Last verified: 24 September 2026. Colombia's digital nomad visa is a Visitor visa for people performing remote work for foreign companies or clients, or developing qualifying digital entrepreneurship. The most important restriction is simple: it does not authorize paid work for people or companies domiciled in Colombia.
Colombia digital nomad visa: quick answer
The Colombian Foreign Ministry states that the visa can be valid for up to two years. It also permits beneficiary applications for qualifying dependents. For the latest fees, documents and application instructions, use the official Cancillería digital nomad page.
Who the visa is for
The official scope includes remote or telework from Colombia through digital means for foreign companies, independent services for foreign clients, and certain digital-content or information-technology entrepreneurship activities.
The key restriction
Cancillería states that the visa does not allow work or remunerated activity for a natural or legal person domiciled in Colombia. If you expect Colombian clients or local employment, do not assume this category covers it.
How long can it last?
The current official rules state validity of up to two years. The maximum is not a guarantee for every application, so plan around the visa actually issued rather than the headline maximum.
Short visa-exempt stays
The Foreign Ministry also explains that nationals who are exempt from short-stay visa requirements may be able to enter and perform foreign remote work during their authorized stay, as long as their stay and remuneration fit the rules. That is not the same as holding the digital nomad visa.
Documents and evidence
Expect to document the foreign work relationship or digital business, income, passport details and health coverage. Employees, freelancers and entrepreneurs should submit evidence that matches their real situation rather than trying to force one template.
Where to base yourself
Medellin is one of the most popular bases because of climate, coworking and US time-zone overlap. Read our Digital Nomad Guide to Medellin 2026 and Medellin cost of living guide.
Tax residence
A visa and tax residence are different questions. Long physical presence can create tax consequences even when clients are abroad. Read our tax residency guide before planning a two-year stay.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the visa permits Colombian clients
- Confusing a visa-exempt short stay with the two-year visa
- Submitting vague proof of remote work
- Buying non-refundable long-term housing before approval
- Ignoring tax residence because income comes from abroad
- Using an unofficial fee or requirement from an old blog post
FAQ
How long is the Colombia digital nomad visa valid?
Up to two years under the current Foreign Ministry rules.
Can I work for Colombian clients?
Not under this visa category. The official restriction excludes remunerated activity for people or companies domiciled in Colombia.
Can dependents join?
Yes, the current official visa information permits beneficiary applications for this category, subject to the dependent rules.
2026 eligibility and income evidence: official checklist
The Colombian Foreign Ministry limits this category to passport holders from countries exempt from short-stay visas. Applicants must show income equal to at least three Colombian legal monthly minimum wages through bank statements covering the last three months. Because the minimum wage changes, calculate the threshold using the rate applying when you file rather than a stale dollar conversion.
Documents for employees, freelancers and founders
- Foreign employees: a letter in English or Spanish from the foreign employer stating the relationship and remuneration; include your contract when available.
- Freelancers: evidence of foreign client relationships and income, consistent with the work described in your application.
- Foreign business owners: documentary proof of your ownership and a letter describing your remote services for that foreign business.
- Digital entrepreneurs: a motivation letter describing the digital-content or technology project and planned financial and human resources.
- Every applicant: suitable health insurance covering Colombia for the intended period, including the risks specified by the Foreign Ministry.
Short stay versus a digital nomad visa
For eligible visa-exempt travelers, the Foreign Ministry explains that remote work for foreign entities may be possible during an authorized entry stay of up to 90 days, with a possible extension up to 180 days per calendar year subject to the rules. This is a separate framework from the digital nomad V visa, which may be granted for up to two years. Neither route automatically authorizes local paid employment.
Step-by-step application preparation
- Check whether your nationality is on the Colombian short-stay visa-exempt list and whether this digital nomad visa category fits your work.
- Collect contracts or employer letters, three recent months of income evidence and coverage details from your insurer.
- Read the current Foreign Ministry visa categories and use only its linked official application process.
- Prepare for requests to clarify documents; do not assume receiving the two-year maximum.
- Confirm any local registration or immigration obligations after issuance, and keep tax-residency decisions separate.
Editorial transparency and useful related guides
This guide summarizes published Colombian government requirements rather than claiming first-hand visa approval. Individual eligibility, interpretation, fees and validity can change; verify with the Foreign Ministry before paying. For day-to-day planning, see our Medellín destination guide and cities aligned with US time zones.
Final take
Colombia's digital nomad visa is a useful long-stay option for genuinely foreign-paid remote workers. Its biggest strength is duration. Its biggest boundary is the prohibition on local Colombian paid work.
