Colombia has grown in popularity among expats from all over the world due to its hospitable culture, affordable cost of living, and breathtaking scenery. Colombia provides visa choices that accommodate a variety of lifestyles and financial objectives, whether you want to work remotely from energetic cities like Medellín or Bogotá or retire in the country’s tropical climate. The Digital Nomad Visa and the Retirement Visa (Type R) are two of the most popular visa choices. Although they both permit foreigners to reside and work in Colombia, their functions are different.

To help you navigate which visa might be the best fit for you, let’s dive into the key differences between the two and what each one offers.

1. Eligibility Requirements: Retirement Visa vs. Digital Nomad Visa

Retirement Visa (Type R)

The Retirement Visa is aimed at individuals who are either retired or receiving a pension or other steady income from abroad. The requirements for this visa are straightforward:

• Applicants must be at least 55 years old (men) or 50 years old (women).

• You need to prove a monthly income of at least 3 million Colombian pesos (roughly USD $650) from pensions, investments, or other reliable sources of income. This ensures you are financially independent and won’t need to work in Colombia.

Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced more recently, is designed for remote workers who wish to live in Colombia while working for an employer or business outside the country. This visa has slightly different eligibility criteria:

•  Applicants must prove they are employed or self-employed, earning at least 3 million Colombian pesos per month (about USD $650) from foreign sources.

• You must provide documentation of your employment, such as contracts, bank statements showing your income, or proof of freelance work.

In conclusion, the Digital Nomad Visa is for individuals who work remotely and receive their money from sources outside of Colombia, whereas the Retirement Visa is best suited for those who are financially independent, have a reliable source of income, and have no plans to work locally.

2. Income Requirements: Stable vs. Flexible

While both visas require proof of income, the nature of that income differs.

• Retirement Visa: Here, steady, continuous income from social security, savings, or pensions is the main goal. Showing that you have enough to live comfortably in Colombia without having to work is the aim. For retirees who wish to spend their golden years in a stunning, reasonably priced nation, this is ideal.

• Digital Nomad Visa: To be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa, you must provide documentation of your remote income. The important thing is that your work is done outside of Colombia, regardless of whether you are an employee working remotely for a corporation overseas, a freelancer, or a contractor. The 3 million peso income criteria is still in place, but it is more flexible because it can come from any source as long as it isn’t from a Colombian employer.

3. Work Permissions: Local vs. Remote Employment

• Retirement Visa: The Retirement Visa does not allow you to work in Colombia. The intention is for retirees who are financially self-sufficient and do not need to find local employment. If you decide to work during your stay, you would need to apply for a different type of visa.

•  Digital Nomad Visa: With the Digital Nomad Visa, you can continue to work remotely for your employer or business abroad. However, this visa does not allow you to take up employment with a Colombian company. If you wish to work for a local business or start your own company in Colombia, a different visa would be required.

4. Flexibility and Lifestyle: Retire and Relax vs. Work and Travel

• Retirement Visa: The Retirement Visa is perhaps the best option if your main objective is to retire to Colombia and take advantage of the laid-back lifestyle. It is intended for those who wish to settle down and spend their golden years in a stunning, reasonably priced nation. As long as you continue to meet your income requirements, this visa gives you greater stability and permits you to stay in Colombia for an extended period of time.

• Digital Nomad Visa: If you’re a remote worker looking for flexibility and the ability to travel while maintaining your job, the Digital Nomad Visa could be the better choice. You can live in Colombia while continuing your professional life abroad, with the freedom to move around and experience the country’s diverse regions. Whether you’re living in Medellín’s thriving digital nomad scene or exploring the coastlines of Cartagena, this visa gives you more mobility than a traditional retirement setup.

5. Dependents and Family Considerations

• Retirement Visa: As long as the dependents are financially supported by the application, you are permitted to bring dependents such as your spouse and children under the age of 25. For people who intend to retire with family, this is a fantastic choice.

• Digital Nomad Visa: You are also permitted to bring dependents with you on the Digital Nomad Visa, however further proof that you can provide for them while residing in Colombia may be needed. Make sure your finances are in order to include family members in your application, as the visa is designed for people who work remotely.

6. Visa Duration and Renewals

• Retirement Visa: The Retirement Visa is usually issued for up to three years, after which it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the financial requirements continue to be met.

•  Digital Nomad Visa: The Digital Nomad Visa is generally issued for one year, with the possibility of renewal. However, the duration may be adjusted depending on the specifics of your remote work contract and income verification.

Conclusion: Which Visa Is Right for You?

If you want to retire in Colombia, have a steady income from investments or a pension, and don’t want to work there, go for the Retirement Visa. With this visa, you can live in Colombia for a long time without having to work or conduct business there.

Choose the Digital Nomad Visa if you’re a remote worker or freelancer with a steady income from abroad and want to experience life in Colombia while maintaining your job. It’s perfect for those who are interested in flexibility, work-life balance, and the ability to travel around Colombia while earning money remotely.

In the end, it comes down to your particular circumstances—whether you’re prepared to retire and live a relaxed lifestyle or whether you still need to work remotely while residing in a vibrant new setting. Both visas offer distinctive advantages.

Whatever visa you decide on, Colombia is a great destination to begin your future journey because of its allure and expanding expat community.