First Approved Colombian Digital Nomad Visas - What we learned from the first successful applications
The first Colombian Digital Nomad Visas were issued by the Cancillería (Colombian Visa Authority) over the last few weeks creating an easier path for digital nomads to live and work long-term in Colombia. These early visa approvals have begun to answer some questions regarding the specifics of the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa and what the Cancillería is looking for in its applications. Below you will find what we have learned from the first successful Digital Nomads Visa approvals in Colombia.
Time Period for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa
So far, almost all the Colombian Digital Nomad Visas we have seen approved have been issued for a 1 year period. The only exception we have run into was for our client who had their Digital Nomad Visa issued by a Consulate, as opposed to the Cancillería, and were given a 2 year period.
As Immigration Regulations allow the Visa to be issued for up to 2 years (at the Immigration Officer’s discretion), Visa holders who were given one year periods should be able to renew their visas at the end this term to get their full two years, as happens with other Colombian visas.
The fact that the Cancillería is issuing the new Digital Nomad visas for 1 year at a time (instead of 2 years all at once) is not surprising as this has also been happening as of late with other Colombian visas. This is true even of ones, such as Marriage or Investment Visas, which used to be issued for multiple years as matter of course. This seems to be part of a recent trend by the Colombian Government to toughen its immigration rules as evidenced by the increase in fines for immigration infractions and recent stricter Residency and visa requirements.
Health Insurance and Other Insurance Coverage for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa
The Colombian Digital Nomad Visa requires the applicant to be covered by insurance for a wide range of situations including health care, disability, and repatriation of remains to your home country in case of death.
The good news is that the Cancillería seems to be accepting a wide variety of insurance providers to cover these insurance requirements as long as the policy or policies state that each of the different requirements are met.
The Cancillería is accepting both foreign-based Travel Insurance and Colombian Insurance Policies for the Visa. It is also accepting multiple insurance policies by the same applicant so the applicant does not have to search for one (expensive) policy that will cover everything. Example: Most Colombian Health Insurance Plans do not cover disability so it can be paired with a separate Colombian Life Insurance plan that will specifically fill these gaps.
Proving Income for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa
In order to prove that they meet the income requirements, applicants have been asked to provide a letter from their employer, a labor contract, and three months worth of bank statements.
The Cancillería has specifically requested a letter from the employer which includes language granting permission for the employee to work remotely internationally.
We have come across many digital nomads in Colombia whose employers do not know they are working internationally and use VPNs to pretend to be working remotely in their home countries. This international work permission clause will obviously make it harder for them to apply as so far a generic letter of employment without this clause has not been accepted. These digital nomads may have to look for another visa in order to stay long-term in Colombia.
Cost of Colombian Digital Nomad Visa
The Cancillería is charging $52 USD for the Visa Application and $215 USD for the Issuing fee if the Visa is approved. The Colombian government charges in USD instead of COP to keep the prices of visas stable.
Conclusion
If you have any further questions about applying for Colombian Digital Nomad Visa or about living long-term in Colombia, do not hesitate to contact Restrepo Legal. We are here to help.
