The Colombian Digital Nomad Visa

Snapshot of the Digital Nomad Visa

• 1. You can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa at any age, as long as you have an income from a source outside of Colombia in the amount of $3,900,000COP monthly.
• 2. You will be required to provide a motivational letter showing what your future business plans are while you are living in Colombia.
• 3. You will be required to get certain documents apostilled and legalised before making the application.
• 4. You are able to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa either while in Colombia on a tourist visa, or from outside of Colombia in your home or other country.

An introduction to the Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa in Colombia is designed for individuals who work remotely for companies or clients located outside of Colombia. This visa allows remote workers to legally reside in the country while continuing their overseas professional activities. Introduced to support the influx of international remote workers, the visa aims to bring economic benefits to Colombia through their extended stay and expenditure.

Eligible applicants for this visa must prove that they have a stable source of income from foreign entities and must maintain health insurance coverage that is valid in Colombia. The visa is typically valid for up to two years and can be renewed under certain conditions. This visa is part of Colombia's broader strategy to adapt to the growing trend of remote work and to attract a diverse group of global remote workers to the country.

What are the requirements for applying for the Digital Nomad Visa?

To apply for the Colombian digital nomad visa, here are the primary requirements you'll need to meet:

• Proof of Income: You must demonstrate a monthly income of at least three times the Colombian minimum wage, roughly COP3,900,000 or equivalent, which can be verified through bank statements.
• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the period you plan to stay in Colombia.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for accidents, illnesses, hospitalization, and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay is mandatory.
• Application Documents: Essential documents include a passport-style photo, a motivational letter if you're an entrepreneur, and a letter from your foreign employer detailing the remote work arrangement. If already in Colombia, you might need to show the last entry stamp in your passport.

These requirements ensure that digital nomads have sufficient financial resources and health coverage during their stay in Colombia.

What type of people normally apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?

People who typically apply for a digital nomad visa include a diverse range of professionals who can work remotely and are not dependent on the local economy of the host country. Here are some examples:

• Freelancers: Individuals who offer services online, such as writing, graphic design, digital marketing, or programming. They work on a project basis for clients globally.
• Remote Employees: Workers employed by companies in other countries who are allowed to work remotely. This could include roles in tech, finance, customer support, and more.
• Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Founders of online businesses or startups who can manage their operations from anywhere. They might travel to different countries while continuing to run their businesses remotely.
• Consultants: Professionals who provide expert advice in areas like management, education, engineering, or healthcare, often working with international clients and needing the flexibility to be in different locations.
• Creative Professionals: Artists, musicians, writers, and other creatives who draw inspiration from travel and can perform their work from any location.

These individuals choose the digital nomad visa for the legal right to live and work in a new environment without compromising their professional obligations. The appeal often includes experiencing a new culture, exploring different parts of the world, and enjoying a flexible lifestyle that traditional office jobs cannot offer.

An outline of the application process

Applying for the Colombian digital nomad visa involves several steps and detailed documentation. Here's a comprehensive overview of the application process:

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the necessary criteria, including proof of remote work for a foreign company, a minimum income of COP3,900,000 per month, and valid international health insurance. A valid passport and a clean criminal record are also typically required.
• Gather Required Documents: Before starting your application, you should prepare and digitize all necessary documents. These usually include your passport, a recent passport-style photo, proof of income (such as bank statements for the last three months), proof of health insurance, and a letter from your employer or, if self-employed, a description of your business and income sources.
• Submit Online Application: The application must be submitted through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' online portal. You'll need to fill out the digital form, upload your documents, and pay the application fee, which is around $52 USD.
• Wait for Processing: The processing time can vary but is generally around 30 days. During this time, you can check the status of your application online. If additional documents or corrections are needed, you'll be notified.
• Pay Visa Fee and Receive Your Visa: Upon approval, you'll need to pay a visa issuance fee, which ranges from $170 to $230 USD depending on various factors, such as whether you're applying with family members. After the fee is paid, the visa will be delivered electronically, usually within ten days.

This visa offers up to two years of residency with the possibility of renewal, allowing for a significant period of remote work within Colombia. During your stay, you're not required to pay taxes on foreign-earned income unless you spend more than 183 days in the country within a year, potentially making you a tax resident.

Why use Colombia Law Connection for your Digital Nomad Visa application?

At Colombia Law Connection, we specialize in assisting foreigners with their legal needs in Colombia, particularly when applying for the Digital Nomad Visa. Here's why you should consider using our services:

• Expert Legal Guidance: Our team is well-versed in Colombian immigration law and is up-to-date with all the latest regulations and requirements. We provide expert guidance to ensure that your visa application is completed accurately and complies with all legal standards.
• Native English-Speaking Team: Communication is key, and our native English-speaking attorneys ensure that there's no miscommunication or misunderstanding about your legal needs and the details of your application.
• Efficient Processing: We understand the value of your time. Our familiarity with the Colombian legal system allows us to navigate the process efficiently, potentially speeding up the approval of your visa.
• Personalized Services: We offer personalized attention to each client, ensuring that all your specific circumstances and needs are considered. This tailored approach helps in accurately addressing the unique challenges you might face during the application process.
• Troubleshooting and Support: Should any issues arise during your application process, our team is skilled in troubleshooting and resolving these matters quickly and effectively, providing you with continuous support throughout.
• Peace of Mind: By handling the complexities of the visa process, we give you the peace of mind to focus on planning your relocation and work in Colombia without the burden of legal stress.

Using Colombia Law Connection for your Digital Nomad Visa application means partnering with a team that stands by you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition into your new life and work in Colombia. For more detailed information about how we can assist you, please contact us directly at Colombia Law Connection.