Executive Nomad HQ Report
Last Updated
December 31, 2024
Next revision: Q1 2025
Cost Index
52
vs 100 US baseline
Quality Score
8.6/10
Nomad satisfaction
US Timezone
100%
EST alignment
EU Timezone
37%
5h difference
Internet Grade
Overall Rating
Strategic Analysis | Q4 2024
Medellin has transformed into South America's innovation capital, combining perfect EST timezone alignment with year-round spring climate and exceptional infrastructure investment. The city's urban renewal, highlighted by the Metro and Comuna 13 escalators, reflects broader commitment to quality of life. El Poblado and Laureles anchor the international remote work community.
Infrastructure has reached first-world standards: fiber deployment exceeds 75% in premium neighborhoods, coworking scene includes WeWork, Selina, and 35+ boutique spaces. The 90-day visa-free entry (renewable via border run) provides flexible access, with new Digital Nomad visa launching in 2024 for longer stays. Direct flights to Miami (3h) and connections to most US cities facilitate easy travel.
Key consideration: Gentrification concerns have prompted some neighborhood-specific regulations. El Poblado remains most accessible for short-term stays, while Laureles offers more authentic experience at lower cost. Our recommendation: start in El Poblado for infrastructure density, evaluate Laureles or Envigado for longer-term relocation after 45-day assessment period.
Cost of Living
Monthly$1,850
Avg Internet
Speed135 Mbps
Coworking
Daily$14
35+ spaces city-wide
Visa Complexity
Tourist90-day visa-free, Digital Nomad visa available
Safety Index
202458 /100
Nomad Community
Active18K+
Business hours overlap (9AM-6PM local)
US West Coast
PST (UTC-8) | 3 hour difference
75%
6 hours overlap
Overlap: 11AM-6PM Medellin = 8AM-3PM PST
US East Coast
EST (UTC-5) | Same timezone
100%
Full alignment
Complete business hours alignment
London, UK
GMT (UTC+0) | 5 hour difference
37%
3 hours overlap
Overlap: 9AM-12PM Medellin = 2PM-5PM GMT
Singapore
SGT (UTC+8) | 13 hour difference
0%
No overlap
No standard business hours overlap
Mumbai, India
IST (UTC+5:30) | 10 hour 30 minute difference
0%
No standard overlap
Limited overlap with India business hours
Sydney, Australia
AEDT (UTC+11) | 16 hour difference
0%
No standard overlap
Limited overlap with Australia business hours
| Category | Rating | Assessment | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coworking Spaces Density & quality | A | 35+ spaces including WeWork, Selina, Tinkko. Strong concentration in El Poblado with growing Laureles options. | Expanding |
| Work-Friendly Cafes WiFi & laptop policy | A | Excellent specialty coffee scene (Colombia's coffee heartland). Pergamino, Al Alma, Cafe Velvet lead with reliable WiFi. | Strong |
| Internet Reliability Uptime & consistency | A | 98.5% uptime in premium areas. Claro and ETB provide fiber options. Mobile 4G backup recommended for redundancy. | Improving |
| Housing Availability Rental market access | B+ | Good supply, some short-term rental restrictions in El Poblado. 2-3 week lead time recommended. Airbnb plus local agents. | Moderate |
For US-based remote workers establishing presence in Colombia, the new Digital Nomad visa simplifies extended stays but doesn't address employment structure. Working as a US contractor may create tax residency issues after 183 days.
Recommended Solution:
For stays exceeding 183 days, engage an Employer of Record (EOR) service such as Deel or Remote.com to ensure compliant employment in Colombia. EOR services handle local tax obligations and compliance while you maintain your existing employment relationship.
Note: This is general guidance. Consult with a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
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