Best Visas for Digital Nomads in Colombia
As a digital nomad, if you’re considering living and working in Colombia for an extended period of time, obtaining the right visa is essential. There are several types of visas available for digital nomads in Colombia that cater to different needs and requirements. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the various visa options available to help you make an informed decision before embarking on your adventure in Colombia.
Types of visas for digital nomads in Colombia
Digital nomads looking to stay in Colombia have a number of visa options available. The most popular choice is the digital nomad visa, which allows individuals to work remotely while residing in the country for up to a year. Another option is the temporary visitor visa, which can be easily obtained on a tourist basis upon arrival or through an online application process for longer stays of up to 180 days. Keep in mind that while this may be one of the cheapest countries for digital nomads with living expenses averaging around $700 per month, certain visas such as the Migrant (M) Visa and Rentista (R) Visa require proof of income and/or investment funds. Additionally, all visa types will require a valid cedula de extranjeria (foreigner ID card).
Temporary Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)
Visitors to Colombia can apply for a temporary visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. The length of stay allowed is up to 90 days and the application process involves submitting required documents such as a passport, proof of financial means (at least $700 per month), and possibly a cedula de extranjeria. It’s important to note that this visa cannot be renewed or extended beyond the initial 90-day period.
For digital nomads looking for longer-term options, Colombia now offers a digital nomad visa for stays up to 180 days with the possibility of renewal. This is one of the cheapest countries in Latin America where you can live for months at an affordable cost while enjoying great weather and culture. The application process involves providing proof of income from remote work or freelancing along with other requirements such as health insurance coverage and criminal background checks.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Colombian government has recently introduced a new type of visa for digital nomads who wish to provide remote services or work for foreign companies while residing in Colombia. The Visa V Nómadas digitales is also available for those who wish to start their own digital business in the country. The visa is a great opportunity for those who want to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and culture of Colombia while working remotely. If you are interested in applying for this visa, you can find more information on the official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by clicking on this link: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/v/nomadadigital.
Eligibility criteria, proof of income and insurance coverage requirements, and duration of stay are important factors to consider when applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Colombia. This visa allows individuals to work remotely from anywhere while residing in the country on a temporary basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Provide proof of remote employment or freelance work
- Demonstrate financial stability with an income of at least $700 per month
- Possess valid travel documents such as a passport
Requirements for Proof of Income and Insurance Coverage:
- A bank statement showing regular monthly income is required
- Health insurance that covers your entire stay in Colombia is mandatory
Duration of Stay:
The Digital Nomad Visa can be issued for up to one year. However, it’s initially granted for 90 days and can be renewed on an annual basis if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
Note: The cedula de extranjeria (national identification card) will not be issued with this visa type. Also, Colombia ranks among one of the cheapest countries in South America making it a popular destination choice for digital nomads.
Student Visa
To obtain a student visa in Colombia, applicants must provide proof of enrollment in an eligible educational program. These programs include language courses, undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as technical or trade schools. Financial requirements for the visa vary depending on the length of stay and type of program chosen but generally require proof of funds equivalent to at least $700 per month.
While studying in Colombia on a student visa, employment opportunities are restricted to part-time positions with a maximum limit of 20 hours per week. It is important to note that this visa requires applicants to have a valid cedula de extranjeria (foreigner identification card) which can be obtained after arrival on a case-by-case basis depending on the length of stay and other factors.
Migrant (M) Visa
Minimum investment required to qualify for the M migrant visa in Colombia is $700, making it one of the cheapest countries to obtain residency through an investment-based visa. To apply for this type of visa, applicants must provide proof of their financial investment in a Colombian business or property and undergo a background check. The process can take several months from start to finish.
Once approved, Migrant (M) Visa holders have the right to live and work in Colombia on a permanent basis. However, they are still subject to certain restrictions such as not being able to vote or hold public office until obtaining citizenship through naturalization.
Key points:
- Minimum investment required for Migrant (M) Visa is $700
- Process can take several months from application submission
- Permanent residency status granted once approved
- Restrictions include inability to vote or hold public office
Note: Other terms like “cedula” and “cedula de extranjeria” will be explained under other sub-headings within the blog post so they do not need further explanation here.
Rentista (R) Visa
Income requirements needed to qualify for a Rentista visa are $700 per month, with the ability to prove this income on a monthly basis. The validity period of the Rentista visa is 3 years and can be renewed for an additional 3-year term as long as you continue to meet the income requirement. However, it’s important to note that there are limitations on work allowed while holding a Rentista visa in Colombia.
- Income requirement: $700/month
- Validity period: 3 years
- Renewal options available
- Limitations on work allowed while holding this type of visa
As one of the cheapest countries in Latin America, Colombia attracts many digital nomads seeking affordable living expenses. The Rentista (R) Visa offers an attractive option for those who prefer not to undertake full-time employment but still want to reside in Colombia legally.
Business (B) Visa
When applying for a Business (B) Visa in Colombia, it’s important to understand the difference between temporary versus permanent options. Temporary visas are typically valid for up to 180 days and can be extended on a case-by-case basis. Permanent visas, on the other hand, allow you to stay indefinitely in Colombia.
If you’re applying for a Business Visa, your employer or business entity will need to provide sponsorship requirements such as proof of company registration and financial stability. This helps ensure that your time in Colombia is spent productively and with purpose.
During your authorized stay with a Business Visa, activities such as attending meetings or conferences related to your work are permitted. However, it’s important to note that engaging in any paid work without proper authorization could result in fines of up to $700 USD.
Overall, obtaining a Business Visa can be an excellent option for digital nomads looking for long-term opportunities in one of the cheapest countries in South America. Just make sure you have all necessary documentation such as cedula de extranjeria before starting the application process!
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