Colombian Digital Nomad Visa: The Ultimate Guide 2024 With Real Cases

Colombia is rapidly becoming a top destination for digital nomads. With its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, affordable prices, and robust internet infrastructure, it's no wonder many remote workers are coming here. Since the launch of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in 2022, it's crucial to go through the application process correctly to increase the chances of a positive outcome.

This guide, enriched with real case studies, outlines the requirements and essential tips for applying for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa in 2024.

What is the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa?

The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Colombia for up to two years while working for companies or clients outside the country. It's perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and employees who can work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Why choose us to apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?

With years of experience and numerous successful applications, our expert lawyer, Angela, ensures your application meets all requirements, including the often-unpublished additional documents requested by authorities. The dedication to each case guarantees the best possible outcome.

Here, we share some of our best strategies and address complex cases to illustrate how different scenarios can be managed for the Colombia Nomad Visa.

Over the past two years, our expert has handled a variety of cases which show that while navigating a foreign legal system can be done with good skills, having expert guidance significantly increases the chances of success.

Why? Whether you want to be minimally involved or leave the details to the experts, we're here to help. Angela charges a visa fee to guide you through the entire process, but if you're stuck or just need a document review, our expert will give you her point of view.

We believe that information should be shared and free. This is why Angela has compiled this comprehensive guide. Use it to navigate the process yourself or reach out for personalized assistance to make your move to Colombia as smoothly as possible.

Angela Henao

Immigration & Residency

Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Application Assistance

Consultation Call Service

$ 60 - $ 60

,

Full Service + Consultation Call

$ 460 - $ 460

,

Additional Dependents

$ 280 - $ 280

Real Case Examples of Colombia Digital Nomad Visa

Case 1: Freelancer from Turkey

• Profile: Lead Software Engineer from a US company.
• Documents Provided: Copy of passport, employment contract, bank statements, health insurance, and letter of intent.
• Challenge: This was one of the first visas processed under the new law and the first time a criminal record was requested on this type of visa. The Turkish criminal record was a document we couldn't anticipate needing and obtaining it was time-consuming with a tight deadline from the authorities. The application was submitted successfully on time!
• Outcome: Visa approved for 18 months. This case is an example of why it is essential to count on an expert who considers the time processes for each document in different countries in case authorities request extra paperwork.

Case 2: Software Engineer from the USA

• Profile: Senior Software Engineer with a hybrid work model.
• Documents Provided: US passport, employment contract, letter from HR, bank statements, and health insurance.
• Challenge: The initial job letter provided by the company was ambiguous about remote work from Colombia. We decided not to proceed with the application using this letter. Instead, we worked closely with the client and the company to get a new, specific letter that clearly stated the remote work arrangement.
• Outcome: The Colombia Digital Nomad Visa was approved for 18 months! Having a cooperative company that understands the specific visa requirements is vital for success.

Case 3: Company Owner from the USA

• Profile: Owner of an American logistics company, working remotely from Colombia.
• Documents Provided: US passport, letter of intent, bank statements, health insurance, migration movements certificate, company existence certificate.
• Challenge: While reviewing the documents, which were complete, we discovered the client had a previous partner visa that had not been updated after the relationship ended. This oversight could lead to the cancellation of the current visa, fines, 30 days to leave the country, and a negative record for future visa applications. We stopped the Digital Nomad Visa application since was clear to us it would end in denial and many other problems. Instead, we helped the client clear up all previous issues with immigration and prepared a thorough application for the Nomad Visa in Colombia.
• Outcome: Visa approved for 12 months! This is why clients must be transparent and provide a complete background to receive the best possible help. Thanks to our intervention, the client didn't face additional problems from their previous visa.

Remember: If your visa status changes, or you have issues to clear with immigration, address those first as soon as possible. Colombia has a strict immigration legal system.

Case 4: Freelance Art Consultant from the USA

• Profile: Art consultant for an AI art platform, earning based on sales.
• Documents Provided: US passport, a letter from the art platform operator, social media links, bank statements, health insurance, and migration stamps.
• Challenge: The job was highly unconventional, performed for a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) without formal registration, and payment was in cryptocurrency based on sales. This required a unique cover letter to explain the situation and convince the authorities, compensating for the lack of standard documents. We also prepared the client for a detailed phone interview with the Colombian consulate in the United States.
• Outcome: Visa approved for 12 months. This challenging case required careful thinking and strategy to present non-traditional work arrangements successfully and helped the authorities think outside the box. Angela was glad to assist our client in obtaining this visa. He is considering moving to an investor visa since he loves his stay in Colombia!

What are the requirements for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?

To apply for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa, you'll need to provide the following documents initially:

1. Application Form: Complete the official visa application form online.
2. Digital Photo: Recent color photo (3x4 cm, max 300 KB, JPG).
3. Passport: Valid for at least six months with free pages for visa stamping.
4. Recent Entry Stamp: Copy for in-country applicants.
5. Proof of Residence: For exempted nationals applying from a different country.
6. Letter of Intent: Explain your intention to stay in Colombia and remote work activities.
7. Employment Contract or Proof of Freelance Work: Confirm remote work arrangement.
8. Proof of Income: Bank statements showing regular income for the last six months.
9. Health Insurance: Coverage in Colombia.

Additional Documents to Consider for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, Based on Lawyer's Experience

Authorities often require more than the published list of documents. Based on our extensive experience, here are additional documents you might need:

1. Migration Movements Certificate: Proof of movements in and out of Colombia.
2. Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation: For company owners, translated and apostilled.
3. Detailed Cover Letter: Especially if your job role is unique or non-traditional.
4. Notarized and Apostilled Letters: From employers or clients confirming your engagements.
5. Proof of Course Attendance: For transitioning from a student visa.
6. Proof of Cancellation of Previous Visa: If you held a previous visa and your circumstances have changed.
7. Certificate of Criminal Records: Obtain an apostille if required.
8. Extended International Healthcare Insurance: Ensure coverage for the entire visa length.

Tips for a Successful Application for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa

1. Migratory Stamps: Upload the last entry stamp if applying from Colombia.
2. Notarized and Apostilled Letters: Ensure all letters are properly notarized and apostilled.
3. Phone Number and Interview: Be prepared for a possible interview.
4. Certificate of Criminal Records: Obtain an apostille if necessary.
5. Extended Healthcare Insurance: Ensure it covers the entire visa period.

Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a criminal record to apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?

Not initially, but have it ready if requested.

Am I guaranteed to get a two-year visa approval in Colombia?

No, most visas are granted for one year or 18 months, depending on your health insurance coverage.

Can I prove I have enough money to cover my stay without job/client letters?

No, you must prove remote work primarily.

Can I bring my family with the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, you can add beneficiaries to your application.

Once my Colombia Digital Nomad Visa expires, can I apply for a new type of visa?

Yes, it's common to switch visa types after your Digital Nomad Visa expires.

What if I don't have a formal employment contract?

Freelancers can provide contracts or proof of self-employment.

How long does the visa application process take?

Typically, the process takes around thirty days, but additional documents are often requested, which can delay the application.

What if my application was denied?

You can reapply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa after six months if it was denied the first time.

Can I apply for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa from within Colombia?

Yes, you must provide a copy of your recent entry stamp.

Angela Henao

Immigration & Residency

Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Application Assistance

Consultation Call Service

$ 60 - $ 60

,

Full Service + Consultation Call

$ 460 - $ 460

,

Additional Dependents

$ 280 - $ 280

What happens if I overstay my visa in Colombia?

Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and re-entry bans.

Do I need a local address in Colombia to apply for the Nomad Visa?

Yes, any address like an Airbnb or hotel will work.

How do I get a Cédula de Extranjería in Colombia?

You must apply within 15 days of entering Colombia if your visa is valid for more than three months.

We hope you found this guide useful, and if you have any questions or would like to have expert help, we encourage you to contact our verified expert, Angela.

By addressing these common questions and preparing all required documents, you can ensure a smoother application process for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa. Our expertise and personal care guarantee the best solutions for a positive outcome. While you can apply independently, the process can be time-consuming and stressful.

We are here to make your journey to Colombia as easy as possible. See you in Colombia! 🇨🇴