Work remotely in one of the cheapest countries in the world: Colombia launches a digital nomad visa (2023)

FAQs

Does Colombia offer a digital nomad visa? ›

Colombia has joined the long list of countries offering digital nomad visas. Those visas allow individuals to live and work in a different country for a set period of time.

Colombia's digital nomad visa is called the “visa v.” To qualify you must be able to prove that you can provide remote work or teleworking services, from Colombia, through digital media and the internet, exclusively for foreign companies, as independent or labour-related, or to start a digital content or information ...

Launched in October 2022, Colombia's digital nomad visa offers global remote workers a home destination to live and work from. Colombia joins Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador as a destination primed and ready to accept remote workers that satisfy the digital nomad criteria in South America.

Hungary. The Hungary digital nomad visa, also known as the White Card, is the cheapest digital nomad visa in Europe currently available. With just a 2,000€ minimum income requirement, digital nomads worldwide can come and live in the country for up to two years.

Does Colombia have a digital nomad visa? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a brand new digital nomad visa for Colombia that took effect on October 22, 2022. This visa allows nomads that work for a company outside of Colombia to stay in the country for up to two years.

U.S. citizens do not need a Colombian visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or less, or for cumulative stays of 180 days or less per calendar year.

The Colombia resident visa is a permanent visa but information has to be udpated every five years. You must prove that you have been in the country at least 1 day every two years. However, after you have this visa for 5 years you can apply for Colombian citizenship.

Foreign nationals who engage in any work activities in Colombia should obtain a “visa de trabajo”, TP-4 Visa. The TP-4 Visa serves as an entry visa as well as a work permit. The TP-4 Visas is a multiple entries visa. The initial validity is usually up to three years, and can be renewed indefinitely.

Non-US citizens can work remotely for a US company from their home country or anywhere in the world as long as they have consent from their employer, follow local laws regarding visas, and file taxes with their country of tax residence.

How do I get a work visa for Colombia from the US? ›

To apply for a work visa, you must first find an employer willing to sponsor your application. The employer must file an application with the USCIS and pay all associated fees. If the USCIS approves the application, a work visa (Form I-797) will be issued.

Note that there is no Digital Nomad Visa in the USA to date. However, the USA has many other visa types and residence permits for foreign nationals that could apply to you, and it may still be possible to live in the USA and work as a freelancer.

These digital nomad visas allow the flexibility for foreign nationals to enter the country for a period of up to six or 12 months without authorization to seek employment in the target country while allowing them to continue to work remotely for foreign employers during their stay.

Canada – 180 days

If you want to move somewhere different but don't want a huge culture shock or learn a new language (with the exception of Quebec), Canada is an ideal option. You can stay here for up to 180 days before having to go elsewhere.

If you earn $1,500 USD per month or less working remotely, you may be eligible to apply for these affordable digital nomad visas around the world.

Cambodia is one of the easiest and cheapest countries for immigration. The only thing you need to do to get a residency there is to pay a fee for the required number of months. For 12-months, the sum is $285. Another easy country to move to is Portugal.

You can stay for up to 90 days which can be extended to 180 without the paperwork with an Entry Permit. The digital nomad visa, however, allows remote workers to stay for up to two years and get a form of state identification known as 'Cedula de Extranjeria'.

Medellin is Colombia's most popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers, after the capital Bogotá. It has spring-like weather all year, affordable high-speed Internet, coworking spaces and cafes where you can work from anywhere, great entertainment, and increasing security.

A new Digital Nomad Visa will be available to foreign nationals who are employed outside Colombia, to reside in and work remotely from Colombia for up to two years. Applicants must have a minimum income of the equivalent of at least three minimum monthly legal salaries.

VISA: One hundred dollars (US$100) in Colombian pesos at the average exchange rate fixed every four (4) months by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Is it difficult to get a visa in Colombia? ›

Colombia eVisa

The eVisa for Colombia is quick and easy to obtain by filling out a simple online application form. According to the Colombian visa policy, citizens of around 100 different countries can obtain an eVisa.

Most expats can live very comfortably between $900 to $2000 per month for ALL living expenses.

The process of obtaining a US B1B2 visa for Colombia citizens through iVisa is quick and easy.

Now, the Colombia work visa is known as a migrant (M) visa of category 5 or M-5 visa. Unlike other migrant visas, this visa can be valid for duration of employment contract but no more than 3 years.

The standard Colombia visa processing time is within 5 business days, although visa approval may take longer in some cases.

UK, Canadian, and US citizens can stay in Colombia for 180 days out of a calendar year without a Colombian visa. Americans get a 90-days visa on arrival, with an option to extend another 90 days. However, to stay longer than 6-months or be a full-time resident, you need to apply for a Migrant Visa (M).

You may apply for naturalization together with your family after five years being a permanent resident. Renouncing your current citizenship is not necessary in obtaining a Colombian citizen since Colombia allows dual citizenship.

U.S. citizens without dual U.S./Colombian nationality must have a valid U.S. passport to enter and exit Colombia. Dual citizens must have passports for both nationalities: a Colombian passport to enter and depart Colombia, and a U.S. passport to return to the United States.

If you are a tourist visiting Colombia without a visa you can use your valid driver's license from your home country along with your passport to drive in Colombia. So, there is no need for getting a Colombian drivers license.

To open a bank account in most banks in Colombia you will need the following documents: ID - a passport and visa that shows you have a right to live and work in Colombia. Your Colombian ID card for foreigners (Cédula de Extranjería) A signed employment contract.

Is Colombia a good place for U.S. citizens to retire? ›

Colombia is a great country to retire in, with many fascinating cities, but of all the Colombian cities, Medellín is most often cited as ideal for expat retirees.

While some countries have treaties that avoid double taxation, Colombia is not one of them. Thus, if you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, the rules for filing income, estate, and gift tax returns and paying estimated tax are generally the same whether you are in the United States or abroad.

If you receive Social Security benefits and live in Colombia, you may need to contact the Federal Benefits Unit to continue receiving benefits. The Social Security Administration resumed mailing Foreign Enforcement Questionnaires [forms SSA-7161 (Pdf – 74 KB) and SSA-7162 (Pdf – 59 KB)] in late June 2022.

The purchase process is relatively straightforward when you're buying real estate in Colombia. Foreigners can buy property in either their own name or in the name of a company and have all the same rights to ownership as Colombian citizens. All you need to buy real estate in Colombia is a passport.

Immigration Eligibility Based on Engagement or Marriage

If you are a U.S. citizen, your new Colombian spouse becomes your "immediate relative" and may receive a green card as soon as the two of you make it through the application process. This can take several months.

The cost of visa application for M-6 is $282.

How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost? A digital nomad visa can cost from $200 up to $2,000. Some Caribbean countries like Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda have the highest application fees for digital nomad visas, up to $3,000 for family applications.

Digital nomad visas in Spain are initially valid for 12 months or for the duration of the employment period if it is shorter than 12 months. They can be renewed for up to five years. To maintain the visa, you must not be absent from the country for more than six months per year.

A “golden visa” refers to a type of immigration program that many countries offer that can offer permanent residency to a high-net-worth (wealthy) individual, provided they can show that they are going to bring significant investment into the country.

Do digital nomads pay US income tax? ›

Like all US citizens, digital nomads are required to file a US tax return even if they no longer live in the US and they may also have to pay taxes to the country where they reside.

1. Yes, American digital nomads must file U.S. taxes, even when working remotely abroad. The most common question we hear is, “Do digital nomads have to file U.S. taxes?” Yes, if they make over the minimum amount required to file, digital nomads must file a U.S. tax return.

It all depends on the digital nomad's situation, employment, passport, and where they reside. For example, digital nomads who are US citizens must pay a citizenship-based tax each year, even if they do not reside in the United States.

Although you might think digital nomads are all Generation Z, the reality is that you can become a digital nomad at any age, in your 30s, 40s or beyond. Even better, you have some big advantages that younger people don't enjoy — and that can get your remote working lifestyle off to a great start.

Absences of more than 365 consecutive days

You must apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before you leave the United States, or your permanent residence status will be considered abandoned. A re-entry permit enables you to be abroad for up to two years. Apply for a re-entry permit.

Hungary. The Hungary digital nomad visa, also known as the White Card, is the cheapest digital nomad visa in Europe currently available. With just a 2,000€ minimum income requirement, digital nomads worldwide can come and live in the country for up to two years.

How do you qualify for a digital nomad visa in Colombia? ›

Here's what else you need to know about Colombia's digital nomad visa. Applicants need to provide proof of employment, or self-employment, from their home country and demonstrate an income of at least 3 million Colombian pesos a month, or approximately $680 a month.

Which are the easiest countries to immigrate to from the US? Portugal, Malta and Spain are some of the easiest countries to relocate to from the United States. American citizens can either gain permanent residency or apply for citizenships via each country's Citizenship by Invest programs.

Colombia's digital nomad visa is called the “visa v.” To qualify you must be able to prove that you can provide remote work or teleworking services, from Colombia, through digital media and the internet, exclusively for foreign companies, as independent or labour-related, or to start a digital content or information ...

Living in Colombia as a digital nomad

Colombia is one of the best places in South America for digital nomads.

All U.S. citizens who do not also hold Colombian citizenship must present a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Colombia. U.S. citizens do not need a Colombian visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or less, or for cumulative stays of 180 days or less per calendar year.

The Colombia visa application is processed in about 5 working days but can take as long as 30 days if there are any irregularities or missing documents. Make sure to apply sufficiently in advance of the time you intend to travel.

The standard Colombia visa processing time is within 5 business days, although visa approval may take longer in some cases.

What is the easiest visa to get in Colombia? ›

1. Colombian Pension Visa: Colombian pension visa is a 1-3 year visa and to qualify you should receive receive $2,633,409 pesos per month. This is a migrant visa with no work privilege and is one of the easiest visas to obtain.

International travelers entering the United States must declare if they are carrying currency or monetary instruments in a combined amount over $10,000 on their Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B) and then file a FinCEN Form 105.

If you want to stay in Colombia more than 180 days in a 365-day period, you need to get a visa. The Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores—also referred to as the Cancillería—in Bogotá issues all visas. However, you can apply for a visa online or at any Colombian consulate in your home country.

Here's a quick idea of what things generally cost as a Medellin digital nomad: 🏠 1 Bedroom Apartment in a Nice Area: $700 USD per month. 💰 Cost of Living For a Local: $350 USD per month. 🍽 Nice Restaurant Meals: $12-23 USD.

How to Apply for Global Entry: Citizens of Colombia are eligible for Global Entry. Applications must be submitted through CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. The non-refundable application fee for a five-year Global Entry membership is $100 and applications must be made online.

Greece. The Greek digital nomad visa is considered the easiest to obtain, Greece is a well-known destination, and it has a lot to offer to all visitors. With their digital nomad visa, you can live and work remotely in Greece for a whole year, with the possibility of extending for up to two years.

Living In Colombia- Living Costs

Most expats can live very comfortably between $900 to $2000 per month for ALL living expenses.

Where do Americans live in Medellin? ›

The neighborhoods of El Poblado, Laureles, Belen, Envigado, and Sabaneta are considered to be the best areas to live in Medellín. The five best neighborhoods to live in Medellin for expats are: El Poblado - Best place for nightlife in the entire city.

The visa exemption also applies to Green Card holders, but does not apply to holders of C1 visas issued by the U.S. Holders of U.S. or Schengen visas must ensure their visa is valid for at least 180 days from their arrival date.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents and Mexican nationals may apply for Global Entry as well as citizens of certain countries with which CBP has trusted traveler arrangements. Children may be enrolled in Global Entry.

All current NEXUS members, and U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents who are SENTRI members, are eligible to use Global Entry kiosks once they provide fingerprints and document information to CBP.