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Qualifying for a visa. Which one?

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mujertriste
  3/21/2022 09:36 EST

From what I've researched, I'm unsure if either my husband or I even qualify for a Colombian visa. We'd like to stay for longer than 180 days, but we don't plan on buying property at the moment.

My husband works remotely for an American tech company doing marketing. I used to work as a mobile designer (and still do that occasionally on a freelance basis), but am now in school full time. Neither of us would have a job with a Colombian company.

It seems as if we don't qualify for any available visa types, but I thought I would see if anyone else has had success in similar circumstances.

Electricista
  3/21/2022 10:24 EST

Assuming that you do not intend to take a job away from a Colombian citizen or attempt to open a business, I see no reason why you can't apply for a one year tourist visa at your local consulate in Houston. The visa exists but is rarely used by US citizens. Of course you will have to show proof of funds to support yourselves for the year.

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Bogota
  3/21/2022 17:14 EST

183+ days in any 365 day period obligates one to file income tax on global income in Colombia.
Colombia also has a wealth tax.
(The above can be triggered without a visa, depending how you stay on tourist stamp)
2nd year visa will require enrollment in Colombian healthcare.

The impact of the above depends on your particular income and asset situation.

Bogotá

GeorgeDillon
  3/22/2022 09:33 EST

Bog

Enrollment in health care would be prudent anyway.

ChipW
  3/22/2022 11:04 EST

@Bogota

Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the US is the only country that double taxes (taxing both national and international) income.

Bogota
  3/22/2022 11:39 EST

I only know enough now to know that for me it is better to avoid causing myself to become a tax resident anywhere except in the USA. I can't avoid the USA taxes anyway.
I think to answer your question in a limited way... Comparing USA to Colombia....a US citizen is always a tax resident, no matter where they reside or how much time they spend inside the US. Colombia tax residency is based on time in Colombia. But once one is considered legally a tax resident, in Colombia or USA, both countries tax global income.
That's a very oversimplified answer.

Bogotá

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Bogota
  3/22/2022 11:43 EST

Enrollment in healthcare is prudent... Agreed.

But for one who has coverage that covers at home AND away, to be required to enroll in Colombia is basically another tax .

I know a lot of expats fall into the category that taxes don't matter, and Colombian healthcare system is a great option.
But not all expats are in that situation.
Colombia aggressively redistributes wealth in some situations.

Saludos
Bogotá

Andresen
  3/22/2022 13:01 EST

Electricusta. Thete is ni tourist visa, just a 90 day tourist stamp in your passport please elaborate about this 1 year "tourist visa". Thx.

Electricista
  3/22/2022 13:40 EST

Andresen: See "2.1. Descripción de Tipos de Visas" page 46, Type V, "Visitante", “Turismo”. in the link below:

https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/sites/default/files/FOTOS2020/visa_en_linea_web_3.pdf

(page 46)

mtbe
  3/22/2022 17:41 EST

ChipW:

"Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the US is the only country that double taxes (taxing both national and international) income."

Colombia does tax your international income as well...and with the wealth tax, some say they will tax what you have in assets as well!!!! That includes any money in banks, housing, etc...

Electricista
  3/22/2022 20:51 EST

ChipW:

The United States taxes on the basis of citizenship. This means it taxes American citizens on their worldwide income regardless where they live. Other countries tax based on residency. Double taxation is something different. Double taxation refers to when two countries tax the same income without relief or credit from at least one of the countries.

Below is an interesting short article that explains how USA differs from other countries in regards to income taxes:

https://internationalman.com/articles/this-appalling-practice-is-only-used-in-two-nations-and-the-us-is-one-of-th/

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ChipW
  3/22/2022 21:16 EST

Thanks, MTBE, that's news to me. Not that I have income in the US, only my SS, but I would guess there are probably some others who were not aware of that as well.

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