As many countries in Latin America continue to work to become destinations for remote workers, local governments are implementing digital nomad visas in their countries. Their strategy is to attract those workers by offering benefits and, at the same time, benefit from their contributions to their local economies.
Now, Colombia’s digital nomad visa project is on its way. As The Bogota Post recently reported, the South American country is in the process of approving its digital nomad visa.
Colombia has become of of the hottest Latin American destinations for international tourists over the past 10 years. With beautiful landscapes, the Caribbean vibe, a vibrant multicultural culture, an efficient tourist infrastructure, and a sense of safety in its major tourist spots, the country has experienced an increase of almost 200 percent in international visitors between 2010 and 2019, the year before the pandemic, according to official data. Many of those visitors, who can work remotely, express their desire to stay longer in Colombia.
The first step was taken in 2020 when Colombia’s government issued a law that ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create work permits for “digital nomads,” including people dedicated to remote, independent, or teleworking. However, the country’s law system requires its Foreign Ministry to issue a resolution that contains the specifics of any future visa. In 2021, the Foreign Ministry announced a draft of the “visa resolution project,” which includes a visa for digital nomads.
But, the resolution was “halted” due to the election year, The Bogota Post said. “The foreign policy is set by the president and it doesn’t make sense to introduce an important change in the visa regulation just a few months before the election of a new president,” lawyer Mónica María Robledo Cadavid told the newspaper.
Currently, a digital nomad with a tourist visa can only stay in Colombia for 180 days each year. It is possible to extend it for another 90 days. However, the visitor can only extend a tourist permit once; it cannot be extended a second time.
When the nomad visa comes into effect, here are some of the requirements, according to the resolution for the projected visa:
- The applicant must work for a foreign company.
- Bank statements proving a monthly income of at least three minimum monthly legal wages (i.e. three million pesos.)
- A letter in Spanish or English, issued by one or more foreign companies for which the foreigner provides services.
- Health insurance with coverage in Colombia, including accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, or repatriation for the planned permanence of the foreigner in the country.
The visa can be approved for a maximum duration of two years. Travel Noire will keep you updated on the progress of Colombia’s digital nomad visa as soon as the project is finally approved.
Related: Digital Nomad Visas Are Finally Coming To Italy. Here’s What To Know
