Taxes in Colombia: Complete 2025 Tax Guide for Foreigners in Colombia

So… you moved to Colombia or you’re planning to?

That’s great! But beyond the weather, food, and culture, there’s one thing you can’t ignore: taxes.

And yes, we get it—talking about taxes doesn’t exactly sound exciting.

But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about taxes in Colombia as a foreigner.
Clear, simple, and with real-life examples—no confusing jargon.

We’re going to talk about:

✔️ Who is required to file a tax return in Colombia?
✔️ What’s the difference between filing and paying taxes?
✔️ What happens if you don’t file or if you file late?
✔️ What is the foreign assets declaration and who needs to file it?
✔️ How does the wealth tax work for foreigners?
✔️ What if you own a business or a commercial space in Colombia?

Let’s go!

1. Are You a Tax Resident in Colombia?

HOOK: Spent more than 6 months in Colombia? You might be a tax resident—and not even know it.

Let’s start with the basics: are you a tax resident in Colombia?

Here’s the key: being a tax resident has nothing to do with your visa or your cédula. It all comes down to how many days you’ve spent in the country.

If you’ve been in Colombia for more than 183 days within any 365-day period, you’re officially considered a tax resident.

📌 And no—it doesn’t have to be within a single calendar year. The 365-day count can span across two different years, and every day counts, including your arrival and departure.

Let’s see some practical examples:

 Example 1: 183 continuous days within a single year

Feb to August 2024

Arrives on Feb 1, 2024, stays until Aug 2, 2024. That’s 183 consecutive days.
Since it all falls within the same 365-day window, this person is considered a tax resident for 2024.

Example 2: 183 continuous days across two years

Oct 2024 to April 2025

Arrives on Oct 1, 2024, stays until April 1, 2025 = 183 days.
Because the 365-day window ends in 2025, this person is a tax resident for 2025.

Example 3: 183 non-consecutive days

Multiple trips from Oct 2024 to Aug 2025

• Oct 2024: 20 days
• Dec 2024: 25 days
• Feb 2025: 28 days
• April 2025: 30 days
• June 2025: 31 days
• July 2025: 30 days
• August 2025: 20 days
  ➡️ Total: 184 days within a 365-day period

Even though the stays were intermittent, this person is also a tax resident for 2025.

📌 In all cases, if you become a tax resident for a given year, you must file your Colombian tax return the following year:

1. Tax resident in 2024 → file in 2025
2. Tax resident in 2025 → file in 2026.

2.What Happens If I’m a Tax Resident?

Being a tax resident doesn’t automatically mean you have to pay taxes—it depends on how much you earn and own.

According to Colombia’s tax authority (DIAN), you must file a tax return if you meet at least one of the following:

📌 1. Your total assets (worldwide) as of Dec 31, 2024 ≥ $211,792,000 COP
≈ $51,656 USD
Includes: property, cars, bank accounts, investments—anywhere in the world.

📌 2. Your total income in 2024 ≥ $65,891,000 COP
≈ $16,070 USD
Includes: salary, freelance, rent, pensions, commissions, etc.

📌 3. You spent ≥ $65,891,000 COP on credit cards
Even if your funds came from abroad—if you spent it in Colombia, it counts.

📌 4. You spent ≥ $65,891,000 COP on general purchases or expenses
Includes: rent, food, travel, etc.

📌 5. Your Colombian bank deposits or financial transactions ≥ $65,891,000 COP
Even if funds came from overseas—if they moved through Colombian banks, they count.

IMPORTANT: You only need to meet one of these to be required to file.

3. What If I’m Not a Tax Resident?

You might be living in Colombia temporarily, or you haven’t hit the 183-day mark yet. 

In that case, you’re considered a non-resident for tax purposes.

So what does that mean?
It means you only have to pay taxes on income or assets located in Colombia. That includes:

✅ Income earned in Colombia
✅ Assets located in Colombia (property, vehicles, bank accounts)

Example:
If you rent out an apartment in Medellín, you only declare the rental income from that property—not your income abroad.

4. Is Declaring the Same as Paying?

This is one of the most common questions we get. 

And the answer is simple: no, declaring doesn’t always mean you have to pay taxes.

Even if you’re required to file, your final tax due could be zero.
This could happen if:

You might need to file because you meet the thresholds, but your return might show:
➡️ “No tax due”

That can happen if:

– Taxes were already withheld at the source, or
– You benefit from a tax treaty to avoid double taxation.

💡 Pro Tip: With proper planning, you can reduce or eliminate your Colombian tax bill—legally.

5. 2025 Tax Calendar

Now that you know whether you need to file… let’s talk about deadlines. Missing these can be costly.

📅 In 2025, you must file between August 12 and October 24, based on the last two digits of your Colombian tax ID (NIT).

If you miss the deadline, the penalty starts at 5% of the tax owed, increasing each month.
And even if you owe zero, you’ll still face a minimum fine of $498,000 COP (~$121 USD).

Don’t wait until the last minute—mark your calendar!

6. Foreign Assets & Wealth Tax

This is where things get serious for those with international wealth.

If you’re a tax resident and own assets outside Colombia—like a home, stocks, or foreign accounts—you must file a Foreign Assets Declaration.

Foreign Asset Declaration

Also: if you have significant wealth, Colombia applies a Wealth Tax.

📌 This applies to individuals or estates with a net worth ≥ 72,000 UVT.
That’s about $3.585 billion COP in 2025.

It applies to:

• Foreigners who file taxes in Colombia
• Foreigners who own assets in Colombia, even if they don’t live here

Shares, receivables, and portfolio investments are exempt.

➡️ Bottom line: If you’re investing big in Colombia, check if you qualify—and talk to a tax advisor.

7. What If I Have a Business in Colombia?

So far, we’ve focused on personal taxes. 

But many foreigners in Colombia are digital nomads, entrepreneurs, or small business owners. 

If you run a business here, this part is for you.

If you operate a permanent establishment in Colombia—like a café, coworking space, or retail store—you have additional obligations.

You must declare income personally and your business must comply with Colombian tax and legal rules.

📌 This applies even if you’re not a tax resident.

If you’re launching a business in Colombia, get clear on your tax duties early.

Final Thoughts

We know—navigating Colombian taxes as a foreigner can feel overwhelming.
But with the right guidance, it’s totally manageable.

At Nexo Legal, we’re here to help you understand and comply with your tax obligations in Colombia—without the headaches.

Still have questions?
Drop us a message, leave a comment, or follow us—we’re constantly sharing content to support you.

Let’s make sure you enjoy Colombia—with peace of mind and no tax surprises.