Updated Sunday, November 1, 2026 · By Juan Reina · General information; always confirm current rules with Colombia’s Foreign Ministry (Cancillería).
Quick answer
- Visa type: the Digital Nomad visa is a Type V (visitor) visa for remote workers and online entrepreneurs.
- Income needed: at least 3 Colombian minimum wages per month — COP 5,252,715 in 2026, about US$1,640 — shown with 3 months of bank statements.
- Length: up to 2 years.
- Costs: visa fee about US$178, plus about US$79 for the foreigner ID (cédula de extranjería). Health insurance valid in Colombia is required.
Minimum wage 2026: COP 1,750,905. Thresholds update every January with the new minimum wage.
Who qualifies
- Remote employees of companies outside Colombia.
- Freelancers and owners of online businesses with foreign clients.
- You cannot work for a Colombian-domiciled employer on this visa.
- Citizens of countries whose nationals don’t need a tourist visa for Colombia (including the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and EU countries) are eligible.
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months (scan of the bio page).
- Passport-style photo (3×4 cm, white background).
- Employer letter or contracts showing remote work for foreign companies or your online business.
- Bank statements for the last 3 months showing income of at least COP 5,252,715/month (~US$1,640).
- Health insurance with coverage in Colombia for the whole stay.
- Letter explaining your reason for the visa and activities in Colombia.
How to apply
- 1. Apply online on the Cancillería visa portal and upload documents (PDF).
- 2. Pay the study fee once you submit.
- 3. Wait for a decision — usually a few weeks; you may be asked for more information.
- 4. Pay the visa issuance fee after approval.
- 5. Register with Migración Colombia and request your cédula de extranjería within the required period after arrival or issuance.
Total costs
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Visa study + issuance fees | ≈ US$178 |
| Cédula de extranjería (foreigner ID) | ≈ US$79 |
| Health insurance (annual) | ≈ US$400–1,200, depending on age and coverage |
| Document translation/apostille (if needed) | Varies |
Fees are set by the Colombian government and can change; confirm on the official Cancillería site.
Taxes: the 183-day rule
A visa is not a tax decision, but days in the country are. If you spend more than 183 days in Colombia within any 365-day period, you generally become a Colombian tax resident and must report worldwide income and assets — crypto included. U.S. citizens keep filing with the IRS and may use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or foreign tax credits. More in bitcoin and taxes for expats in Colombia.
Living costs on a nomad budget
US$1,640 a month covers a modest life in Medellín or Bogotá, but the strong peso (about 3,194 per dollar on Oct 30, 2026) means dollars stretch less than in 2022–2023. Compare cities in Medellín vs. Cartagena vs. Bogotá and see the cost of living in Colombia. To move money cheaply, read the cheapest way to send money to Colombia.
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FAQ
How much income do I need for the Colombia digital nomad visa?
At least 3 Colombian minimum wages per month: COP 5,252,715 in 2026, about US$1,640.
How long is the Colombia digital nomad visa valid?
Up to 2 years.
How much does the visa cost?
About US$178 in government fees, plus about US$79 for the foreigner ID card.
Can I work for a Colombian company on a digital nomad visa?
No. Income must come from foreign employers, foreign clients or your own online business.
Will I pay taxes in Colombia?
If you stay more than 183 days in a 365-day period, you generally become a tax resident.
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