Colombia

Visa V Nómada Digital

Colombia's Visa V Nómada Digital is a Visitor-type (Type V) visa that allows foreign nationals to reside in Colombia while working remotely for employers or clients located exclusively outside the country, or to launch digital content or information technology ventures. The program was established by Resolución 5477 of 22 July 2022 and entered into force on 22 October 2022. It targets three profiles: remote employees under contract with foreign companies, independent workers or freelancers providing services to foreign clients, and digital entrepreneurs establishing content or IT ventures of interest to Colombia.

• Must hold a passport from a visa-exempt country as established by Resolución 5488 of 2022
• Must demonstrate remote employment, freelance work for foreign clients, or a digital/IT entrepreneurship project
• Must earn at least three times Colombia's monthly minimum wage (approximately USD 1,414/month for 2026)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• No age restrictions

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and blank pages for visa sticker
• Recent digital colour photograph with white background (max 300 KB)
• Letter from foreign employer indicating work relationship and remuneration, or proof of freelance contract with a foreign entity, or proof of business ownership with remote work documentation
• For entrepreneurs: motivational letter explaining the venture and its financial and human resources
• Bank statements for the preceding 3 months showing minimum income of 3 times the legal monthly minimum wage
• Health insurance policy valid in Colombia covering accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, and repatriation for the entire duration of stay
• If applying from within Colombia: copy of entry stamp or migration authority authorisation

The entire application is conducted online through the Cancillería's visa portal. Applicants create an account, select visa Type V — Nómadas Digitales, complete the electronic form, and upload all required documents in digital format. After submission, the system generates a payment reference number and the study fee (USD 54) must be paid within 10 calendar days. The visa authority has up to 30 calendar days to issue a decision. If approved, the issuance fee (USD 177) must be paid within 10 calendar days. The e-visa is then delivered electronically. Foreign-issued documents must bear an apostille or legalisation and an official Spanish translation.

• Register the visa with Migración Colombia within 15 calendar days of entry
• Apply for a Cédula de Extranjería (Foreign ID Card) if the visa is valid for more than 3 months
• Report any change of address to Migración Colombia within 15 calendar days
• Maintain valid health insurance for the entire duration of stay

• Remote work only — the holder may not perform any remunerated activity for any person or company domiciled in Colombia
• Only available to passport holders from visa-exempt countries under Resolución 5488
• No formal renewal process; a completely new application must be submitted before the current visa expires

Colombia applies a 183-day rule: foreigners present in the country for more than 183 days (continuous or discontinuous) within any 365-day period become tax residents and must declare worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Colombian-source income. Digital nomads earning exclusively from foreign sources and staying under 183 days generally have no Colombian income tax obligation.

The V-type visa does not directly lead to permanent residency. Holders must transition to an M-type (Migrante) visa and accumulate the required time in that category before applying for an R-type (Residente) visa.

Digital nomads from visa-exempt countries may also enter Colombia without a visa on a Permiso de Ingreso and work remotely for up to 90 days, extendable to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year, provided they receive no payments from Colombian entities. This option requires no formal visa application but limits the stay compared to the 2-year digital nomad visa.

Links

• https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/v/nomadadigital
• https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml
• https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa/costos-medios-pago-oficinas-atencion
• https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/cedula-de-extranjeria

Other Digital Nomad Visas in South America