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Digital nomadism is on the rise in South America, a continent rushing to be ahead of the curve in the post-Covid economic race. After Brazil and Argentina, which paved the way for remote workers earlier this year, now It’s Colombia’s turn to launch its Digital Nomad Visawith some of the easier requests we have seen yet.
A country whose natural beauty and unique culture were once marred by turf wars and widespread instability that kept visitors and investors away for most of the 20th century, Colombia has successfully re-branded itself in recent decades as a top tourist destination and the main center of Latin America.
Now, it is taking another bold step in revitalizing its Covid-hit economy:
Colombia still has the most affordable nomadic visa requirements
Colombia may be arriving somewhat late to the party, seeing as most of its traditional competitors, including Costa Rica and neighboring Brazil, have already announced similar schemes benefiting digital nomads months ago, but definitely makes up for the delay with an offer many will find impossible to resist.
Starting October 22ndqualified workers will be able to establish residency in Colombia by meeting a simple requirement: they must have a minimum of $684 in monthly available funds. She’s one away well below the average US national minimum wage this year, estimated at $1,256.70.
With the cost of living crisis, rising fuel prices and endless political disputes shaking Washington to its core, life in the state is becoming unsustainable for many young workers, who are now looking outside their home country. and are joining the growing trend of nomadism.
Well, lucky them, cause Colombia’s visa scheme is incredibly accessible.
Digital Nomad Visas may require you to make $70,000+ per year elsewhere
Essentially, foreigners are required to earn an almost negligible average of $22.80 per day to apply, a significantly lower amount than other destinations driving the trend. In comparison, Costa Rica expects applicants to prove the means of support at least $3,000 a month, or $2,316 more than Colombia’s much more modest requirement.
In Europe, perhaps the most popular continent for long-term travelers due to its unparalleled cross-border connectivity, Croatia has set a minimum threshold of $2,600 per month, while Malta is setting the bar even higher by rejecting applications from travelers whose funds do not reach $3,063.39 per month. Other examples include:
- Montserrat – Minimum $70,000 per year
- Dubai – Minimum $60,000 per year
- Barbados – Minimum $50,000 per year
- Estonia – Minimum $1,302 per month
- Romania – Minimum $4,170 per month
You can find the full list of countries offering Digital Nomad Visas by clicking here
As you can see, Colombia’s visa requirements are much easier to meet than those of island countries or Europe. Unlike other destinations that have admitted to openly discouraging budget travel, targeting big investors and high-spending tourists, Escobar’s homeland hopes to attract backpackers shunned by Europe. removal of financial barriers.
Worrying about the 3-month rule will soon be a thing of the past for remote workers
Before the start of the visaColumbia was already a household name among digital nomads, who are drawn to Medellin’s vibrant nightlife, Bogota’s cultural scene, the diverse nature of the Colombian Amazon and its beautiful Caribbean coastline. The only downside? They were only allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
That changes starting this fall.
As a general rule, when visiting as a tourist, Americans and most foreigners could only stay for three months. However, we have had reports of nomads renewing their temporary visas for a further three, although this is not guaranteed and overstaying visas inevitably leads to legal difficulties when exiting or re-entering a country.
However, once the new system is launched, long-term travelers who wish to stay in Colombia will be able to do so you don’t have to worry about the 3-month rule anymorebeing allowed to stay on national territory for up to two years – more than enough time to tick off all of Colombia’s top landmarks and discover its hidden gems.
To be free from the control of the Immigration Department of Colombia, Eligible travelers may be required to apply for the appropriate visa in advance, giving them permission to work remotely from Colombia. So far, the authorities have not provided further information or listed other criteria that must be met.
Are there any other rules for applying?
Since the system is only being launched in the fall, we don’t know of any other rules yet that may apply in addition to the minimum income. Usually, Digital Nomad Visas are issued upon presentation of:
- A valid passport that does not expire during the temporary stay
- Evidence of sufficient financial resources
- One’s income must come in full from outside*
- Health insurance for the duration of the intended stay
- A penalty check **
*When seeking entry to Colombia to work as an employee for a Colombian-based company, foreigners must apply for a work visa, or other similar category, instead
**Not mandatory in some cases
Moreover, if you keep a second Mercosur citizenship other than American, British or European, or you are also a citizen of a Mercosur member state, you already enjoy freedom of movement within the countrybeing allowed to live and work in Colombia without any requirement other than your Mercosur/Mercosur nationality.
Thus, you are not required to apply for a long-term visa or a new Colombia digital nomad visa to stay in the country. This applies to citizens of:
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- PERU
- uruguay
Read more:
Travel Insurance covering Covid-19 for 2022
Top 10 beach destinations for digital nomads
The ultimate cheat sheet to becoming a digital nomad
South America’s first digital nomad village will open in Brazil
Top 5 places where you are most likely to get scammed
This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest news that will impact your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions subject to change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before you travel. Travel Off Path does not endorse travel against government advice
