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Colombia

South America

Colombia combines major cities like Bogotá and Medellín with colonial towns, Andean mountains and Caribbean coastline. Most visitors enter with a 90 day tourist permission that can usually be extended up to 180 days per calendar year, while the new Type V digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay longer with a more stable status.

6
Visa Types
90
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Tourist entry permit for visa exempt nationals

Tourist entry permission granted at the border to passport holders of visa exempt countries, normally valid for 90 days and extendable up to 180 days per calendar year.

90 days
Duration
COP 0
— fee
+COP 105,000 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓No consular visa process or fee for nationals who are visa exempt.
✓Very convenient for stays of up to three to six months per calendar year while working remotely for foreign employers or clients.
✓In many cases you can extend once up to the maximum of 180 days per calendar year if you apply on time.
📋 Requirements (3)
  • •Valid passport from a country listed as visa exempt on the official Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
  • •Proof of onward or return travel within the duration of the permission granted, and proof of sufficient funds if requested.
  • •Completion of the Check-MIG form online before arrival if required by current rules.
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ The entry permission is granted directly by the immigration officer at the border, typically for 90 days.
  1. 1Check on the official Colombian government pages that your nationality is visa exempt for short stays.
  2. 2Complete the Check-MIG registration if it is in force at the time of travel, following the instructions of Migración Colombia.
  3. 3On arrival, present your passport and any accommodation and onward travel proof requested by the officer and receive an entry stamp with the authorised length of stay.
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 90 days (max 1x)

Cost: Free

Process: If you need more time, you can request an extension from Migración Colombia before your current permission expires. Approval is discretionary and subject to the overall limit of about 180 days per calendar year.

Renewal: Once you reach the annual limit of permitted stay as a tourist you are expected to leave Colombia. Repeated short exits and re-entries do not reset this yearly cap.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Check the stamp in your passport carefully and note the expiry date on your calendar.
  • •Keep digital copies of accommodation bookings and proof of funds in case they are requested at the border.
  • •Submit an extension request well before the expiry date if you plan to stay longer than the initial period.
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V – digital nomad / remote worker)

Type V visa for digital nomads and remote workers who earn income from employers or clients outside Colombia and want to live in the country medium to long term.

730 days
Duration
$229
— fee

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $4,270,500/month

Alternative: Some applicants support their case with a combination of income and savings, as long as bank statements clearly show that they meet or exceed the minimum amount linked to three times the legal monthly minimum wage.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Allows you to live in Colombia for up to two years while earning income from foreign employers or clients.
✓Provides access to a foreigner ID card and makes it easier to rent long term accommodation and open bank accounts.
✓Has a relatively accessible income threshold compared to many other digital nomad visa programs.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Evidence that you work remotely for a company or clients based outside Colombia, such as employment contracts, client agreements or company registration documents.
  • •Bank statements for at least the last three months showing a stable monthly income of at least three times the Colombian legal monthly minimum wage.
  • •Health insurance that covers medical treatment in Colombia for the entire stay requested under the visa.
  • •Police clearance certificates and other personal documents required by the Colombian visa authority and the consulate or visa office handling the application.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Digital nomad visa applications are usually decided within two to four weeks after a complete file is submitted, but by law the authority can take up to around 30 calendar days. Timing can vary depending on volume and complexity.
  1. 1Review the official digital nomad visa guidance on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and confirm that your situation fits the definition of a digital nomad or remote worker.
  2. 2Gather contracts or letters from foreign employers or clients, recent bank statements that show the required income level and proof of health insurance, and obtain apostilles and translations where needed.
  3. 3Complete the visa application online, upload all documents and pay the study fee. Check the portal regularly and respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
  4. 4After approval, pay the issuance fee and download the electronic visa. Upon arrival in Colombia, register the visa and apply for the Cédula de Extranjería with Migración Colombia within the legal deadline.
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 730 days (max 1x)

Cost: Free

Process: When the initial period ends, many applicants either request a new digital nomad visa or move into another suitable visa category. Renewal always depends on current regulations and on continuing to meet the income, insurance and remote work requirements.

Renewal: The digital nomad visa can be issued for up to two years at a time. There is no formal extension in place; instead, you generally submit a fresh visa application if you want to continue as a digital nomad in Colombia.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Base your income calculation on the most recent official value of the Colombian minimum wage to avoid falling short of the three times requirement.
  • •Keep your contracts, invoices and bank statements well organised in case officials ask for clarification or additional proof.
  • •Speak to a Colombian tax adviser if you plan to spend many months per year in the country so you understand when tax residency may be triggered.

Visitor visa (Type V) – tourism and short business

TouristPopular

Type V visitor visa for tourism, family visits and certain short business activities for nationals who are not visa exempt or who prefer a formal visa instead of entry permission only.

90d
Duration
$97
— fee
📍Apply: Online
⏱Most Type V visitor visa applications are processed within several working days after a complete file is submitted, but the timeframe can be longer in busy periods or if extra checks are needed.
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa study feeNon-refundable study fee charged when submitting the online application.
$52—
Visa issuance feeIndicative issuance fee for a Type V tourist or business visa. The exact amount and currency depend on nationality and reciprocity and are shown in the online system.
$45—
Additional (estimated)
Sworn translations and apostillesSome supporting documents may need apostille and sworn translation into Spanish depending on the consulate.
$0—
Travel health insuranceRecommended for medical cover during your stay in Colombia.
$0—
Required Total
$97—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with at least two blank pages and sufficient remaining validity.
  • •Completed electronic visa application submitted through the official visa portal with a recent digital photograph.
  • •Proof of accommodation such as hotel or rental booking or an invitation letter, and proof of onward or return travel.
  • •Proof of sufficient funds and any additional documents requested by the consulate or visa office handling your case.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Check on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website whether your nationality requires a Type V visitor visa for tourism or short business instead of being visa exempt.
  2. 2Create an account on the online visa portal, complete the form, upload all required documents and pay the study fee.
  3. 3Respond to any requests for additional information and, once approved, pay the issuance fee to receive the electronic visa.
  4. 4Travel to Colombia with the valid visa and respect the conditions and maximum length of stay indicated on the visa.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Does not authorise employment by Colombian employers.
  • •Document requirements and fees differ depending on nationality and consulate.
  • •The total amount of time spent in Colombia may still be subject to yearly limits for visitors.

💡 Tips

  • •Read the official checklist for your nationality and visa purpose on the consulate or visa portal before starting.
  • •Upload clear, legible scans of all documents to avoid delays.
  • •Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa has been approved.

Migrant work visa (Visa M – employment in Colombia)

Work

Type M work visa for foreign nationals with an employment contract or similar arrangement with a Colombian employer, providing explicit work authorisation.

365d
Duration
$252
— fee
📍Apply: Online
⏱Processing generally takes several weeks, because the authorities review both the worker profile and the Colombian employer information.
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa study feeStudy fee charged for processing a Type M work visa application.
$52—
Visa issuance feeIndicative issuance fee; actual amounts depend on nationality and reciprocity and are displayed in the online system.
$200—
Additional (estimated)
Legalisation of academic and professional documentsDegrees, professional licences and reference letters may need apostille and translation into Spanish.
$0—
Required Total
$252—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Employment contract with a Colombian company or organisation or another qualifying relationship under the work visa rules.
  • •Company documentation and, where required, justification of the foreign hire according to Colombian immigration and labour regulations.
  • •Valid passport, completed visa form, photographs and police certificates that meet the requirements of the visa authority.
  • •Any additional documents requested by the consulate such as CV, academic certificates or professional registration.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1The employer and the candidate gather all required corporate, contract and personal documents for the chosen Type M work category.
  2. 2The candidate submits the work visa application through the online portal, uploads all supporting documents and pays the study fee.
  3. 3After a positive decision, the candidate pays the issuance fee and receives the electronic visa, then travels to Colombia within the validity window.
  4. 4On arrival, the visa holder registers the visa with Migración Colombia and applies for the Cédula de Extranjería within the required time limit.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Often ties the visa to a specific employer and position, which reduces flexibility to change jobs.
  • •Requires careful management of payroll, tax and social security obligations in Colombia.
  • •The process is more complex and time consuming than entering as a tourist or digital nomad.

💡 Tips

  • •Coordinate the visa timing with your employer so that you receive approval before the planned start date in Colombia.
  • •Keep all contracts, approvals and registration documents well organised for future renewals or inspections.
  • •Monitor all expiry dates for passport, visa and foreigner ID card and start extension procedures early.

Student visa (Visa M – students)

Education

Type M student visa for people enrolled in recognised educational institutions in Colombia, from language schools through to universities.

365d
Duration
$80
— fee
📍Apply: Online
⏱Student visa applications are usually processed within several weeks, with possible delays around major academic intakes.
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Student visa feeIndicative visa fee for student categories; the exact amount depends on nationality and is shown in the online portal.
$80—
Additional (estimated)
Health insurance for the study periodMany consulates and institutions require medical cover for the full length of the studies.
$0—
Required Total
$80—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Letter of acceptance or enrolment certificate from a recognised educational institution in Colombia.
  • •Proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition fees and living costs.
  • •Valid passport, visa application form, photographs and any police clearance required by the visa authority.
  • •Apostille and translation into Spanish for education and financial documents issued abroad where required.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain formal admission or enrolment from a recognised educational institution in Colombia.
  2. 2Collect financial, insurance and personal documents according to the checklist provided by the visa authority and the consulate.
  3. 3Submit the student visa application through the online portal, upload all required documents and pay the applicable fees.
  4. 4After visa issuance, travel to Colombia and complete visa registration and the application for a Cédula de Extranjería within the legally required timeframe.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Often limits work activities and may require additional permissions for paid employment.
  • •Requires ongoing enrolment and academic progress; if studies stop, visa status may be affected.
  • •Changing institution or programme can trigger additional immigration steps.

💡 Tips

  • •Start the visa process as soon as your admission is confirmed to avoid missing program start dates.
  • •Ask the international office of your institution for help, as they often know typical pitfalls for student visa applications.
  • •Keep your enrolment and financial documents handy for renewals or checks by Migración Colombia.

Rentista / passive income visa (Visa M – rentista)

Special Program

Type M visa for people with regular and stable passive income, such as rental income or annuities, who want to reside in Colombia beyond a simple tourist stay.

365d
Duration
COP 252
— fee
📍Apply: Online
⏱Processing times are similar to other Type M visas and depend on the volume of applications and the quality of the submitted documentation.
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
COPUSD
Required
Visa study feeStudy fee for processing a rentista visa application.
COP 52—
Visa issuance feeIndicative issuance fee. The official portal shows the exact amount based on nationality and visa type.
COP 200—
Additional (estimated)
Bank and notary documentationContracts for rental income, dividend certificates or annuity documents may require notarisation, apostille and translation into Spanish.
COP 0—
Required Total
COP 252—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Proof of stable passive income such as rental contracts, dividends or annuity statements that meet or exceed the minimum threshold in relation to the Colombian minimum wage.
  • •Bank statements showing regular deposits of that passive income over recent months.
  • •Valid passport, police clearance and other personal documents requested by the visa authority.
  • •Apostille and sworn translations for documents issued outside Colombia where required.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Confirm the current minimum income threshold for the rentista category, expressed as a multiple of the legal monthly minimum wage.
  2. 2Gather contracts, certificates and bank statements that clearly demonstrate recurring passive income at or above this level.
  3. 3Submit the rentista visa application through the Colombian online visa portal, upload all supporting documents and pay the study fee.
  4. 4After approval, pay the issuance fee, obtain the electronic visa and register it with Migración Colombia to receive a Cédula de Extranjería.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Not suitable for people whose income is irregular or comes mainly from active work rather than passive sources.
  • •The income requirement is tied to the minimum wage, which is updated regularly and therefore can change from year to year.
  • •If you become a tax resident, passive income from abroad may need to be declared in Colombia.

💡 Tips

  • •Separate your passive income into clearly identifiable accounts and contracts so that it is easy to demonstrate to visa officers.
  • •Keep a continuous trail of bank statements that show the recurring character of your income.
  • •Work with a local tax adviser to understand how rentista status interacts with Colombian tax rules.

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalBogotá
CurrencyCOP (Colombian peso)
LanguageSpanish
TimezoneUTC-5
Last UpdatedNov 30, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in Colombia as a tourist if my passport is visa exempt
Most visitors from visa exempt countries receive a tourist entry permission of about 90 days on arrival. This can usually be extended once up to a total of around 180 days per calendar year, if you apply before your initial permission expires and the authorities approve the extension.
Does Colombia have a dedicated digital nomad visa
Yes. Colombia offers a Type V digital nomad visa for remote workers and entrepreneurs who earn income from outside Colombia. You typically need to show a stable monthly income of at least three times the Colombian legal monthly minimum wage, provide proof of remote work and hold health insurance that covers you in Colombia.
Can I work remotely from Colombia on a tourist permission
Many visitors use the tourist permission to stay in Colombia for up to 3 to 6 months per year while working remotely for employers or clients abroad. Colombian rules focus mainly on restricting local employment with Colombian companies. However, long stays may still trigger Colombian tax residence and you remain responsible for respecting both immigration and tax rules.
When do I need to register my visa and obtain a Cédula de Extranjería
Short stay tourists who only receive an entry stamp normally do not have to register. Holders of long stay visas such as digital nomad, work, student or other migrant and resident visas must register the visa with Migración Colombia and apply for a Cédula de Extranjería within the deadline specified in the official instructions, usually within a few days or weeks of arrival.
When do I become a tax resident in Colombia
In general, a person who spends 183 days or more in Colombia, whether consecutive or accumulated over any period of 365 days, may be considered a tax resident. Tax residents can be required to declare and pay tax on worldwide income in Colombia. It is advisable to consult a local tax adviser if you plan to spend long or repeated periods in the country.
Which option is best if I want to live in Colombia long term while working remotely
For occasional stays up to a few months per year, many remote workers rely on the tourist permission if their passport is visa exempt. For longer and more stable residence, the Type V digital nomad visa is usually the best option, as it can be granted for up to two years, allows you to obtain a Cédula de Extranjería and makes it easier to rent housing and open bank accounts in Colombia.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: November 30, 2025

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