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.
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.