{"id":15105,"date":"2025-07-19T11:53:25","date_gmt":"2025-07-19T16:53:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/?p=15105"},"modified":"2025-09-01T12:41:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T17:41:45","slug":"taxes-in-colombia-2025-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/es\/taxes-in-colombia-2025-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Gu\u00eda Tributaria Completa 2025 para Extranjeros en Colombia"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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So\u2026 you moved to Colombia or you\u2019re planning to?<\/span><\/p>

That\u2019s great! But beyond the weather, food, and culture, there\u2019s one thing you can\u2019t ignore: <\/span>taxes<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

And yes, we get it\u2014talking about taxes doesn\u2019t exactly sound exciting.<\/span><\/p>

But don\u2019t worry\u2014this guide will walk you through <\/span>everything you need to know about taxes in Colombia as a foreigner<\/b>.<\/span>
<\/span>Clear, simple, and with real-life examples\u2014<\/span>no confusing jargon<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

We\u2019re going to talk about:<\/span><\/p>

\u2714\ufe0f Who is required to file a tax return in Colombia?<\/span>
<\/span>\u2714\ufe0f What\u2019s the difference between filing and paying taxes?<\/span>
<\/span>\u2714\ufe0f What happens if you don\u2019t file or if you file late?<\/span>
<\/span>\u2714\ufe0f What is the foreign assets declaration and who needs to file it?<\/span>
<\/span>\u2714\ufe0f How does the wealth tax work for foreigners?<\/span>
<\/span>\u2714\ufe0f What if you own a business or a commercial space in Colombia?<\/span><\/p>

Let\u2019s go!<\/span><\/p>

1. Are You a Tax Resident in Colombia?<\/b><\/h2>

HOOK:<\/b> Spent more than 6 months in Colombia? You might be a tax resident\u2014and not even know it.<\/span><\/i><\/p>

Let\u2019s start with the basics: <\/span>are you a tax resident in Colombia?<\/b><\/p>

Here\u2019s the key: <\/span>being a tax resident has nothing to do with your visa or your c\u00e9dula<\/b>. It all comes down to how many days you\u2019ve spent in the country.<\/span><\/p>

If you\u2019ve been in Colombia for <\/span>more than 183 days within any 365-day period<\/b>, you\u2019re officially considered a <\/span>tax resident<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

\ud83d\udccc And no\u2014it doesn\u2019t have to be within a single calendar year. The 365-day count can span across two different years, and <\/span>every day counts<\/b>, including your arrival and departure.<\/span><\/p>

Let\u2019s see some practical examples:<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0Example 1: 183 continuous days within a single year<\/b><\/h3>

Feb to August 2024<\/span><\/i><\/p>

Arrives on <\/span>Feb 1, 2024<\/b>, stays until <\/span>Aug 2, 2024<\/b>. That\u2019s 183 consecutive days.<\/span>
<\/span>Since it all falls within the same 365-day window, this person is considered a <\/span>tax resident for 2024<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

Example 2: 183 continuous days across two years<\/b><\/h3>

Oct 2024 to April 2025<\/span><\/i><\/p>

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

Example 3: 183 non-consecutive days<\/b><\/h3>

Multiple trips from Oct 2024 to Aug 2025<\/span><\/i><\/p>

  • Oct 2024: 20 days<\/span><\/li>
  • Dec 2024: 25 days<\/span><\/li>
  • Feb 2025: 28 days<\/span><\/li>
  • April 2025: 30 days<\/span><\/li>
  • June 2025: 31 days<\/span><\/li>
  • July 2025: 30 days<\/span><\/li>
  • August 2025: 20 days<\/span>
    <\/span>\u27a1\ufe0f Total: <\/span>184 days<\/b> within a 365-day period<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

    Even though the stays were intermittent, this person is also a <\/span>tax resident for 2025<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

    \ud83d\udccc In all cases, if you become a tax resident for a given year, <\/span>you must file your Colombian tax return the following year<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>

    1. Tax resident in <\/span>2024<\/b> \u2192 file in <\/span>2025<\/b><\/li>
    2. Tax resident in <\/span>2025<\/b> \u2192 file in <\/span>2026.<\/b><\/li><\/ol>

      2.What Happens If I\u2019m a Tax Resident?<\/b><\/p>

      Being a tax resident doesn\u2019t automatically mean you have to pay taxes\u2014it depends on how much you <\/span>earn<\/b> and <\/span>own<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

      According to Colombia\u2019s tax authority (DIAN), <\/span>you must file a tax return if you meet at least one<\/b> of the following:<\/span><\/p>

      \ud83d\udccc <\/span>1. Your total assets (worldwide) as of Dec 31, 2024 \u2265 $211,792,000 COP<\/b>
      <\/b>\u2248 <\/span>$51,656 USD<\/b>
      <\/b>Includes: property, cars, bank accounts, investments\u2014anywhere in the world.<\/span><\/p>

      \ud83d\udccc <\/span>2. Your total income in 2024 \u2265 $65,891,000 COP<\/b>
      <\/b>\u2248 <\/span>$16,070 USD<\/b>
      <\/b>Includes: salary, freelance, rent, pensions, commissions, etc.<\/span><\/p>

      \ud83d\udccc <\/span>3. You spent \u2265 $65,891,000 COP on credit cards<\/b>
      <\/b>Even if your funds came from abroad\u2014if you spent it in Colombia, it counts.<\/span><\/p>

      \ud83d\udccc <\/span>4. You spent \u2265 $65,891,000 COP on general purchases or expenses<\/b>
      <\/b>Includes: rent, food, travel, etc.<\/span><\/p>

      \ud83d\udccc <\/span>5. Your Colombian bank deposits or financial transactions \u2265 $65,891,000 COP<\/b>
      <\/b>Even if funds came from overseas\u2014if they moved through Colombian banks, they count.<\/span><\/p>

      IMPORTANT:<\/b> You only need to meet <\/span>one<\/b> of these to be required to file.<\/span><\/p>

      3. What If I\u2019m Not a Tax Resident?<\/b><\/h2>

      You might be living in Colombia temporarily, or you haven\u2019t hit the 183-day mark yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

      In that case, you\u2019re considered a non-resident for tax purposes.<\/span><\/p>

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

      \u2705 <\/span>Income earned in Colombia<\/b>
      <\/b>\u2705 <\/span>Assets located in Colombia<\/b> (property, vehicles, bank accounts)<\/span><\/p>

      Example:<\/span>
      <\/span>If you rent out an apartment in Medell\u00edn, you only declare the <\/span>rental income from that property<\/b>\u2014not your income abroad.<\/span><\/p>

      4. Is Declaring the Same as Paying?<\/b><\/h2>

      This is one of the most common questions we get.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

      And the answer is simple: no, declaring doesn\u2019t always mean you have to pay taxes.<\/span><\/p>

      Even if you’re required to file, your final tax due could be zero.<\/span>
      <\/span>This could happen if:<\/span><\/p>

      You might need to <\/span>file<\/b> because you meet the thresholds, but your return might show:<\/span>
      <\/span>\u27a1\ufe0f \u201c<\/span>No tax due<\/b>\u201d<\/span><\/p>

      That can happen if:<\/span><\/p>

      \u2013 Taxes were <\/span>already withheld at the source<\/b>, or<\/span>
      <\/span>\u2013 You benefit from a <\/span>tax treaty<\/b> to avoid double taxation.<\/span><\/p>

      \ud83d\udca1 <\/span>Pro Tip:<\/b> With proper planning, you can reduce or eliminate your Colombian tax bill\u2014<\/span>legally<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

      5. 2025 Tax Calendar<\/b><\/h2>

      Now that you know whether you need to file\u2026 let\u2019s talk about deadlines. Missing these can be costly.<\/span><\/p>

      \ud83d\udcc5 In 2025, you must file between <\/span>August 12 and October 24<\/b>, based on the last two digits of your Colombian tax ID (NIT).<\/span><\/p>


      <\/span>If you miss the deadline, the penalty starts at <\/span>5% of the tax owed<\/b>, increasing each month.<\/span>
      <\/span>And even if you owe zero, you\u2019ll still face a <\/span>minimum fine of $498,000 COP<\/b> (~$121 USD).<\/span><\/p>

      Don’t wait until the last minute\u2014mark your calendar!<\/span><\/p>

      6. Foreign Assets & Wealth Tax<\/b><\/h2>

      This is where things get serious for those with international wealth.<\/span><\/p>

      If you\u2019re a tax resident and own assets outside Colombia\u2014like a home, stocks, or foreign accounts\u2014you must file a <\/span>Foreign Assets Declaration<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

      Foreign Asset Declaration<\/b><\/h3>

      Also: if you have significant wealth, Colombia applies a <\/span>Wealth Tax<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

      \ud83d\udccc This applies to individuals or estates with a <\/span>net worth \u2265 72,000 UVT<\/b>.<\/span>
      <\/span>That\u2019s about <\/span>$3.585 billion COP<\/b> in 2025.<\/span><\/p>

      It applies to:<\/span><\/p>

      • Foreigners who file taxes in Colombia<\/span><\/li>
      • Foreigners <\/span>who own assets in Colombia<\/b>, even if they don\u2019t live here<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

        Shares, receivables, and portfolio investments are exempt.<\/span><\/i><\/p>

        \u27a1\ufe0f <\/span>Bottom line:<\/b> If you\u2019re investing big in Colombia, <\/span>check if you qualify<\/b>\u2014and talk to a tax advisor.<\/span><\/p>

        7. What If I Have a Business in Colombia?<\/b><\/h2>

        So far, we\u2019ve focused on personal taxes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        But many foreigners in Colombia are digital nomads, entrepreneurs, or small business owners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        If you run a business here, this part is for you.<\/span><\/p>

        If you operate a <\/span>permanent establishment<\/b> in Colombia\u2014like a caf\u00e9, coworking space, or retail store\u2014you have additional obligations.<\/span><\/p>

        You must <\/span>declare income personally<\/b> and your business must comply with <\/span>Colombian tax and legal rules<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

        \ud83d\udccc This applies <\/span>even if you\u2019re not a tax resident.<\/b><\/p>

        If you\u2019re launching a business in Colombia, <\/span>get clear on your tax duties early.<\/b><\/p>

        Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h3>

        We know\u2014navigating Colombian taxes as a foreigner can feel overwhelming.<\/span>
        <\/span>But with the right guidance, it\u2019s totally manageable.<\/span><\/p>

        At <\/span>Nexo Legal<\/b>, we\u2019re here to help you understand and comply with your tax obligations in Colombia\u2014<\/span>without the headaches<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>

        Still have questions?<\/span>
        <\/span>Drop us a message, leave a comment, or follow us\u2014we\u2019re constantly sharing content to support you.<\/span><\/p>

        Let\u2019s make sure you enjoy Colombia\u2014with <\/span>peace of mind<\/b> and no tax surprises.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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