How do I get a digital nomad visa for Colombia and what are the income requirements?

Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa has become one of the most popular options for remote workers wanting to live legally in the country. Here's everything you need to know for 2026:

Visa Category:

The Digital Nomad Visa is officially a Visitor (V) category visa, specifically designed for remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancing for international clients.

Income Requirements (2026):

You must prove monthly income of at least 3 SMMLV (Salario Minimo Mensual Legal Vigente). With the 2026 minimum wage set at COP 1,750,905, this means:

Important 2026 Change: The minimum wage increased 23% from 2025, which raised all visa thresholds proportionally. If you were researching 2025 requirements, recalculate for 2026.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

1. Passport from visa-exempt country - Citizens of 100+ countries including US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia
2. Remote work history - Proof of at least 6 months of remote employment or freelancing
3. Foreign income only - Cannot work for Colombian companies or serve Colombian clients
4. Health insurance - Must have coverage valid in Colombia for the visa duration
5. Clean background - No criminal record

Required Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
• Recent passport photo (white background, 3x3 cm)
• Proof of income (bank statements, pay stubs, contracts)
• Employment letter from foreign employer OR freelance contracts
• Letter describing your remote work arrangement (Spanish or English)
• Health insurance certificate
• Criminal background check (apostilled)

Application Process:

1. Create account on Colombia's visa portal (cancilleria.gov.co)
2. Fill out online application
3. Upload all documents
4. Pay visa fee ($170-230 USD depending on exchange rate)
5. Wait for decision (typically 2-4 weeks)
6. If approved, visa appears in system - print confirmation
7. Within 15 days of arrival, apply for cedula de extranjeria

Visa Duration:

• Up to 2 years
• Can be renewed while meeting requirements
• Multiple entries allowed

What You CAN Do:

• Live in Colombia legally
• Work remotely for foreign employers
• Travel in/out of the country freely
• Open bank account (after getting cedula)
• Access healthcare system

What You CANNOT Do:

• Work for Colombian companies
• Provide services to Colombian clients
• Count toward permanent residency (V visa doesn't build time toward R visa)

Tips for Success:

• Ensure income documentation clearly shows 3+ months of consistent earnings
• Each month should independently meet the threshold (no averaging)
• Have documents translated to Spanish by certified translator
• Keep copies of everything

The Digital Nomad Visa legitimized a practice that thousands were doing on tourist entries. If you're working remotely in Colombia, this visa is the proper legal status.