclovia and Cicloruta. But it’s not all the capital has for those who love exercise: Running marathons, for example, are part of the city’s sports calendar, hosting multiple competitions that take advantage of the city’s altitude (2,600 meters above sea level) to challenge local and international runners. The most important event on the calendar is the Bogotá Half Marathon (mmB), a race with a World Athletics Elite seal that is usually held in July and attracts more than 40,000 participants on the 10K and 21K routes.
In addition, the capital offers specialized events such as the Women’s Race, which promotes female participation with various distances, and the Enel Recently, the calendar has been strengthened with the Bogotá Marathon (42K), which seeks to position itself as the queen endurance test in the city, along with other thematic competitions and social causes, such as the Green Race or the Bimbo Global Race, which use the Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park as a logistical epicenter.
11: If you live in Bogotá, you will learn the joy of a good chocolate santafereño
Like many other cities in Colombia, food is one of the reasons people fall in love with our country. The fundamental pillar of our cuisine is Ajiaco Santafereño: a thick soup of three types of potatoes and guascas that is a must-try, especially in the iconic restaurants in the historic center, such as La Candelaria.
But a personal favorite is the “Chocolate Santafereño.”It is traditionally served in an aluminum jug called “olleta” and beaten with a “grinder” until a dense foam forms, but its most distinctive characteristic is that it is accompanied by a slice of capa or peasant cheese, which is placed directly in the cup so that it partially melts. Any good rolo knows that the perfect company is local tamales.
12: Networking is mandatory? Live in Bogotá to be in the business center of colombia
Many Digital Nomads are also entrepreneurs, so networking is a must for them. And if this is your case, Bogotá is the perfect place for you to connect with key business professionals. According to Procolombia, in 2025, more than 30 multinational companies from Europe, Asia, and North America initiated operations in Bogotá.
Not only that, but Bogotá is the city that houses an important part of the country’s business. According to figures from the Chamber of Commerce of Bogotá, the city has more than 496.686 active registered businesses, and in 2025, nearly 81.372 were created. This means that, for entrepreneurs, it is also one of the most optimal labs to interact with new businesses and startups. Venues such as Corferias, one of the most important convention centers in Latin America, host key meetings, including the International Franchise Fair (FANYF) and WebCongress, where leaders from the digital and technology industries meet to discuss AI trends and digital transformation. In addition, the “Business Conferences” organized by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce throughout the year provide free spaces for sectoral advice and networking, ideal for connecting with local partners and strategic suppliers.
If your plan as a Digital Nomad is to seek opportunities to invest in Colombia or any business in Bogotá, you probably will need help from experts who can guide you through the legal requirements to buy real estate or even change the type of visa you have. Expatgroup.co provides assistance to foreign investors.
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Medellin Guru's comprehensive visa and passport series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in 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?
- Coronavirus Impacts on Colombian Visas and Tourist 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 nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Retirement visa
- Marriage visa
- Investment visa
- Business Visa
- Resident visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Visitor visa
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 health policy that meets the health requirements for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how to apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellín Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.
All of our Colombia visa articles are up to date (2025) and will continue to receive updates in 2026.
The Bottom Line: Living in Bogotá is a Must for Digital Nomads
Bogotá is an excellent city for any foreigner thinking of starting their life as a digital nomad. Being the capital makes it not only a business and governmental hub but also a city full of activities and benefits for foreigners, with something for everyone.
In fact, if you are interested in applying for your Digital Nomad visa, you may need to spend some time in the city to see with your own eyes all the 11 reasons in this article. If time is a concern, we recommend using Expatgroup.co services to ensure your visa process is in expert hands.
The latter is important, as the Colombian government is becoming stricter about the requirements and processes for the Digital Nomad visa, given the attractiveness of cities like Bogotá. Why not invest in the guarantee of living in Bogotá by taking advantage of the visa processing services offered by one of the best agencies in Colombia?
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