Expat Guide to Colombia

Everything you need to know about living and working in Colombia.

Colombia launched its Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital) in 2022, making it one of Latin America's most accessible options. Requirements: proof of remote work for a foreign company or as a freelancer with foreign clients, minimum income of approximately $2,000/month (3x Colombian minimum wage), health insurance covering Colombia, and no criminal record. The visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed. Tourist visa allows 90-day stays (extendable to 180 days). The M-type visa covers work, study, and other long-term stays. Cédula de Extranjería (foreigner ID card) is issued with long-term visas and required for many services.

Progressive income tax from 0% to 39% for tax residents (spending 183+ days in Colombia within any 365-day period). Non-residents pay a flat 35% on Colombian-source income. Digital nomad visa holders earning foreign income are in a gray area — technically, if you become a tax resident, worldwide income could be taxable, though enforcement for foreign-source income of digital nomads is currently limited. Colombia has double taxation treaties with several countries. IVA (VAT) is 19% on most goods and services. Tax filing deadline is typically August-October (dates depend on your NIT number).

Colombia has a dual healthcare system: EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud) for the public/subsidized system and prepaid medicine/private insurance. EPS contributions are mandatory for employees and self-employed (12.5% of income). Quality varies — major cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali) have excellent hospitals, while rural areas have limited access. Private insurance (medicina prepagada) costs $50-150/month and provides faster access and better facilities. Medellín's healthcare is particularly strong — the city is a medical tourism hub with hospitals like Clínica El Rosario and Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe. Emergency care is provided to everyone regardless of insurance.

Bancolombia (largest bank, decent app, English support available) and Davivienda are the most common for expats. Opening an account requires Cédula de Extranjería (issued with visa) or passport with valid visa. The process can take 1-3 days. Nequi (Bancolombia's digital wallet) and Daviplata (Davivienda's) are widely used mobile payment apps — many small businesses only accept these. ATM withdrawal limits are low (typically COP 600,000-1,000,000 per transaction, about $150-250). Wise is essential for receiving international payments at good exchange rates. US dollar accounts are available at most banks for those with stable USD income.

7.9

Medellín

💰 $1200/mo🌡️ 22°C

Medellín — the 'City of Eternal Spring' — has undergone one of the most remarkable urban transformations in modern history. From its troubled past, it...