Case 1: Freelancer from Turkey

• Profile: Lead Software Engineer from a US company.

• Documents Provided: copy of passport, employment contract, bank statements, health insurance, and letter of intent.

• Challenge: This was one of the first visas processed under the new law, and the first time a criminal record was requested on this type of visa. The Turkish criminal record was a document we couldn't anticipate needing, and obtaining it was time-consuming. With a tight deadline from the authorities, we submitted the application at the very last minute.

• Outcome: Visa approved for 18 months. From this case, we learned that more extra documents could be required, and understanding the time processes for each document in different countries is crucial.

Case 2: Software Engineer from the USA

• Profile: Senior Software Engineer with a hybrid work model.

• Documents Provided: US passport, employment contract, letter from HR, bank statements, and health insurance.

• Challenge: The initial job letter provided by the company was ambiguous about remote work from Colombia. We decided not to proceed with the application using this letter. Instead, we worked closely with the client and the company to get a new, specific letter that clearly stated the remote work arrangement.

• Outcome: Visa approved for 18 months. Having a cooperative company that understands the specific visa requirements was vital for a successful outcome.

Case 3: Company Owner from the USA

• Profile: Owner of an American logistics company, working remotely from Colombia.

• Documents Provided: US passport, letter of intent, bank statements, health insurance, migration movements certificate, company existence certificate.

• Challenge: While reviewing the documents, which were very complete, we discovered the client had a previous partner visa that had not been updated after the relationship ended. This oversight could lead to the cancellation of the current visa, fines, 30 days to leave the country, and a negative record for future visa applications. We stop the DNA since was clear for us it will end on a denial and many other problems, instead we helped the client to clear up all previous issues with immigration and prepared a thorough application for the DNV.

• Outcome: Visa approved for 12 months. This case taught us the importance of clients being transparent and providing a complete background to receive the best possible help. Thanks to our intervention, the client didn’t face additional problems from their previous visa. However, an important lesson here is that if your visa status changes or you have issues to clear with immigration, address those first as soon as possible. Colombia has a very strict immigration legal system.

Case 4: Freelance Art Consultant from the USA

• Profile: Art consultant for an AI art platform, earning based on sales.

• Documents Provided: US passport, letter from the art platform operator, social media links, bank statements, health insurance, migration stamps.

• Challenge: The job was highly unconventional, performed for a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) without formal registration, and payment was in cryptocurrency base on sales. This required a unique cover letter to explain the situation and convince the authorities, compensating for the lack of standard documents. We also prepared the client for a detailed phone interview with the Colombian consulate in the USA.

• Outcome: Outcome: Visa approved for 12 months. This challenging case required careful thinking and strategy to present non-traditional work arrangements successfully and helped the authorities think outside the box. We were glad to assist our client in obtaining this visa. He is now considering moving to an investor visa since he loves his stay here.

Case 5: Web Designer from Slovakia

• Profile: Freelances on Upwork.

• Documents Provided: Passport, bank statements, proof of course attendance, migration movements certificate.

• Challenge: Transitioning from a student visa required proof of course completion and attendance. Additionally, the nature of freelancing on Upwork made it impossible to provide letters from clients or documents from Upwork, as it's a platform, not an employer. We carefully explained the job's nature, but the immigration officer insisted on the same documents.

• Outcome: Outcome: The visa application was deemed inadmissible due to the inability to meet the document requirements. We decided not to continue the process to avoid a possible denial. This case highlighted the difficulty in presenting unconventional work arrangements and the importance of understanding platform-based freelancing. We are still working to change the closed-minded conceptions about new jobs in Colombia. This is the only case where we couldn't secure a visa for a client, and it's always hard for us not to be able to help. However, it is important to understand that the success of an application is ultimately up to the immigration officer. They decide on the required additional documents, and the process has no appeal. Since this is a new type of visa, it is still challenging to make the authorities understand the evolving job market of the digital nomad world.

To apply for the Colombian Digital Nomad Visa, you'll need to provide the following documents initially:

1. Application Form: Complete the official visa application form online.

2. Digital Photo: Recent colour photo (3x4 cm, max 300 KB, JPG).

3. Passport: Valid for at least six months with free pages for visa stamping.

4. Recent Entry Stamp: Copy for in-country applicants.

5. Proof of Residence: For exempted nationals applying from a different country.

6. Letter of Intent: Explain your intention to stay in Colombia and remote work activities.

7. Employment Contract or Proof of Freelance Work: Confirm remote work arrangement.

8. Proof of Income: Bank statements showing regular income for the last six months.

9. Health Insurance: Coverage in Colombia.

Authorities often require more than the published list of documents. Based on our extensive experience, here are additional documents you might need:

• Migration Movements Certificate: Proof of movements in and out of Colombia.

• Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation: For company owners, translated and apostilled.

• Detailed Cover Letter: Especially if your job role is unique or non-traditional.

• Notarized and Apostilled Letters: From employers or clients confirming your engagements.

• Proof of Course Attendance: For transitioning from a student visa.

• Proof of Cancellation of Previous Visa: If you held a previous visa and your circumstances have changed.

• Certificate of Criminal Records: Obtain and apostille if required.

• Extended International Healthcare Insurance: Ensure coverage for the entire visa length.

1. Migratory Stamps: Upload the last entry stamp if applying from Colombia.

2. Notarized and Apostilled Letters: Ensure all letters are properly notarized and apostilled.

3. Phone Number and Interview: Be prepared for a possible interview.

4. Certificate of Criminal Records: Obtain and apostille if necessary.

5. Extended Healthcare Insurance: Ensure it covers the entire visa period.

Do I need a criminal record to apply?

• Not initially, but have it ready if requested.

Am I guaranteed to get a two-year visa?

• No, most visas are granted for one year or 18 months, depending on health insurance coverage.

Can I prove I have enough money to cover my stay without job/client letters?

• No, you must prove remote work primarily.

Can I bring my family?

• Yes, you can add beneficiaries to your application.

Once my visa expires, can I apply for a new type of visa?

• Yes, it's common to switch visa types after your Digital Nomad Visa expires.

What if I don't have a formal employment contract?

• Freelancers can provide contracts or proof of self-employment.

How long does the visa application process take?

• Typically, 30 days, but additional documents are often requested.

What if my application is denied?

• You can reapply after six months.

Can I apply for the visa from within Colombia?

• Yes, provide a copy of your recent entry stamp.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

• Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and re-entry bans.

Do I need a local address in Colombia?

• Yes, any address like an Airbnb or hotel will work.

How do I get a Cedula de Extranjeria?

• Apply within 15 days of entering Colombia if your visa is valid for more than three months.