Colombia offers remote workers two routes: up to 180 days a year as a tourist, or the digital nomad visa for up to two years. This page covers both as of October 2026. Check the official Cancillería and Migración Colombia sites before applying.
Visa-Free Entry#
- Who: citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, EU countries, Australia and many others.
- Stay: 90 days on arrival, extendable once by up to 90 days (a Permiso Temporal de Permanencia) online or at Migración Colombia, up to 180 days per calendar year.
- Check-MIG: complete the free Check-MIG form online within 72 hours before arriving or leaving.
- Remote work for foreign employers on a tourist stay is a grey area; the digital nomad visa is the legal route.
The 180-day limit is per calendar year, so many people arrive in mid-year and use 180 days, then another 180 from January.
Digital Nomad Visa (V Nómada Digital)#
- Who: remote workers employed by or providing services to companies outside Colombia, or running their own digital or tech business. It is open to nationals of visa-exempt countries.
- Income: at least three times the Colombian minimum wage in each of the last three months: about COP 5.25 million a month in 2026 (around $1,300).
- Other documents: passport, bank statements, an employment letter or contracts, and health insurance covering Colombia for the whole stay.
- Length: up to two years.
- Fees: about $55 to apply and about $175 when granted, varying by nationality.
- How to apply: online through the Cancillería portal, from anywhere, including inside Colombia. Decisions usually take a few weeks.
After approval, register the visa with Migración Colombia and get your cédula de extranjería (foreigner ID card) within 15 days if the visa lasts more than three months.
Overstays#
Overstaying brings fines from Migración Colombia and can affect future entries. Extend or leave on time.
Colombia's Visa Options Compared#
Colombia: Digital Nomad Visa (V Nómada Digital)
- Stay
- Up to 2 years
- Valid for
- 2 years
- Renewal
- No; switch to another visa to stay
- Money required
- 3x the Colombian minimum wage: about COP 5.25 million (about $1,300) a month
- Fee
- About $55 to apply, about $175 when granted
- Who qualifies
- Remote workers for foreign employers or clients, and owners of foreign digital businesses, from visa-exempt countries.
- Family
- Spouse and children as beneficiaries
- Tax
- Tax resident after 183 days in 12 months
- How to apply
- Online through the Cancillería visa portal. Official site
Medellín and Bogotá are the main bases. Tax residency comes fast, so plan for it.
Colombia for digital nomads · Rules checked October 2026. Confirm with the official source before applying.
Colombia Visa FAQs#
Does Colombia have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. It needs about three times the Colombian minimum wage a month from foreign sources and lasts up to two years.
How long can Americans stay in Colombia?
90 days on arrival, extendable to 180 days in a calendar year.
Can I apply for the Colombian digital nomad visa in Colombia?
Yes. Applications are online through the Cancillería portal, from anywhere.
What is Check-MIG?
Colombia’s free online migration form, completed within 72 hours before entering or leaving the country.