The digital nomad visa in Colombia, officially known as the “Temporary Remote Worker Visa”, is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to work remotely while enjoying the Colombian culture and landscape.
However, one of the most important aspects to consider before applying for this visa are the costs and fees involved.
In this article, we will break down all the costs associated with obtaining this visa, providing a complete guide.
Visa Application Fees
Colombian Government Rates
The first cost to consider is the official tariffs established by the Colombian government.
These fees may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the type of visa requested. The following is a breakdown of the most common costs:
Application fee
Generally, the application fee for the digital nomad visa ranges from $50 to $80 USD. This fee covers the initial processing of the application and must be paid when submitting the application online.
Dispatch rate
Once the application is approved, a visa issuance fee must be paid, which can vary between $100 and $300 USD. This cost depends on the applicant’s country of origin and the duration of the visa.
Forms of Payment
Application and issuance fees can be paid through various methods, including credit card, debit card and bank transfers.
It is important to make sure to save your payment receipts, as they will be needed to complete the application process.
Additional Costs
Document Translation
All documents not in Spanish must be translated by a certified translator.
Translation costs may vary, but generally range from $20 to $50 USD per page. Be sure to check if the documents require official translation.
Legalization and Apostille
Some documents may need to be legalized or apostilled to be accepted in Colombia.
This process may incur additional costs ranging from $10 to $50 USD per document, depending on the country of origin.
Medical Insurance
Having an international medical insurance is a mandatory requirement to obtain the digital nomad visa in Colombia.
Insurance costs vary widely depending on coverage and duration, but are generally between $50 and $150 USD per month.
Professional Services
Immigration Lawyers and Consultants
Hiring an immigration consultant or attorney can facilitate the application process by ensuring that all documents are in order and that all requirements are met.
Fees for these professionals vary, but generally range from $200 to $500 USD for their services.
Benefits of Hiring Professionals
Although hiring a professional may seem like an additional expense, the benefits include a streamlined application process, reduced risk of errors and a greater likelihood of success in obtaining a visa.
Travel and living expenses
Airline Tickets
The cost of airline tickets to Colombia varies according to the place of origin, the airline and the season. On average, international flights to Colombia can cost between $300 and $800 USD.
Lodging
The cost of living in Colombia is relatively low compared to many other countries. Lodging expenses depend on the city and type of housing.
In cities such as Bogota, Medellin or Cartagena, rental costs can range from $300 to $700 USD per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Daily Expenses
Other daily expenses, such as food, transportation and entertainment, are also more affordable in Colombia.
A reasonable monthly budget for these expenses could be between $400 and $600 USD.
Estimated Total Budget
To provide an overview, here is an estimated total budget to obtain and maintain a digital nomad visa in Colombia for one year:
- Application fee: $50 – $80 USD
- Expedition fee: $100 – $300 USD
- Translation of documents: $100 – $200 USD
- Legalization and apostille: $50 – $100 USD
- Medical insurance: $600 – $1,800 USD (for 12 months)
- Professional consulting: $200 – $500 USD
- Airfare: $300 – $800 USD
- Housing: $3,600 – $8,400 USD (for 12 months)
- Daily expenses: $4,800 – $7,200 USD (for 12 months)
Total Estimated
The total estimated budget to obtain and maintain the digital nomad visa in Colombia for one year can vary between $9,800 and $19,380 USD.
This range depends on several factors, such as lifestyle, level of health insurance coverage and whether professional services are chosen.
Cost Comparison with Other Countries
Comparing the costs of the digital nomad visa in Colombia with other countries can help you decide if Colombia is the best option for you.
Mexico
In Mexico, the cost of the digital nomad visa is similar to that of Colombia, with application fees varying between $36 and $48 USD and issuance fees between $150 and $300 USD.
The cost of living is also comparable, although some cities may be more expensive.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a digital nomad visa with application costs around $100 USD and issuance fees of approximately $300 USD.
The cost of living in Costa Rica tends to be higher than in Colombia, especially in tourist areas.
Portugal
Portugal is another popular destination for digital nomads, but its costs are significantly higher.
Application fees can exceed $100 USD, and the cost of living, especially in cities such as Lisbon and Porto, is considerably higher.
Conclusions
Applying for and maintaining a digital nomad visa in Colombia involves a number of costs and fees, most of which are affordable compared to other countries.
Colombia offers a unique combination of low cost of living, rich culture and a relatively simple visa process.
By following this guide and considering all the costs involved, you can properly plan your budget and enjoy an enriching experience as a digital nomad in Colombia.
Cybergraphy
- Cancillería de Colombia – Digital Nomad Visa: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visas
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/
- DIAN – Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (National Tax and Customs Directorate): https://www.dian.gov.co/
- Ministry of Health and Social Protection: https://www.minsalud.gov.co/
- ProColombia: https://procolombia.co/
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