Colombia, long known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and growing economy, has become an increasingly popular destination for foreigners seeking work abroad. With its welcoming atmosphere, relatively low cost of living, and an increasing demand for skilled international professionals, Colombia presents a variety of employment opportunities, particularly for English speakers. Whether you’re interested in teaching, working in tourism, business, or volunteering, Colombia has plenty to offer. This an explores the various job sectors open to foreigners, including TEFL opportunities, hiring programmes, and useful job-seeking platforms.
Why Work in Colombia?
Colombia has undergone significant transformation in recent years. With a booming tourism industry, a growing demand for English proficiency, and a government eager to internationalise the workforce, Colombia is now more accessible and appealing to expatriates than ever. Cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena are hubs for foreign professionals thanks to their cosmopolitan lifestyles, growing digital nomad communities, and improved safety.
Moreover, the Colombian government has made it relatively easy for foreigners to obtain work visas, particularly for teaching or volunteering purposes. Salaries may not rival those in wealthier countries, but they’re often more than enough to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Colombia.
Types of Jobs Available to Foreigners in Colombia
Foreigners can find work in a range of sectors, though language skills (especially English) are often the key to unlocking most employment opportunities. Here are the most common types of jobs available to foreigners in Colombia:
1. Teaching English (TEFL Jobs)
Teaching English is by far the most common job for foreigners in Colombia. The demand for English teachers is high, especially in major cities and smaller towns where students are keen to learn English to improve their job prospects or study abroad.
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree (in any subject)
- TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification
- Native or near-native English fluency
- A clean criminal record
While not always mandatory, having teaching experience can increase your chances of landing higher-paying positions, particularly at international schools or universities.
Common employers include:
- Public schools (through government programmes)
- Private language institutes (e.g. Berlitz, Wall Street English)
- Bilingual schools
- Universities
- Private tutoring (especially popular in urban centres)
Average Salary: $500 – $1,200 USD/month
Higher salaries can be earned at international schools or universities, ranging from $1,200 to $2,000 USD/month.
2. Jobs in Tourism and Hospitality
With Colombia’s tourism sector booming, especially in cities like Cartagena, Medellín, and Santa Marta, opportunities abound for foreigners in hotels, hostels, tour companies, and travel agencies. Bilingual speakers are especially valuable in this industry.
Popular roles include:
- Hostel receptionists and managers
- Tour guides for English-speaking tourists
- Travel consultants
- Customer service representatives
- Social media or digital marketing for travel brands
Average Salary: $400 – $900 USD/month
(plus tips or accommodation in some hostel jobs)
3. Business and Corporate Jobs
Foreign professionals with backgrounds in business, finance, IT, marketing, or engineering may find work in multinational corporations or startups. Bogotá is Colombia’s business hub, with numerous foreign companies establishing regional offices there.
Requirements:
- Fluency in Spanish is often necessary
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Relevant experience
In-demand roles:
- Project managers
- Business analysts
- Software developers
- Digital marketers
- Accountants
Average Salary: $1,000 – $3,000 USD/month
Highly qualified professionals may earn more, depending on the company and role.
4. Remote and Freelance Work
With a growing digital nomad community, many foreigners live in Colombia while working remotely for overseas companies. Cities like Medellín and Bogotá offer excellent coworking spaces, fast internet, and a supportive expat community.
Popular remote jobs include:
- Copywriting and content creation
- Graphic design
- Software development
- Online teaching or tutoring
- Virtual assistance
Salary Range: Depends on the employer or clients (average freelance income: $800 – $3,000 USD/month)
5. Volunteering and Internships
While usually unpaid, volunteering is a great way to gain experience, learn Spanish, and give back to the community. Some organisations offer stipends, accommodation, or meals.
Common volunteer opportunities:
- Teaching English
- Community development
- Environmental conservation
- Working with NGOs or youth programmes
Teaching Programmes That Hire Foreigners in Colombia
If you are interested in teaching English, several government and private programmes regularly hire foreign teachers. These initiatives often provide assistance with visa processing, accommodation, and orientation sessions.
1. Colombia Bilingüe (National Ministry of Education)
The most prominent programme, Colombia Bilingüe, is run by the Colombian government and aims to improve English education in public schools across the country.
Highlights:
- Placement in public schools
- Training and orientation provided
- Monthly stipend (~$700 USD)
- Visa sponsorship
- Health insurance
This programme is an excellent entry point for first-time teachers, though placements may be in rural or underserved areas.
2. Volunteers Colombia / Heart for Change
In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Heart for Change places international volunteers in schools to promote English learning and intercultural exchange.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend of ~$700 USD
- Colombian health insurance
- Work visa assistance
- 30 hours/week teaching commitment
- Orientation and teaching materials
3. Teach English Colombia
This independent programme recruits qualified English teachers for placements in both public and private schools. Contracts typically last 10-12 months.
Perks:
- Competitive salary (up to $1,500 USD/month)
- Visa support
- Housing assistance
Job-Seeking Platforms and Resources
Finding a job in Colombia is much easier with the right tools and resources. Here are some popular websites and platforms where foreigners can search for job opportunities:
General Job Boards:
- Computrabajo (www.computrabajo.com.co): One of Colombia’s largest job boards, available in Spanish.
- Indeed Colombia (www.co.indeed.com): The Colombian branch of the global site, often featuring jobs for bilingual professionals.
- LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com): Widely used by Colombian recruiters, particularly for corporate and professional roles.
- Elempleo (www.elempleo.com): Another well-known Colombian job portal, suitable for various industries.
English Teaching Job Boards:
- Dave’s ESL Café (www.eslcafe.com): Regularly lists teaching jobs in Colombia.
- GoAbroad (www.goabroad.com): Offers teaching and volunteering opportunities.
- TEFL.com (www.tefl.com): A global job board for TEFL-certified teachers.
Freelance and Remote Job Platforms:
- Upwork (www.upwork.com)
- Fiverr (www.fiverr.com)
- We Work Remotely (www.weworkremotely.com)
- Remote OK (www.remoteok.io)
Work Visas and Legal Requirements
To work legally in Colombia, you’ll need a valid work visa or a visa tied to a government programme. The most common is the M-5 visa, issued to foreign workers with an employment contract or those participating in state-approved teaching programmes.
Visa requirements typically include:
- Valid passport
- Employment contract
- Letter of invitation (for volunteering/teaching programmes)
- Apostilled degree or TEFL certificate
- Background check
Visa processes can take a few weeks, so it’s wise to apply early or work with an organisation that handles the paperwork.
Living and Working in Colombia
Colombia offers an excellent quality of life for many expatriates. The cost of living is relatively low, with rent, transportation, and food being affordable even on modest salaries. Cities like Medellín are famous for their mild climate and modern infrastructure, while Bogotá offers a vibrant urban life and strong career prospects.
Spanish proficiency is a significant advantage in the Colombian job market, so it’s worth investing time in language classes to boost your employability and integration.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or simply looking for a new adventure, Colombia presents a variety of opportunities for foreign job seekers. The demand for English teachers remains strong, while sectors like tourism, business, and remote work offer increasing prospects. With the right preparation, an open mind, and a sense of adventure, working in Colombia can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
