Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Interested in opportunities to combine exploring the world with working remotely on projects you love? Have you considered applying for a digital nomad visa which allows you to settle in a fascinating place, work remotely, and get unique insights into a different way of life?
This guide to the Colombia digital nomad visa covers all the information you need to start your research and decide if a digital nomad visa is the right choice for you.
TL;DR
- A citizen of Malaysia can apply for a digital nomad visa in Colombia provided that they meet the application requirements
- At the time of researching, under Colombia’s digital nomad visa you’ll pay 19% tax on your earnings, which may vary depending on your situation and income
- The cost of living in Colombia is 12.3% lower than Malaysia
| Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Key Points | |
|---|---|
| Tax to pay | 19% |
| Tax-free period | Six months |
| Min. monthly income required | RM3,211 |
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What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is aimed at people who are able to work remotely, either for one employer, for their own business, or as a freelancer working on multiple projects or for many clients. As remote work gets more and more common and popular, more countries are issuing digital nomad visas. Remote workers will often be receiving an income from a third country - and so not taking a job away from any local citizen - while spending in the local economy and paying taxes. This adds up to a great deal for the digital nomad and for the country issuing the digital nomad visa.
Can a citizen from Malaysia apply to the Colombia digital nomad visa scheme?
A citizen of Malaysia can apply for a digital nomad visa in Colombia provided that they meet the application requirements. As a general rule, all countries will impose some requirements on people before issuing a digital nomad visa. These eligibility rules ensure that the visa scheme is not incorrectly used, and can help support and boost the local economy in Colombia.
The exact rules for a digital nomad visa in Colombia do vary and may be reassessed from time to time, so you’ll need to make sure you have the most up to date information to hand before you apply.
What are the requirements for the Colombia digital nomad visa?
While the requirements to apply for a digital visa for Colombia can vary a little, you’ll usually follow a similar process in most cases, with eligibility rules which can include:
- You must gather up a set of required documents to support your application, such as your ID and proof of address
- You must prove you have enough money to support yourself, and a reasonable income from your work. At the time of research, the minimum monthly income required is RM3,211
- You must prove you can work remotely and continue to earn a minimum income
- You may need to show you have accommodation, insurance, return tickets and other practicalities lined up before you apply
Will I be taxed in Colombia under the digital nomad visa?
As a digital nomad in Colombia, you’ll pay 19% income tax on your earnings to the local government during the visa period. Tax rates and rules can change, so make sure you’re clear on the tax rate which will apply to you before you start the application process.
Bear in mind that you may also owe taxes elsewhere, depending on your nationality and where else you’ve resided or earned income over the course of a year. Take professional advice if you’re unsure of your obligations.
What is the cost of living in Colombia as a digital nomad?
The difference in the cost of living between Malaysia and Colombia will make a big difference to the quality of life you can afford, how much you can save, and what you’ll need your income to be to get a digital nomad visa.
Overall the cost of living in Colombia is 12.3% lower than in Malaysia. However, the exact amount you need to spend day to day can vary a lot based on your lifestyle, preferences and your exact location in Colombia.
Overall, though, the lower cost of living should mean you can really make the most of the experience of being a digital nomad in Colombia - or you could take the opportunity to save some income while still enjoying a good quality of life.
| Item | Cost in Colombian Peso ($) | Cost in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,446,417 | RM1,484 |
| Bills (Utilities) | $337,515 | RM346 |
| Restaurant (mid-range) | $19,859 | RM20 |
| Beer | $4,954 | RM5 |
| Cappuccino | $6,225 | RM6 |
| Local Transport (one way) | $2,937.2 | RM3.01 |
For more information about the living costs between Colombia and Malaysia visit Numbeo, where this information is taken from.
Do I need to open a bank account for the Colombia digital nomad visa?
Some countries need you to show evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself during your digital nomad visa, but it’s not always necessary to open a bank account in the country itself.
Instead you could open a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise which could let you hold both MYR and COP as well as other currencies for increased flexibility.
Some digital providers like Wise also allow you to create local account details in a selection of currencies to avoid the need to open a local bank account. Instead, just get paid in COP to your Wise multi-currency account using the local details provided, so you can cover your expenses in Colombia conveniently.
Wise travel card - a lot cost alternative when travelling
Visa Debit Card
Spend in multiple currencies
Mid-market rateUsing a multi-currency card from Wise for your travels is often a more cost-effective option. Wise provides conversions at the mid-market exchange rate without any markups or hidden fees, ensuring you get the bets possible value for your money.
Currency exchange rates between Malaysia and Colombia
The currency you’ll need for use in Colombia is the Colombian Peso, which is normally abbreviated to the currency code COP. This is what you need to look out for when comparing exchange rates, converting currencies or sending payments.
The currency exchange rates between Malaysia and Colombia fluctuate all the time, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the MYR to COP exchange rate to get used to how conversion will work. Check out our currency exchange rates chart below:
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What is the length of the Colombia digital nomad visa?
Once you have an approved digital nomad visa, the length of stay you’re allowed in Colombia will be detailed on it or in the issuing documents. You’ll also be notified of any option to reapply or extend your visa.
Digital nomad visas will be issued for varying lengths of time, but it’s pretty common to find you can get a visa for around 12 months initially, plus you may be able to apply again for an extension without needing to leave the country as long as you still meet all the application requirements second time round.
Approval time for Colombia digital nomad visa
You’ll be able to check out the live average approval time for a digital nomad visa in Colombia on your local Consulate or Embassy website.
Visa processing times can vary based on a lot of factors, including the demand at any given moment. Be prepared to wait for your visa - and do double check you’ve provided all the correct information and paperwork when you apply. Supplying incorrect or incomplete information will always slow down the processing of your application - and may even mean your application is rejected entirely.
In summary...
Working remotely with a digital nomad visa can be an excellent experience, allowing you to travel and work, explore and keep on developing your career. If you’re considering applying for the Colombia digital nomad visa you’ll likely need to prepare a set of supporting documents, as well as being able to prove that you do - or could - work remotely and continue to earn an income to support yourself.
Digital nomad visas are becoming more and more common, as different countries realise that allowing digital nomads to enter the country, to work, earn and spend without taking jobs away from local people could benefit the economy. Even if you’re not yet able to apply for a digital nomad visa for Colombia, it’s worth researching other options, and also keeping an eye out for updates on the Colombia digital nomad visa and eligibility rules.
Other countries that have digital nomad visas
Digital Nomad FAQ
A digital nomad visa is aimed at people who are able to work remotely and want to combine travel with their normal job. Many countries offer digital nomad visas which you can use to enter the country and work legally, within certain rules. You may pay tax on your income, but the digital nomad schemes are exciting opportunities to explore the world while continuing to work.
The eligibility rules for a digital nomad visa can vary a lot but normally you'll need to provide proof of ID and proof of address, and show you can work remotely and continue to earn a minimum income. You may need to show you have accommodation, insurance, return tickets and other practicalities lined up before you apply.
There’s no single best place for digital nomads - it really depends on what you want from your experience. Some people choose countries with a low cost of living to allow them to live well while saving, while others prioritize the opportunity to visit a country they’re fascinated by, while continuing to earn a regular income.
Resources
- VisaGuide.World
- information around requirements and tax implications for the Colombia digital nomad visa
- Numbeo Country Comparison
- cost of living comparison between Colombia and Malaysia