Overview
Introduced in 2022, the Type V (Visitor) Digital Nomad Visa is open to remote workers and online entrepreneurs earning income from outside Colombia. It can be granted for up to two years, with the exact validity at the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The income threshold — three times Colombia's monthly minimum wage (SMMLV) — is among the lowest of any nomad programme, which is a big part of the country's surging popularity with location-independent professionals.
Editor's note — Colombia's ~US$1,400/month bar is one of the most accessible on earth — but the 'no-averaging' rule means a single short month can sink an application, so plan your statements carefully.
Who is eligible
- Non-Colombian national working remotely for foreign employers or clients, or running an online business.
- Monthly foreign income of at least three times the Colombian minimum wage (SMMLV).
- Valid health insurance covering the full duration of your stay in Colombia.
- A motivation letter describing your remote work or digital venture.
- No employment with Colombian companies or services to local clients.
Income & financial requirements
About US$1,400 — three times the 2026 minimum wage (SMMLV).
Every month must individually meet the threshold.
At the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Must originate outside Colombia.
You must show monthly foreign income of roughly COP 5,252,715 (about US$1,400 in 2026) — three times the SMMLV. Colombia applies a strict no-averaging rule, so each individual month in your statements must clear the threshold rather than the average.
Evidence comes from bank statements plus an employment letter or proof of self-employment, often notarised and — for non-Spanish documents — translated and apostilled.
Costs & fees
- A study fee of US$54, paid when you submit the application.
- An issuance fee of roughly US$170–230 once the visa is approved.
- Health insurance for the full stay, plus notarisation, apostilles and certified Spanish translations of foreign documents.
Taxes
Spending 183+ days in Colombia within a 365-day period generally makes you a Colombian tax resident on worldwide income, with progressive rates that can reach the mid-30s percent.
Many nomads stay below the residency threshold or take local advice on the timing and structure of their stay — confirm your position with a Colombian accountant.
How to apply
Prepare documents
Bank statements meeting the monthly threshold, employment/business proof, insurance and a motivation letter.
Notarise & translate
Notarise and apostille foreign documents and have non-Spanish papers officially translated.
Apply online
Submit through Colombia's official MRE visa portal and pay the US$54 study fee.
Receive & register
On approval, pay the issuance fee, then register the visa and obtain your Cédula de Extranjería in Colombia.
Duration & renewal
Granted for up to two years, with the exact period set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is a visitor visa and does not by itself create a direct path to permanent residency.
Bringing family
Family members can generally be included as beneficiaries on the main applicant's visa, subject to the relevant documentation and fees.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- One of the lowest income bars worldwide (~US$1,400/mo)
- Up to two years of validity
- Low cost of living and Americas-friendly time zones
- Vibrant hubs in Medellín and Bogotá
Considerations
- Strict 'no-averaging' income rule each month
- Worldwide tax residency after 183 days — check the Tax Residency Calculator
- Documents need notarisation, apostille and translation
- Visitor visa — no direct PR pathway