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Open to any nationality working remotely for foreign clients or employers. Requires proof of income of at least 3x the Colombian minimum wage (approximately USD 750/month as of 2024) and valid health insurance. Non-renewable but can convert to another visa category.
Employer-sponsored visa for foreigners with a job contract with a Colombian company. Open to all nationalities; fee is approximately USD 52 for the visa application plus consular fees. After 5 years of continuous migrant status, permanent residency (R visa) may be applied for.
For investors making a qualifying investment in Colombia. Minimum investment is approximately 100 times the monthly minimum wage (around USD 25,000). Business activity is permitted; leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Permanent residency available after 5 continuous years on a migrant visa, or directly for nationals of Andean Community countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru) under reciprocity. Grants the right to live and work in Colombia indefinitely.
Colombia restructured its visa system in 2022, creating three categories: Visitor (V), Migrant (M), and Resident (R). The Digital Nomad visa (V - Digital Nomad) is valid for 2 years with work authorization, and is one of the most accessible in Latin America. Migrant visas lead to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal stay. The process is managed entirely online through the Cancillería portal.
Foreign workers need a Migrant Work Visa (M - Empleado) sponsored by a Colombian employer. The employer must show the role cannot be filled by a Colombian national and that salary meets minimum thresholds. A self-employed or independent worker visa (M - Independiente) exists for those with contracts or client relationships with Colombian entities. The Digital Nomad visa allows remote work for foreign clients.
Spouses, domestic partners (including same-sex), and children under 25 who are economically dependent can apply for a Migrant Beneficiary visa (M - Beneficiario de Migrante). The visa mirrors the primary holder duration and grants work authorization in most cases. Required documents include certified marriage/birth certificates and proof of primary holder status.
Colombia taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates from 0% to 39%, though foreigners are taxed only on Colombian-sourced income for the first 5 years of residence. After 5 years, worldwide income becomes taxable. Colombia has tax treaties with about 15 countries. There is no inheritance tax, and the wealth tax applies only to very high-net-worth individuals.
Colombia has a mandatory health insurance system (EPS) for residents, which provides good coverage at low cost. Expats with legal status can enroll in the EPS system or opt for private plans. Private healthcare quality in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena is excellent and very affordable by Western standards. International health insurance is recommended for evacuation coverage.
Opening a bank account requires a Colombian ID number (cédula de extranjería) for residents, or a passport and visa for non-residents. Major banks include Bancolombia, Davivienda, and BBVA Colombia. Nequi and Daviplata are popular digital wallets. The process has become easier in recent years, and many banks offer English-language service in major cities.
Colombia offers a Migrant Investor Visa (M - Inversionista) for those investing at least 650 Colombian minimum monthly wages (approximately $65,000 USD) in Colombian assets, real estate, or businesses. After 5 continuous years, investors can apply for Resident status. The low entry threshold makes Colombia one of the most accessible investment visa destinations in Latin America.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migrant Investor Visa (M-Inversionista) | $65k+ | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |