Colombia

Before you apply

• NO AVERAGING — this is what sinks freelancers. Each of the last THREE months must clear the threshold INDIVIDUALLY. Earn $10,000 one month and $1,000 the next and you are refused, even though the average is fine.
• The bar moved sharply this year: it is 3× the Colombian minimum wage, which rose about 23% in 2026. That makes it COP 5,252,715/month (~$1,435). Any older figure you see is now far too low.
• ONLY BANK STATEMENTS count as proof of income. Invoices, tax returns and letters from your accountant are not accepted as primary evidence.
• The Cancillería converts your income to pesos at the rate ON THE DAY it opens your file — so apply with a buffer, not exactly on the line.
• NATIONALITY BAR: only passports exempt from Colombia's short-stay visa requirement may apply. Ukraine IS exempt (90 days), so Ukrainians can use this route.
• Approval is not a formality. A meaningful share of 2026 applications are refused and the Cancillería exercises real discretion — most failures are sloppy files, not unqualified applicants.
• Time on this visa does NOT count toward residency or citizenship, and it is cancelled if you are absent from Colombia for more than 6 consecutive months.
• 183 days in any 365 makes you a Colombian tax resident on WORLDWIDE income. Track your days from year one.