Mexico vs Colombia: which digital nomad visa fits you?
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa and Colombia Digital Nomad Visa, side by side. Every figure comes from the official government source, with the date we last checked it.
- Income
- Different tests
- Family
- Mexico: Not confirmed · Colombia: Yes
- Renewable
- Mexico: Not confirmed · Colombia: Not confirmed
| MexicoTemporary Resident Visa | ColombiaDigital Nomad Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income | No fixed USD figure | ≈ $1,655/mo5,252,715 COP / month |
| Official rule | Monthly net income > 680 days of UMA (≈€3,993) over last 6 months, OR average balance of 11,460 days of UMA (≈€67,325) over last 12 months | COP 5,252,715 per month: 3× Colombia's 2026 legal monthly minimum wage (SMMLV COP 1,750,905), shown in bank statements for the last 3 months |
| Stay | More than 180 days up to 4 years | Up to 2 years |
| Renewable | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Family | Not confirmed | Yes |
| Fees | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Official source | consulmex.sre.gob.mx ↗Verified, checked Oct 20, 2026 | cancilleria.gov.co ↗Verified, checked Oct 19, 2026 |
USD figures are approximate (FX Oct 20, 2026). The official currency figure is what the authority applies.
Key differences
- Colombia’s bar is lower: COP 5,252,715 a month (3× the 2026 minimum wage), shown in 3 months of bank statements. Mexico asks for net income above 680 days of UMA a month over 6 months (about €3,993, per the Barcelona consulate).
- Mexico also accepts savings instead: an average balance of 11,460 days of UMA over 12 months (about €67,325). Colombia’s rule is income only.
- Mexico’s temporary residence runs from more than 180 days up to 4 years. Colombia’s digital nomad visa lasts up to 2 years.
- Colombia needs a passport from a country exempt from short-stay visas, plus health insurance for the whole stay, and confirms dependants can come. Mexico’s consulate decides within 10 business days; you then get your card from INM within 30 days of arrival.
Quick answers
Which needs less income, Mexico or Colombia?
They test different things, so there's no like-for-like ranking. Mexico Temporary Resident Visa: Monthly net income > 680 days of UMA (≈€3,993) over last 6 months, OR average balance of 11,460 days of UMA (≈€67,325) over last 12 months (consulmex.sre.gob.mx, checked Oct 20, 2026). Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: COP 5,252,715 per month: 3× Colombia's 2026 legal monthly minimum wage (SMMLV COP 1,750,905), shown in bank statements for the last 3 months (cancilleria.gov.co, checked Oct 19, 2026).
Which lets you stay longer, Mexico or Colombia?
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa: More than 180 days up to 4 years. Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: Up to 2 years.
Can I bring my family on the Mexico or Colombia visa?
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa: not confirmed on the official page we checked. Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: yes, family members can be included.
How much do the Mexico and Colombia visas cost?
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa: not confirmed on the official source. Colombia Digital Nomad Visa: not confirmed on the official source.
Full official notes
Mexico Temporary Resident Visa
Temporary Resident (economic solvency): for people who will not be paid in Mexico. EUR approximations are those quoted by the Barcelona consulate (page updated 17 Jun 2026); amounts are indexed to the UMA. The consulate decides within 10 business days. The visa must be used to enter Mexico within 180 days, then you get the temporary resident card from INM within 30 days of arrival. Fee is non-refundable.
Sources: consulmex.sre.gob.mx
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Passport must be from a country that is exempt from short-stay visas. Remote work only for foreign companies (employee or freelancer), or a digital-content/IT start-up. Health insurance covering Colombia for the whole stay required. No paid work for Colombian companies. Dependants (beneficiarios) allowed. 2026 minimum wage per Decreto 1469 de 2025, kept by Decreto 159 de 2026 while a Council of State case is pending.
Sources: cancilleria.gov.co · cancilleria.gov.co · dapre.presidencia.gov.co
Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the issuing authority before you apply. How we verify
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Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa asks for health insurance
The official requirements for Colombia's Digital Nomad Visa mention health insurance. SafetyWing offers nomad insurance.
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