As of Oct. 22, eligible digital nomads and remote workers can move to Colombia if they meet a single, simple condition: they must prove they earn as little as $684 per month.
This amount is well below the estimated average annual minimum wage of $1,256.70 in the United States. Other visas require applicants to make more than $70,000 A Year.
To apply, foreigners must earn an average of $22.80 a day, which is significantly less than the amount required by other countries supporting this trend.
In comparison, Costa Rica wants applicants to demonstrate a monthly income of at least $3,000, which is $2,316 more than Colombia’s much more modest standards.
In Europe, perhaps the most popular continent for long-term travelers because of its unprecedented cross-border connections, Croatia has set a minimum monthly limit of $2,600, while Malta has raised the bar even higher, requesting applicants to make a total of $3,063.39 per month. Other examples include:
- Montserrat – Minimum $70,000 a year
- Dubai – Minimum $60,000 a year
- Barbados – Minimum $50,000 a year
- Estonia – Minimum $1,302 per month
- Romania – Minimum $4,170 per month
As you can see, Colombian visa requirements are much easier to comply with than those of island countries or Europe.
Unlike other countries that have openly discouraged cheap travel to attract big investors and big-spending tourists, the Caribbean republic hopes to attract backpackers cast aside by Europe by removing the financial hurdles.
Other rules and conditions
Because the system is only debuting in the fall, it is unknown what other rules may apply outside the minimum income. Digital Nomad Visas are typically issued upon proof of:
- A valid passport that does not expire during the temporary stay.
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Income must come entirely from abroad
- Health insurance for the duration of the planned stay
- A criminal record check