How to Stay in Colombia as a Remote Worker
We’ve spoken about how Colombia is becoming a hotspot for digital nomads seeking cheap stays, joyful people and a good measure of comforts. If you’re among the many who are being swayed by the siren’s song of Cumbia and joining the growing community of location-independent professionals there, it’s about time we touched on the crucial topic of understanding the legal requirements for a prolonged stay.
We already skimmed over the visa types on our “Best Cities in Colombia for Nomads” guide, but we’re diving deep for this one to give you all the information you need. This guide provides essential insights into the visa options available to ensure you remain compliant with Colombian immigration laws while enjoying your nomadic lifestyle. We’ll keep it punchy and to the point cause no one ever likes talking about legaleese.
What are the Visa Requirements for Staying in Colombia?
Immigration in Colombia can be a tricky matter. The country’s dark past means that security and enforcement of immigration laws are often some of Colombia’s strongest suits. Thankfully, they do offer several options for digital nomads to work remotely within its borders legally.
Here’s a look at what you need to know about securing the correct visa for your needs.
Tourist Visa and Temporary Residency
For those of you new to the digital nomad lifestyle or just testing the waters of Colombia as a potential base, the Tourist Visa is the most straightforward entry point. Typically valid for up to 90 days, this visa can be extended for a similar period, giving you ample time to experience Colombia’s lifestyle before committing to a more permanent arrangement.
Eligibility and Application: Most countries’ citizens are welcome in Colombia for up to 90 days, plus this visa can be extended for another 90 days depending on where you’re from, offering a total of 180 days in the country. Make sure if you’re applicable and you should be good to go.
Application Process: Varies depending on your country of provenance. Some may enter visa-free, while other should submit some paperwork. Check Colombia’s official migration site to make sure.
Costs and Fees: Free for 98 countries, and inexpensive for the rest. To avoid surprises, ensure you understand the fee structure from the official Colombian visa portal or consulate information.
Extending Your Stay: If you find that Colombia suits your nomadic lifestyle, you can apply for an extension of your tourist visa without leaving the country. This extension process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure all paperwork is correctly submitted.
Transition to Digital Nomad Visa: One of the perks of the tourist stays is that you’re allowed to request a Digital Nomad or Freelancer visa at any point during your 90-day stay! All you need is proof of income from outside Colombia, and some other documentation we’ll break down below.
Freelance Visa (M)
The Freelance Visa used to be the most popular option among remote workers before Colombia released their Digital Nomad Visa. It, is designed for individuals with a consistent income from overseas clients or employers. This visa category requires applicants to provide proof of ongoing contracts and a stable income to support themselves without local employment. We’ll break down the main differences between this one and the nomad visa below.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Freelance Visa (M), applicants must demonstrate that they have ongoing contracts or a steady job with an employer outside of Colombia. This visa ensures that the applicant can financially sustain themselves without needing to enter the Colombian job market.
Required Documentation: The application process requires various documents, including proof of employment or freelance contracts, evidence of regular income, and a valid passport. Applicants must also provide bank statements showing financial stability and income consistency. These documents must be updated and accurately reflect the applicant's current economic situation
Application Process: Prospective applicants must fill out an online application form on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. This process includes uploading the necessary documents and paying the application fee. It’s advisable to ensure all information is meticulously checked to avoid delays or rejections.
Income Requirements: While specific income thresholds can vary, applicants are generally expected to show sufficient funds to cover their stay. The exact amount may depend on current economic conditions in Colombia, but typically, showing a monthly income equivalent to three times the Colombian minimum wage is advisable.
Visa Duration and Renewal: The Freelance Visa (M) usually grants a stay of up to three years, subject to renewal, depending on the applicant's contract length and income stability. Renewal applications must demonstrate ongoing financial independence and compliance with Colombian immigration laws.
Advantages of the Visa: This visa allows for a relatively long-term stay compared to other types, providing freelancers ample time to enjoy life in Colombia while maintaining their international client base. Additionally, it offers a pathway to longer-term residency options should the nomad decide to remain in Colombia.
“Rentista” Visa
This isn’t the most common option for beginner Nomads, but we know some of you are big into digital products, investment, and other types of passive income, so we thought this visa type may be worth mentioning as it gives you a lot of freedoms that Nomad or Freelancer visas don’t.
If your income is primarily from passive sources, such as rentals or investments, the Rentista Visa might be the ideal choice. Applicants must show evidence of a steady and substantial monthly income from outside Colombia, which does not require active employment or business activities within the country.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the Rentista Visa, applicants must primarily earn their income from passive sources. This income must be regular, substantial, and sourced externally from Colombia. This visa is not intended for individuals engaged in local employment or business activities within the country.
Required Documentation: Applicants must provide evidence of their passive income, including bank statements, investment records, or property rental agreements. These documents should demonstrate that the income is stable and sufficient to support the applicant's stay in Colombia without additional employment.
Income Thresholds: The specific income requirement may vary, but typically, the applicant must show a monthly income significantly higher than the Colombian minimum wage. This ensures that the applicant can maintain a comfortable standard of living while in Colombia.
Application Process: To apply for a Rentista Visa, applicants submit an online form through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. They upload the necessary supporting documents and pay the required fees. Accuracy and thorough documentation preparation are crucial to avoid delays or rejections.
Visa Duration and Renewal: The Rentista Visa generally allows for a stay of one year, with the possibility of renewal as long as the income conditions are continuously met. This visa is ideal for those who plan to stay in Colombia for extended periods but do not wish to engage in local business activities.
Benefits of the Visa: This visa type offers the flexibility to reside in Colombia while financially sustaining oneself through foreign passive incomes. It's desirable for retirees or individuals with significant investment income looking for a change of scenery without needing local employment.
Digital Nomad Visa
Finally, we arrive at the big one. Colombia has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa to respond to the growing trend of remote work. This visa is tailored for those who earn from foreign sources and wish to live in Colombia temporarily. It offers a straightforward application process, with requirements including proof of income, health insurance, and a clear criminal record.
Eligibility Criteria: This visa is ideal for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who generate income from foreign sources. Applicants must prove they do not require local employment to sustain their stay in Colombia.
Required Documentation: Essential documents for the Digital Nomad Visa application include proof of foreign income, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and a criminal background check from the applicant's home country or any country where they have lived during the past five years. These documents demonstrate the applicant’s ability to support themselves, ensure safety, and comply with Colombian laws.
Income Requirements: Applicants must show a stable monthly income—typically around three times the Colombian minimum wage or roughly $825. This ensures the nomad can comfortably live in Colombia without financial strain.
Application Process: The process starts with an online application through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, where applicants fill out the required forms, upload documents, and pay applicable fees. Ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date is essential to avoid processing delays.
Visa Duration: The Digital Nomad Visa usually grants a two-year stay, which is more extended than other types of visas. This extended duration benefits those looking to explore Colombia deeply and integrate more fully into the local lifestyle while working remotely.
Renewal and Tax Implications: After two years, the visa can be renewed if the applicant meets all requirements. It's also important to note that spending more than 183 days in Colombia within a year might make the individual a tax resident, which could affect their global income.
Each visa type has specific prerequisites, such as proof of income and health insurance coverage. When applying, it's crucial to be transparent about your purpose of stay—highlight your role as a remote worker rather than a permanent resident. Selecting the proper visa will depend mainly on your financial situation and how you generate your income, whether from active employment or passive earnings.
Choosing Between Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa and Freelancer Visa (M)
If you're planning to work remotely from Colombia, you have two solid visa options to consider, each catering to different kinds of remote work setups. Let's dive into the specifics of the Digital Nomad Visa and the Freelancer Visa (M) to help you figure out which one matches your professional needs and lifestyle.
Intended for Different Professional Scenarios:
The Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for remote workers employed by companies outside of Colombia. It suits those with a standard employment contract but no fixed office location.
On the other hand, the Freelancer Visa (M) is ideal for individuals who manage their businesses or have multiple contracts with clients overseas. It caters to those who are genuinely freelance, offering services directly to clients.
Proof of Income Variations:
Applicants for the Digital Nomad Visa need to demonstrate a stable income from abroad, which reassures the Colombian authorities of the applicant’s financial independence. The typical requirement is about three times the local minimum wage or roughly $825 monthly.
Those applying for the Freelancer Visa (M) must show the consistency of their income and the ongoing nature of their contracts, ensuring they have a steady stream of work and earnings.
Visa Duration and Renewal Conditions:
The Digital Nomad Visa gives you a shorter initial stay of two years. But it's renewable, assuming continued compliance with its terms.
Conversely, the Freelancer Visa (M) offers up to three years right from the start, but renewing it can prove to be trickier.
Application Specifics:
For the Digital Nomad Visa, the emphasis is on proving your income reliability through bank statements or an employer’s letter, alongside mandatory health insurance and a clean criminal record.
The application for the Freelancer Visa (M) dives deeper into the specifics of freelance work, requiring detailed documentation such as contracts, payment receipts, and a comprehensive description of the freelance services offered.
Tax Considerations:
Both visa types entail similar tax implications; staying in Colombia for more than 183 days within a calendar year could make the visa holder a tax resident, potentially impacting their global income tax situation.
Grasping these differences will help you make an informed choice, ensuring your remote working experience in Colombia is rewarding and enjoyable. Whether you prefer the security offered by a digital nomad arrangement or the versatility of freelance work, Colombia provides a supportive backdrop for remote professionals looking to thrive.
Is Healthcare Good in Colombia?
Considering a move to Colombia for remote work brings up several healthcare-related logistical issues for digital nomads. Here's a breakdown of the top three healthcare concerns, along with current advice to help you tackle these challenges effectively:
Getting Good Health Insurance
Health insurance is not just a visa requirement but a necessity for ensuring access to medical services without incurring prohibitive costs. Here are some tips for securing adequate health coverage:
International vs. Local Insurance: Decide between international health insurance, which is more expensive but typically offers comprehensive coverage and global mobility, and local health insurance, which is more affordable but may have limitations outside Colombia.
Coverage Essentials: Your policy should cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and possibly medical evacuation, especially if you plan to travel to more remote areas of Colombia.
Provider Network: Check if the insurance provides a vast network of hospitals and clinics, especially English-speaking ones, which can be crucial for non-Spanish-speaking nomads.
Finding Quality Healthcare
While Colombia boasts high-quality healthcare, especially in major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, navigating the system can be daunting. Here's how to ensure you receive the best care:
Research Before You Arrive: Identify well-regarded hospitals and clinics affiliated with international accreditation bodies like the Joint Commission International.
Language Barriers: While healthcare in significant cities often includes English-speaking doctors, this is less common in smaller towns. Consider services like MediBuddy or Doctoralia, where you can find English-speaking healthcare professionals.
Emergency Services: Familiarize yourself with the emergency numbers and the nearest medical facilities to your residence. In Colombia, 123 is the general number connecting you to all emergency services.
Managing Prescription Medications
If you need regular prescription medications, managing your supply is critical. Here's how to handle prescriptions in Colombia:
Bring a Supply: Bring enough of your medication to last through an initial period, as some medications might not be readily available or legal in Colombia.
Local Regulations: Check with the Colombian embassy about regulations regarding your medication. Some drugs available over the counter in other countries may require a prescription in Colombia.
Finding a Local Doctor: Establish a relationship with a local doctor who can write prescriptions once your initial supply runs out. International health insurance providers, who often have lists of approved local practitioners, can usually facilitate this.
Following these guidelines can ease your navigation through Colombia's healthcare complexities, ensuring that your health and wellness are taken care of as you relish the remote work lifestyle in this dynamic country.
Ready to take the next step?
Ensuring you have the right visa—be it a Tourist, Freelancer, or Digital Nomad Visa—is your first step towards blending into Colombia's work culture without bumping into legal hurdles. Overall, healthcare in Colombia is accessible and advanced, particularly in larger cities where you'll find hospitals equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs. Planning ahead for any prescriptions you might need and familiarizing yourself with the local healthcare logistics will save you a lot of hassle.
For more insights and detailed guides on living and working in Colombia, check out our other resources at Urban Hideout. Whether you're wondering about the best neighborhoods for expats or how to navigate local customs and cuisine, we've got you covered. Visit us to ensure your remote work journey in Colombia is as successful and enjoyable as possible.
