Important Updates
Important Updates
August 28, 2025 | AlgeriaAlgeria: Accession to Hague Convention
August 29, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Delays in Identity Card Appointments and Processing Times
August 29, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Single Digital Arrival Platform Introduced  
August 29, 2025 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: New Guidelines Ease and Clarify Work Permit Issuance Provisions
August 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Ninth Circuit Affirms District Court Order in Favor of 2023 Venezuela TPS Beneficiaries, But Designation Remains Expired For Now
August 28, 2025 | AlgeriaAlgeria: Accession to Hague Convention
August 29, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Delays in Identity Card Appointments and Processing Times
August 29, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Single Digital Arrival Platform Introduced  
August 29, 2025 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: New Guidelines Ease and Clarify Work Permit Issuance Provisions
August 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Ninth Circuit Affirms District Court Order in Favor of 2023 Venezuela TPS Beneficiaries, But Designation Remains Expired For Now
August 28, 2025 | AlgeriaAlgeria: Accession to Hague Convention
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Understanding the Silent Impact of Colombia’s Digital Nomads and Tourist Boom

Understanding the Silent Impact of Colombia’s Digital Nomads and Tourist Boom

Country / Territory

  • ColombiaColombia

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen Colombia Manager Adriana Amaris

Adriana Lucia Amaris Silva

Senior Manager

Bogotá, Colombia

Email

[email protected]

T:+57 1 7394850

Related offices

  • Bogotá

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen Colombia Manager Adriana Amaris

Adriana Lucia Amaris Silva

Senior Manager

Bogotá, Colombia

Email

[email protected]

T:+57 1 7394850

Related offices

  • Bogotá

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen Colombia Manager Adriana Amaris

Adriana Lucia Amaris Silva

Senior Manager

Bogotá, Colombia

Email

[email protected]

T:+57 1 7394850

Related offices

  • Bogotá

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Astrid Rey

The COVID-19 pandemic was a lesson in the rapid pace of global interconnectivity and the critical role immigration regulations play in this dynamic. As remote work and cross-border service delivery became popular, countries around the world responded by rethinking their immigration strategies to accommodate the influx of people looking for work, investment and long-term stays abroad.

Two main mechanisms supported the reactivation of global mobility post-pandemic: the flexibilization of tourist entry requirements and the introduction of digital nomad visas. Today, more than 40 countries offer visas for digital nomads, a group that has grown by over 49% in the past three years, according to data from the U.S. based consulting firm MBO Partners.

Latin America has become a top destination for digital nomads due to its cultural richness, relatively low cost of living and investment opportunities, places like Colombia have seen a sharp rise in interest; yet it has been a region highly susceptible to the inevitable side effects that come with every trend that becomes popular. This blog examines the silent impact of digital nomads and tourists in Colombia and how global mobility is changing local cities. 

How Digital Nomads and Tourism Are Reshaping Cities in Colombia

Cities in Colombia are experiencing significant socio-economic changes linked to gentrification and touristification, a pair of interrelated urban trends that present challenges and opportunities alike.

What is Gentrification?

Gentrification is a term introduced by British sociologist Ruth Glass in 1964 to describe the arrival of middle-class people to working-class neighborhoods in London, England, causing the displacement of the original residents. According to UN Habitat, “gentrification occurs when a process of urban renewal and reconstruction is accompanied by an influx of middle- or upper-class people that often displaces the poorest inhabitants of the areas of intervention.” This process has taken hold in many Latin American cities, such as Mexico City, São Paulo, Bogota and Medellin where the living costs have risen by 40% to 50% on average.

What is Touristification?

Touristification that refers to the process by which certain areas, especially in popular destinations, are transformed to adapt to the needs and expectations of tourists, often at the expense of the daily life of local residents.

Gentrification and Touristification in Colombia

In Colombia, cities like Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena have experienced significant transformations in traditionally popular neighborhoods as a direct consequence of gentrification and touristification.

While gentrification and touristification can bring economic benefits, such as boosting the growth of commerce, the offer of services and the dynamization of the real estate market, they can also raise dilemmas about urban sustainability and social equity. Without appropriate regulation, these trends risk widening pre-existing inequalities.

Rising Living Costs and the Displacement of Local Communities

The arrival of expatriates with greater purchasing power has increased housing costs, this being one of the most impacted sectors, displacing local populations that cannot compete with the inflated prices of the real estate market. According to DANE's national new housing price index (IPVN in Spanish), housing prices in Colombia rose by 10.91%, reflecting the upward trend in the real estate sector in the country.

In Medellín, housing rental and purchase prices have surged, especially in tourist -heavy areas, forcing many local residents to relocate. Nomadlist, a popular platform that offers services for digital nomads and remote workers, ranks Medellin as the third best city in Latin America for digital nomads. The average cost of living for a digital nomad in Medellin is USD $1,500/month.

Urban planning experts in Colombia have noted that, in some Colombian cities that lack protective regulations for local buyers, large real estate companies and property owners acquire properties in areas experiencing gentrification or touristification to increase housing prices and make a profit. Similarly, government investment in renewing infrastructure and other public improvements increase the allure to higher-income residents.

How Immigration Advisors Can Support Responsible Mobility

For those working in the immigration sector, these changes represent a key juncture. The increased arrival of expatriates, investors and digital nomads opens new opportunities to offer specialized services in visas, residence permits and advice for foreign investment. However, it also presents the need for a critical and responsible vision on how to guide these mobility processes without contributing to social displacement phenomena.

The Role of Immigration Policy in Managing Urban Change

The immigration sector plays a crucial role in helping foreign nationals understand the social and regulatory environment of the cities where they plan to settle. There is a growing need for more efficient immigration processes adapted to the new reality.

Immigration policy can be a tool for balancing economic benefits with the protection of local communities. Regulations that encourage foreign investment in a sustainable manner, along with initiatives that promote the integration of newcomers with the local population, could mitigate some of the challenging effects of gentrification and touristification. This requires close coordination between local governments, global mobility experts and urban planners to ensure that regulations respond to the real needs of the country.

Creating a More Sustainable Immigration Model for Colombia

Colombia stands at a crossroads. To harness its growing international appeal without generating social exclusion, it requires a strategy that connects urban development, immigration policy and real estate regulation. The immigration sector, being at the center of this transformation, has the capacity to influence policymaking and client orientation towards more sustainable and socially responsible practices.

Why Urban Development and Immigration Must Work Together

It is essential to learn from the experiences of other countries that have dealt with these challenges. In cities such as Berlin and Barcelona, where touristification has brought important social conflicts, restrictions on the use of housing for temporary rentals and programs to support affordable housing have been implemented. These strategies can serve as a reference for designing policies in Colombia to prevent housing crises and promote social stability. Gentrification and touristification are not exclusively negative or positive phenomena; their impact depends on how they are managed. Pigeonholing them will not speed up the search for tangible solutions for Colombia.

As more people seek settling in Colombia for work or investment, efficient and transparent immigration procedures become a priority.

Need to Know More?

For further information or questions related to Colombia’s immigration requirements, please contact Business Immigration Manager Adriana Amaris at [email protected] and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Astrid Rey at [email protected].

This blog was published on June 23, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


Entendiendo El Impacto Silencioso de Los Nómadas Digitales Y El Auge Del Turismo en Colombia

La pandemia de COVID-19 trajo consigo una lección sobre el rápido ritmo de la interconectividad mundial y el papel fundamental que desempeña la regulación migratoria en esta dinámica. Al popularizarse el trabajo remoto y la prestación de servicios transfronterizos, varios países alrededor del mundo tuvieron que replantear sus estrategias migratorias para responder a la afluencia de personas en busca de trabajo, inversiones y estancias prolongadas en el extranjero.

Dos mecanismos fundamentales facilitaron la reactivación de la movilidad global tras la pandemia: la flexibilización de los requisitos de ingreso de turistas y la implementación de visas para nómadas digitales. Hoy, más de 40 países ofrecen visas para nómadas digitales, un segmento de migrantes que ha crecido más de un 49% en los últimos tres años, según datos de la consultora estadounidense MBO Partners.  

América Latina se ha convertido en uno de los principales destinos para los nómadas digitales debido a su riqueza cultural, costo de vida relativamente bajo y oportunidades de inversión, lugares como Colombia han visto un auge relevante. Sin embargo, ha sido una región susceptible a los inevitables efectos secundarios que vienen con cada tendencia que se populariza. Este blog examina el impacto silencioso de los nómadas digitales y los turistas en Colombia y cómo la movilidad global está cambiando las ciudades locales.

Los nómadas digitales y el turismo están reconfigurando las ciudades de Colombia

Las ciudades colombianas están experimentando importantes cambios socioeconómicos relacionados con la gentrificación y la turistificación, dos tendencias urbanas interrelacionadas que presentan retos y oportunidades por igual.

¿Qué es la Gentrificación?

Gentrificación es un término presentado por la socióloga británica Ruth Glass en 1964 para describir la llegada de personas de clase media a los barrios obreros de Londres (Inglaterra), provocando el desplazamiento de los residentes originales. Según ONU Habitat, “la gentrificación sucede cuando un proceso de renovación y reconstrucción urbana se acompaña de un flujo de personas de clase media o alta que suele desplazar a los habitantes más pobres de las áreas de intervención”. Este fenómeno se ha amplificado en muchas ciudades latinoamericanas, como Ciudad de México, São Paulo, Bogotá y Medellín, donde el costo de vida ha aumentado entre un 40% y un 50% de media.

¿Qué es la Turistificación?

Por su parte, turistificación es un neologismo que hace referencia al proceso por el cual ciertas áreas, especialmente en ciudades y destinos populares, se transforman para adaptarse a las necesidades y expectativas de los turistas, muchas veces a costa de la vida cotidiana de los residentes locales.

Gentrificación y Turistificación en Colombia

En Colombia, ciudades como Medellín, Bogotá y Cartagena han experimentado transformaciones significativas en barrios tradicionalmente populares como consecuencia directa de la gentrificación y la turistificación.

Si bien estos procesos generan beneficios económicos, como impulsar el crecimiento del comercio, la oferta de servicios y la dinamización del mercado inmobiliario, también plantean dilemas sobre la sostenibilidad urbana y la equidad social. Sin una regulación adecuada, estas tendencias corren el riesgo de aumentar las desigualdades preexistentes.

Aumento del costo de vida y desplazamiento de las comunidades locales

La llegada de expatriados con mayor poder adquisitivo ha incrementado los costos de vivienda, siendo este uno de los sectores más impactados, desplazando a poblaciones locales que no pueden competir con los precios inflados del mercado inmobiliario. Según el índice nacional de precios de la vivienda nueva (IPVN) del DANE, los precios de la vivienda en Colombia aumentaron un 10,91%, lo que refleja la tendencia al alza del sector inmobiliario en el país.

En Medellín, los precios de alquiler y compra de viviendas han subido, especialmente en sectores de afluencia turística, obligando a muchos residentes locales a desplazarse a otras áreas. Nomadlist, una popular plataforma que ofrece servicios para nómadas digitales y trabajadores remotos, clasifica a Medellín como la tercera mejor ciudad de América Latina para los nómadas digitales. Entre otros factores, el costo de vida medio para un nómada digital en la ciudad es de 1.500 dólares al mes.

Según expertos del sector de planeación urbana en el país, en algunas ciudades colombianas que carecen de regulación protectora para el comprador local grandes empresas inmobiliarias y propietarios adquieren propiedades en zonas que experimentan gentrificación o turistificación para luego poder aumentar los precios de las viviendas y obtener ganancias. De igual manera, la inversión del gobierno en revitalizar infraestructura y otras mejoras públicas aumentan el atractivo para los residentes de mayores ingresos.

¿Cómo pueden los asesores migratorios apoyar la movilidad responsable?

Para los involucrados en el sector migratorio, estos cambios representan una coyuntura clave. El incremento en la llegada de expatriados, inversionistas y nómadas digitales abre nuevas oportunidades para ofrecer servicios especializados en visados, permisos de residencia y asesoría para la inversión extranjera. Sin embargo, también plantea la necesidad de una visión crítica y responsable sobre cómo orientar estos procesos de movilidad sin contribuir a fenómenos de desplazamiento social.

El papel de la política migratoria en la gestión del cambio urbano

El sector migratorio tiene un papel crucial en ayudar a los extranjeros a comprender el entorno social y regulatorio de las ciudades donde planean establecerse. La demanda por procesos migratorios más eficientes y adaptados a la nueva realidad es cada vez mayor.

Las políticas migratorias pueden ser una herramienta para equilibrar los beneficios económicos con la protección de las comunidades locales. Un enfoque regulatorio que fomente la inversión extranjera de manera sostenible, junto con iniciativas que promuevan la integración de los recién llegados con la población local, podría mitigar algunos de los efectos colaterales de la gentrificación y la turistificación. Esto requiere una estrecha coordinación entre los gobiernos locales, los expertos en movilidad global y los planificadores urbanos para garantizar que la normativa responda a las necesidades reales del país.

Hacia un modelo migratorio más sostenible para Colombia

Colombia se encuentra en una encrucijada. Aprovechar su creciente atractivo global sin generar exclusión social requiere una estrategia que articule el desarrollo urbano, la política migratoria y la regulación inmobiliaria. El sector migratorio, al estar en el centro de esta transformación, tiene la capacidad de incidir en la formulación de políticas y en la orientación de sus clientes hacia prácticas más sostenibles y socialmente responsables.

¿Por qué el desarrollo urbano y la inmigración deben trabajar juntos?

Es fundamental aprender de las experiencias de otros países que han lidiado con estos desafíos. En ciudades como Berlín y Barcelona, donde la turistificación ha generado importantes conflictos sociales, se han implementado restricciones al uso de viviendas para alquileres temporales y programas de apoyo a la vivienda asequible. Estas estrategias pueden servir como referencia para diseñar políticas en Colombia que prevengan crisis habitacionales y promuevan la estabilidad social. La gentrificación y la turistificación no son fenómenos exclusivamente negativos o positivos, su impacto depende de la manera en que sean gestionados. Avillanarlos no agilizará la búsqueda de soluciones tangibles para Colombia.

A medida que más personas buscan establecerse en Colombia por razones laborales o de inversión, procedimientos migratorios eficaces y transparentes se conviertan en una prioridad.

Country / Territory

  • ColombiaColombia

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen Colombia Manager Adriana Amaris

Adriana Lucia Amaris Silva

Senior Manager

Bogotá, Colombia

Email

[email protected]

T:+57 1 7394850

Related offices

  • Bogotá

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen Colombia Manager Adriana Amaris

Adriana Lucia Amaris Silva

Senior Manager

Bogotá, Colombia

Email

[email protected]

T:+57 1 7394850

Related offices

  • Bogotá

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen Colombia Manager Adriana Amaris

Adriana Lucia Amaris Silva

Senior Manager

Bogotá, Colombia

Email

[email protected]

T:+57 1 7394850

Related offices

  • Bogotá

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.