The Ultimate Guide to Expat Living in Bogota, Colombia

It’s hard to think of another city that’s managed to cast off the shadows of its past quite as successfully as Colombia’s capital, Bogota.

Once troubled and hogging the international headlines for all the wrong reasons, this major city has rebranded itself as an up-and-coming expat destination by becoming a far safer place to experience the art, culture and music of one of South America’s liveliest and most spirited nations.

Despite this Latin American gem’s recent upswing, it’s still incredibly affordable and has all the ingredients for successful expat living.

If the idea of affordable property, incredible nature and cheerful, hospitable people appeals to you, then read on for our in-depth guide to the Colombian capital. 

An Overview of Colombia

Everything in Colombia revolves around the warmth of community, family and friends.

The gateway to South America is far from the portrayal of it on some of the most popular popular HBO or Netflix series.

Consistently ranked as one of the happiest places in the world – Colombians live up to their reputation as fun-loving and hospitable people. 

While Bogotanos (locals of Bogota), at first, tend to be a little less warm and inviting than other parts of Colombia, as you get close to them, they are, in fact, very welcoming.

Colombia offers a diverse range of experiences, from winding mountain roads and peaceful pueblos to lively cosmopolitan life and blissed-out beaches.

As you travel through this proud musical nation that offers both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines and more biodiversity than just about anywhere else on the planet, you will hear the rhythms of cumbia everywhere you go. 

Like its music and people, Colombia’s tasty cuisine reflects its rich heritage, blending indigenous influences with Spanish and African traditions.

In addition to the mouthwatering cuisine, the country’s exceptional and famed arabica coffee is always within reach.

This diverse and trendy culinary scene promises an unforgettable experience for all foodies.

Despite a level of danger still present in some of the country’s remaining slums, the fast-developing nation has come a long way, offering business and investment opportunities in safe and affluent areas.

Bogota – a City Guide

Bogota is the most important city in Colombia, both politically and culturally. It’s a modern, booming metropolis with 20 localities. 

In the 1980s and 1990s, Bogota had a reputation for being among the world’s most violent cities, but over the last two decades, the capital city has undergone a remarkable transformation. 

Today, with the rate of homicides and violent attacks vastly reduced, Bogota is largely safe for expats. 

Still, it’s best to stick to expat-friendly areas, take sensible precautions, especially on nights out, and follow the locals’ example of showing ‘no dar papaya’.

That roughly translates to never putting yourself in a vulnerable position, so don’t flash your cash, phone or valuables of any kind in public.

Underprivileged areas, like Ciudad Bolivar and San Cristóbal, are best avoided entirely due to their higher crime rates. 

Even in tourist areas, it is best not to walk home alone at night, avoid leaving drinks unattended, and never hail taxis on the street. 

Some taxi apps, like the local ‘DiDi’ app, have lost much of their reputation in the past few months. Uber is still quite safe, and you can pay extra (US$5-US$15) for a luxury vehicle, decreasing the likelihood of attracting criminal activity. 

Arguably, the most important district in the city centre is La Candelaria. This is the heart of Bogota, known for the impressive Plaza de Bolívar, named after revolutionary leader Simon Bolivar.

La Candelaria is home to numerous landmarks, beautiful colonial architecture and the famous emerald district and the Plaza de Bolivar is surrounded by numerous historic buildings, including neoclassical palaces, government buildings and the largest church in Colombia, Catedral Primada de Colombia.

This area of the city is also dominated by the mountain of Montserraté. Worth visiting, it’s important to keep in mind that Montserraté is one of the more dangerous parts of La Candelaria. 

Never visit near the evening and book a taxi home before you arrive: taxis are everywhere, but plan ahead and avoid hailing these cabs if possible. Use Uber to book your return trip in advance so you have a guaranteed ride home. 

Living in Bogota – Affordability

Bogota offers a range of housing options, from lively upscale neighbourhoods to more tranquil suburban areas. 

Monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from US$400 to US$800, while suburban areas are less expensive. 

A current selection of available properties shows that:

• A one-bedroom apartment in Chapinero costs COP2,600,000 (US$634) a month
• A four-bedroom furnished house in Suba in the northwest of the city is available for COP8,000,000 (US$1,950).

Choosing to rent directly from a local rather than using a third party like Airbnb can lower the average costs. 

However, you should beware that the law requires you to have a Colombian to back up your rent. 

In other words, if you sign a rental agreement, you must have a Colombian, or someone with a local bank account, sign off that they take liability for your rent in the event you fail to make the payments. 

This isn’t a major issue, but it can be difficult for expats to find such a supporter. 

Secondly, Bogota has many ‘unwritten’ rules about rental agreements. 

For example, you could be required to replace furniture even if it was not broken or repaint all the walls even if they are in good condition.

These are standard rules for most Colombians and landlords may assume you already know them without the need to write them down.

So, make sure you have your landlord include all services and maintenance in the rental agreement and then ask a lawyer review it.

Property Costs in Bogota

Purchasing property is also a good option, with prices varying based on the location. 

In popular neighbourhoods, the cost per square metre can range from US$1,500 to US$2,500. For more information, explore our Bogota Real Estate Investment Guide. 

Basic utilities, including electricity, water, heating and internet, are generally affordable. 

Local markets provide very affordable options for grocery shopping. A monthly grocery bill for a single person can range from US$150 to US$250 but could be less, depending on your needs. 

If you prefer dining out, Bogota’s culinary scene offers a mix of traditional Colombian dishes, international cuisine and world-famous street food. 

Dining at local mid-range restaurants typically costs between US$4 to US$8 per person. Coffee is everywhere in Bogota, and the outlets selling it range from street stalls to specialty shops – a cup typically costs anywhere between US$0.50 to US$2. 

Bogota has an extensive and affordable public transportation system, including buses and the city’s cycling infrastructure. 

Health care in Bogota is of high quality, ranking the 22nd most efficient globally according to the World Health Organisation.

Subsidised healthcare is available to all; however, only low-income families can access it for free. 

Expats are not entitled to free healthcare, regardless of their financial standing, and private health insurance is recommended. 

Bogota offers a mix of public and private schools, with around 20 bilingual and international schools available. Tuition fees can vary, ranging from US$3,000 to US$15,000 per year. 

Estimates of the cost of living in Bogota show these averages: 

• A single person’s monthly expenses are estimated to be COP$2,132,501 (US$521) without rent
• The monthly costs for a family of four are estimated to be US$1,800 without rent.

All in all, for comparison purposes, the cost to live in Bogota is around 70% lower than in New York City. 

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Where to Live in Bogota

The expat-friendly areas near central and northern Bogotá include Chapinero, Usaquén and La Candelaria. 

The areas of Bogota are typically broken up into localities (localidads), which are larger areas of the city. These localities are further divided into small areas or neighbourhoods (barrios). 

Below are the best localities and neighbourhoods worth checking out and considering. 

Chapinero

Chapinero is a trendy neighbourhood with plenty of shopping possibilities, nightlife and great options for foodies. In the heart of the Zona G bar and restaurant district, Bohemian Chapinero is also the home of Bogota’s LGBTQ community. 

‘Chapigay’ as it’s known has the world’s largest gay nightclub, Theatron. It also has  Centro Comercial Andino, an upscale shopping mall.

Some of the best neighbourhoods in Chapinero include El Chico, El Nogal and Chapinero Alto. Each has its own unique appeal, but you can assume a high quality of life and plenty of excellent food.

Usaquén

One of the wealthiest localities in northern Bogota, Usaquén is home to over 1 million residents. 

It’s a large area with all the amenities you would associate with an affluent middle-class district: fashionable boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, luxury shopping malls and golf clubs.

Usaquén still manages to feel vibrant and buzzy with markets, smart evening venues and colonial-era architecture. However, it also houses several more peaceful areas, like beautiful green zones. 

The best neighbourhoods in Usaquén include San Antonio to the far north and Santa Ana and Santa Barbara further south. 

The northern neighbourhoods are better for living a peaceful life in nature, while the south offers more opportunities for fun activities. 

La Candelaria

La Candelaria is Bogota’s old town, full of colonial-era buildings, museums, cultural hotspots and restaurants. 

You will certainly not be bored here. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with craft and jewellery shops. 

This locality, home to 22,000 inhabitants, dates back to 1538 when the city was founded by the Spanish. There are few better spots for street art lovers, casual dinners and those who just want to watch the world go by. 

Obtaining Residence in Colombia

It’s possible to obtain either temporary or permanent residence in Colombia.

Temporary Residence

Two main visas are available to those who want to stay in Colombia for longer than a tourist visa allows. These are the Investment Migrant Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa.

Investment Migrant Visa

Known as the ‘M Visa’ there are a number of ways to access this route:

• Real Estate Visa: This requires a minimum investment in real estate of at least 350 times the minimum monthly Colombian wage, which equates to circa US$120,000.
• Business Visa: This requires a minimum investment in a local business of 100 times the minimum monthly wage, or around US$33,500.
• Direct Foreign Investment Visa: This requires a minimum investment of 650 times the minimum monthly wage, about US$210,000.
• Retirement Visa: Available to applicants who are receiving (certified) retirement income from their home country with a minimum monthly income of three times the minimum monthly salary, or around US$1,000.

The M Visa is valid for three years (one year for pensioners), can be renewed for three years and has very little physical presence requirement.

However, you can’t stay outside Colombia for more than two years continuously must spend one week there each year to keep the visa active.

Digital Nomad Visa

This visa, aimed at remote workers and digital entrepreneurs looking to relocate to Bogota, is valid for two years and can be renewed. 

To qualify, you must provide services or start a business providing services for clients outside Colombia, which means you cannot work for a company based in Colombia.

You’ll need proof of employment or freelance work and have a monthly income equivalent to around US$1,000.

You’ll also need a clean criminal record and take out health insurance during your stay.

Permanent Residence

Colombia doesn’t offer instant permanent residence by investment but it can be obtained after holding a Migrant Visa for five years via the business, investment or retirement visas.

Once secured, the Permanent Resident visa is a permanent visa, but your information must be updated every five years and you’ll be expected to spend at least one day every two years in the country.

Citizenship Options for Expats Living in Bogota

You can apply for Colombian citizenship after five years of permanent residence but the process isn’t an easy one.

It can take up to a year to be settled and requires taking a citizenship test of 75 questions covering the constitution, politics, history, geography. You should also speak Spanish to the internationally recognised B1 level.

See our guide to Colombian Residency and Citizenship for a more in-depth analysis.

Taxes in Colombia

Colombia is not a low-tax country, but expats who stay there for less than 183 days a year are taxed as non-residents. 

As a non-resident, your worldwide income is not taxed, and you are only liable to pay taxes on income sourced in Colombia.

Income taxes there are progressive and charged at rates of zero to 39%.

Expat Living in Bogota: FAQs

Living the Dream in Bogota

A vibrant city surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, Bogota is an attractive option for expats who want to visit often or spend part of the year there.

It’s an excellent option for those seeking a Latin American residence with a low cost of living and the great location for those seeking to follow Nomad Capitalist’s Trifecta Strategy.  

This approach allows you to rent or buy properties in different locations around the world and live there for a certain amount of time each year without becoming a tax resident in any of them.

If you spend less than 183 days a year there, your worldwide income is not taxed there. 

Additionally, with its low physical presence requirement, residents in Colombia have an opportunity to invest in affordable real estate. 

Or, you can work remotely or start a business in this growing economy. 

With investment opportunities and safety measures moving in the right direction and an affordability that’s hard to match, Bogota, Colombia is attracting expats from all over the world. 

If you’re interested in discovering its often-overlooked potential, Nomad Capitalist can help but it will take some planning.  

Nomad Capitalist is a turnkey solution for offshore tax planning, dual citizenship, asset protection and global diversification.

We’ve helped 1,500+ high-net-worth individuals and can help you, too, so apply to join us today.