Remote work in Colombia • Visa planning • Connectivity setup
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Apply
What is the Colombia digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a residence/long-stay visa category that allows remote workers to live in a country while earning income from outside that country (or from qualifying international/remote arrangements).
In Colombia, the digital nomad visa is commonly used by freelancers, remote employees, founders, and consultants who want a legal framework to stay longer while working online.
Important mindset: treat the visa like a documentation project. If you can prove your work setup and meet the requirements cleanly, the process tends to be smoother. If your documents are vague or inconsistent, delays happen.
Eligibility: who it’s for (and who it isn’t)
Eligibility depends on current government rules, but the typical profile includes:
- Remote employees working for a non-Colombian employer
- Freelancers/contractors with international clients
- Online business owners who can show income and work activity
It’s generally not a shortcut to local employment. If your plan is to work for a Colombian company in Colombia, you usually need the appropriate work authorization/visa category for that activity.
Colombia digital nomad visa requirements (documents)
Requirements can change, so always validate with official sources before submitting. That said, most applications involve some combination of:
- Passport (validity requirements vary)
- Proof of remote work (employment letter, contracts, client letters, etc.)
- Proof of income (bank statements, pay slips, invoices, or equivalent)
- Health insurance coverage valid for the stay (often required for long-stay visas)
- Application forms and required photos
Pro tip that saves time: Make your story consistent across documents. If your contract says one company name, your bank statements should match the same income source pattern. Small mismatches cause big delays.
How to apply for the Colombia digital nomad visa (step-by-step)
Most applicants follow a structured flow:
- Confirm eligibility and read the official requirements for your nationality and situation.
- Prepare documents (passport, proof of remote work, income evidence, insurance, and any required forms).
- Submit the application through the official visa channel(s) and pay the associated fees.
- Track requests for additional information (this is where many people lose time—check your email and portal frequently).
- Receive the visa decision and follow any entry/registration steps required after approval.
Processing timelines vary. Build a buffer. If your plan depends on a hard move-in date, you’ll want fallback options.
Visa duration, renewal, and planning your stay
Visa duration and renewal options depend on the specific digital nomad category and how Colombia is currently administering it. The practical approach is to plan your first stay conservatively and avoid making non-refundable commitments until you have approval.
Planning tip: If you’re renting an apartment, start with a shorter booking and extend once you’re settled. It’s better for flexibility and often better for your budget.
Restrictions and practical considerations
Work restrictions
Digital nomad visas are usually designed around remote work. Local employment can be restricted or handled under different visa rules. Keep your work model aligned with the visa category.
Tax considerations
Tax residency rules are complex and vary by country, nationality, and time spent in Colombia. If you’re staying long-term and earning income, speak to a qualified tax professional.
Insurance and healthcare
Have clear coverage documentation. Even when insurance is “recommended,” it’s still smart—especially if you’re moving around Colombia and doing activities outside major cities.
Best places for digital nomads in Colombia
Medellín
Medellín is a classic digital nomad base thanks to its modern city feel, coworking scene, and strong community. If you like routine—gym, café, work, repeat—it’s easy to build a rhythm here.
Bogotá
Bogotá is larger and more intense. It’s a strong option if you want a capital city with business energy, cultural institutions, and lots of neighborhoods to explore.
Cartagena
Cartagena is the lifestyle pick: warm weather and historic streets. It’s popular for shorter stays or a “work + recharge” phase.
Santa Marta and the Caribbean coast
Great for beach access and a slower pace. Ideal if your work schedule is flexible and you’re comfortable adapting to a more relaxed infrastructure style.
City-picking shortcut: If you need stable routines and community, start in Medellín or Bogotá. If you want warmth and a more vacation-like vibe, look at Cartagena or the coast.
Internet and connectivity setup (Zetsim tip)
Landing in a new country with a visa plan is not the time to gamble on connectivity. You’ll need data for rides, banking, maps, landlord messages, coworking check-ins, and sometimes identity verification.
Zetsim positions itself as a global travel eSIM with no expiry, with coverage across 180+ countries and 450+ local networks. It also highlights instant top-ups available 24/7 and LTE/5G connectivity where available.
- Select country & plan for Colombia (or a regional plan if you’re moving around Latin America).
- Check eSIM compatibility, checkout & pay to receive your QR code via email or in the app.
- Scan QR & switch on roaming (enable Data Roaming on the eSIM line to activate when you arrive).
Setting up Colombia as your remote-work base? Install your travel eSIM before departure so you land connected.
Explore Zetsim Plans Download the AppZetsim supports major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Top-ups are available 24/7.
FAQ: Colombia digital nomad visa
What is the Colombia digital nomad visa?
It’s a visa designed for remote workers and location-independent professionals who want to live in Colombia while working online, usually for non-Colombian employers or international clients (depending on current rules).
What are the Colombia digital nomad visa requirements?
Requirements vary over time, but typically include a valid passport, proof of remote work, proof of income, health insurance coverage for the stay, and completed application forms. Always verify the latest rules before applying.
How do I apply for the Colombia digital nomad visa?
Confirm eligibility, gather required documents, submit the application via the official channel, respond to any follow-up requests, and complete any post-approval steps required for entry and stay.
How long can digital nomads stay in Colombia on this visa?
Duration depends on the visa terms issued and Colombia’s current policy for this category. Plan with flexibility and confirm the allowed stay and renewal options before making long-term commitments.
Can I work for a Colombian company with a digital nomad visa?
Digital nomad visas are typically structured for remote work arrangements rather than local employment. If you plan to work locally, you may need a different authorization. Verify the restrictions that apply to your visa type.
How do digital nomads get internet right after landing in Colombia?
A travel eSIM can help you get mobile data quickly without swapping a physical SIM. Zetsim offers global travel eSIM plans with coverage across 180+ countries and 450+ local networks, plus instant top-ups available 24/7.
