How to pay taxes in Colombia as a foreigner

To know whether you need to pay tax in Colombia, you need to know if you count as a resident. And fiscal residency is very different from visa residency.

What to look out for when paying tax in Colombia.

The Colombian working environment is a diverse one, with a number of foreign nationals finding work in the many industries here. This, no doubt, has countless benefits for both the country’s global business and its workforce diversity. 

Craig Dempsey:

View Comments (4)

  • How does DIAN know what you earned in another country? Is there some kind of an international financial institution data sharing agreement?

  • I have qualified as a fiscal resident in Colombia for the last two years. The first accountant said "yes," to your question, but I paid no tax to Colombia because I received a credit for the taxes I paid to the federal government of the US on the same income. I am using a different accountant for 2019 and he says "yes" as well. I paid another tax in Colombia last year, on assets, but I received no credit for that tax in the US because I paid no tax on income earned in Colombia.
    So as not to provide another with legal advice, let me just say: I am going to move heaven and earth to avoid EVER being a fiscal resident of Colombia in the future.

  • No article about Colombian taxes EVER answers the question "If I am considered a fiscal resident of Colombia, what FOREIGN income would I have to pay taxes on IN COLOMBIA?" Some say Colombia taxes "worldwide income" and others just make it more confusing. DO I OR DO I NOT HAVE TO PAY TAXES TO COLOMBIA FOR INCOME FROM OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY!!!!!!