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.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
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.
Remote work on a tourist entry permit is technically not authorized, though enforcement is minimal for short stays. Colombia introduced a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (V) in 2022 for legal remote work.
Extension: 90 days (max 1x)
Cost: 150,000 COP
Process: Apply online via Migración Colombia website or at a Migración office. The extension (PTP - Prórroga de Permanencia) grants an additional 90 days. Must apply before current permission expires. Free for Schengen-country nationals. Resolution 0599 of February 2026 sets the fee at COP 150,000.
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.
Foreigners become tax residents if they spend 183+ days (aggregate) in Colombia within any 365-day period. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates from 0% to 39%. Non-residents are taxed only on Colombian-source income at a flat 35% rate. The 180-day tourist limit per calendar year typically keeps visitors below the tax residency threshold.
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.
Minimum $5,252,715/per_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.
This visa explicitly authorizes remote work for foreign employers or clients. You may not engage in local employment in Colombia. Regulated by Resolution 5477 of 2022, Article 46.
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.
Colombia applies worldwide taxation to tax residents (183+ days in any 365-day period). Progressive rates: 0% (up to 1,090 UVT), 19% (1,090–1,700 UVT), 28% (1,700–4,100 UVT), 33% (4,100–8,670 UVT), 35% (8,670–18,970 UVT), 37% (18,970–31,000 UVT), 39% (31,000+ UVT). UVT 2026 = COP 52,347. DN visa holders staying 183+ days become tax residents and must file a Colombian tax return. Non-residents pay 35% flat on Colombian-source income only.
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.
Remote work is not explicitly authorized on a tourist visitor visa. Colombia offers a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (V) for legal remote work.
Foreigners become tax residents if they spend 183+ days (aggregate) in Colombia within any 365-day period. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates from 0% to 39%. Non-residents are taxed only on Colombian-source income at a flat 35% rate.
Type M work visa for foreign nationals with an employment contract or similar arrangement with a Colombian employer, providing explicit work authorisation.
This visa is exclusively for employment with a Colombian entity. The holder must work for the sponsoring employer in Colombia. Remote work for foreign companies is not authorized under this visa category.
Work visa holders are almost always tax residents (183+ day threshold). Tax residents pay progressive income tax from 0% to 39% on worldwide income. Employers withhold payroll taxes. Social security contributions are mandatory.
Study at Colombian institutions - Type V visitor visa (reclassified from M since 2022). Time on student visa does NOT count toward permanent residency.
Student visa holders are not authorized to work in Colombia. The visa is strictly for academic activities at an approved institution with a minimum of 10 class hours per week.
Students staying 183+ days in any 365-day period become tax residents. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates 0%–39%. However, students with no Colombian-source income and no worldwide income above the filing threshold typically have no tax liability.
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.
The rentista visa does not explicitly authorize or prohibit remote work. It is designed for individuals with passive income (rental, dividends, annuities). Local employment is not permitted. Remote work for foreign entities falls in a legal grey area.
Rentista visa holders staying 183+ days become tax residents subject to worldwide taxation at progressive rates 0%–39%. Passive income (dividends, rental, interest) is taxable. Non-residents pay 35% flat on Colombian-source income only. Capital gains are taxed at 15%.
For retirees receiving a foreign pension of at least 3x the Colombian minimum wage. Grants up to 3 years of residency and counts toward permanent residency.
The pension visa does not explicitly authorize or prohibit remote work. It is designed for retirees. Local employment is not permitted. Occasional remote work for foreign entities is a legal grey area.
Pension visa holders staying 183+ days in any 365-day period become tax residents. Tax residents are subject to worldwide taxation at progressive rates 0%–39%. Pension income is generally taxable. The M visa counts toward the 5-year residency requirement for the R (Resident) visa.
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