Colombia has recently announced its Digital Nomad Visa, which will allow foreigners to live in the country while working remotely for 24 months; in addition, they will have access to a state ID card, which will help their owners to obtain financial services and even create their businesses there.
In a recent report by International Living magazine, Colombia was ranked one of the cheapest places to live in 2023. According to Euronews, renting a one-bedroom apartment for six months in Bogota would cost roughly €2,000.
“Colombia is thrilled to share with digital nomads the privilege of working from the second most biodiverse country in the world,” Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism said in a statement. “Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, the Coffee Landscape and other destinations offer a variety of coworking spaces and accommodations with specific programs developed for more extended stays where remote workers will have unforgettable experiences.”
The proposal was presented by Ilana Milkes, CEO of Tech World, at the last Mobile World Congress, after two years of working on it together with the government agency Procolombia. This represents a big step for the country, taking into account the growing technology scene in major cities such as Bogota and Medellin and the preferences of digital nomads to have Colombia as one of their options to move.
Colombia is thrilled to share with digital nomads the privilege of working from the second most biodiverse country in the world.
Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia
According to MinTic, Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, the country is ahead of other countries in the region in terms of Internet and computer penetration; and it is also improving its Network Readiness Index at a faster rate than the world average.
According to a report launched by Data Reportal, there is an excellent outlook for “the digital transformation stage” in Colombia between 2022 and early 2023. The data show a %75.7 internet coverage and an increase of 1.5 million internet users. In addition, fixed internet connection increased by 34.40Mbps.
The initiative is expected to facilitate the arrival of at least 45,000 digital nomads to the country in the first 18 months. It also aims to strengthen the tourism sector and generate foreign exchange.
From a governmental point of view and according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this decision also represents an opportunity given the growing market of digital workers, with high purchasing power and high spending and investment capacity, which represents a significant economic spillover for each individual and in periods ranging up to two years per person.
Colombia is preparing for the arrival of digital nomads. However, there could be potential challenges as well as opportunities ahead, including the need for more significant infrastructure to support remote work and nomadic lifestyles.
What are the requirements?
Hold a passport or travel document valid for six (6) months at the time of application, with pages available to stamp new visas on them. If you are in Colombia, the most recent stamp of your entry to the country must appear; or you must have an equivalent entry authorization.
Fill out the online form by completing the required fields. If you are abroad, you can also submit the application online; go to a consular office in your country of origin, or where you have a temporary or permanent residence permit.
If you meet these requirements you must gather the following documents:
- Attach a 3×4 cm photo, color, white background, recent, front view, without accessories, clear face, in JPG format of 300 KB maximum.
- Labor letter (valid in Spanish or English) issued by the foreign companies for which you provide your services, indicating the type of remuneration you receive.
- Attach labor contract (in case you have one).
- Demonstrate that you are a partner or shareholder of a company through a letter specifying that the work is performed remotely.
- For new entrepreneurs, a motivational letter explaining the project, the financial and human resources you have or aspire to have to carry it out.
- Bank statements to demonstrate minimum income equivalent to three Minimum Legal Monthly Wages in Force (SMLMV) during the last three months. The minimum income requirement is 3 million Colombian pesos or €600 a month
- Health policy with coverage in Colombia, against all risks, during the time of stay in the national territory.
