Remote working is increasingly becoming popular especially after the Covid 19 pandemic. A number of countries have introduced digital nomad visas aiming to encourage this novel way of working with the ultimate goal of attracting professionals, boost tourism and spur their economies.
Colombia is the latest country to enter the fray. The country has unveiled its digital nomad visa and it is fabulous to say the least. The visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to two years and an opportunity to start a business in digital technology in Colombia. And this is something fabulous about the visa.
In addition, applicants for Colombia digital nomad visa may bring their spouses and dependents with them on the Colombia digital nomad visa.
Eligibility
First, you must have a valid passport. A letter proving your employment in your home country and health insurance is also required.
You must work as an employee, freelancer, or own a business outside of Colombia.
The minimum income requirement is 3 million Colombian pesos or €600 a month which can be proved using bank statements.
If your income is over this, you’re from a country that doesn’t require a short-stay visa to enter Colombia such as the US, Canada or the UK, and you only plan to stay for six months out of the year, you might not need even need to apply. You can stay for up to 90 days which can be extended to 180 without the paperwork with an Entry Permit.
Colombia digital domad visa also enables applicants to get state identification known as ‘Cedula de Extranjeria’. This is needed to access a number of services in the country including signing up for a mobile phone contract or renting a property.
Colombiais is one of the cheapest country to live according to the “Cheapest Places to Live in 2023” index published by International Living.
Foreign residents can expect to live quite comfortably in upper-class areas starting at $1,000 per month for small cities like Manizales and Pereira, and $2,000 per month for larger cities like Bogota and Medellin.
It is important to note that Colombia uses a tiered, estrato system to determine the cost of utilities, including electricity, natural gas, water, and telephone and internet service. The system assigns an estrato number to neighborhoods based on the average income of its residents. Lower estrato neighborhoods pay lower rates than higher estrato neighborhoods.
In bigger cities like Medellin and Bogota rents can start around $1,000 per month for a nice area. Smaller cities like Cali, Pereira, and Bucaramanga will see prices starting closer to $500 per month.
Expect to pay at least $100 for monthly utilities in strata 5 or 6, especially in bigger cities like Bogota and Medellin. This would be natural gas, electricity, and, water. Internet and TV services will start around $20 or $30 per month and can be as much as $50 or $100.
“Food is going to be dependent on your dietary needs, preferences, and whether you cook at home or go out to eat. In a small town, coffee can cost you $0.20+ per cup. In a big city, expect to pay at least $1 for a decent quality black coffee, or half if you are drinking low-grade commercial brew.
In the first 18 months, Colombia is hoping to attract around 45,000 digital nomads to the country.
“Colombia is thrilled to share with digital nomads the privilege of working from the second most biodiverse country in the world,” Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism said in a statement.
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