For those looking to leave the hustle and bustle of New York City, Colombia has fast become a popular destination for relocation. We interview Adam Hodges, the owner of Colombia Law Connection, a law firm in Colombia helping Americans and New Yorkers alike with the move down south.
The Hudson Weekly: Good morning, Adam. Thank you for joining us today.
Adam Hodges: Good morning. It’s a pleasure to be here.
The Hudson Weekly: Many New Yorkers are considering relocating to Colombia. What would you say is driving this interest?
Adam Hodges: Colombia offers a vibrant culture, lower cost of living, beautiful landscapes, and a warm climate, which are all very appealing to New Yorkers. Additionally, with the rise of remote work, many people are looking for more affordable places to live without sacrificing their quality of life.
The Hudson Weekly: That makes a lot of sense. What are some of the initial legal steps that New Yorkers should consider when planning their move to Colombia?
Adam Hodges: The first step is to understand the visa options available. The most popular one for remote workers is the Digital Nomad Visa, which allows individuals to live and work in Colombia for up to two years. It’s essential to gather all the necessary documentation and understand the requirements. Our firm assists with this process, ensuring that applicants meet all the criteria and submit the correct paperwork.
The Hudson Weekly: That sounds like a significant step. What other legal services does Colombia Law Connection provide to make the transition smoother?
Adam Hodges: Apart from visa assistance, we offer a range of services tailored to expatriates. This includes help with setting up businesses, finding legal representation for property purchases, handling contracts, and navigating local laws. For families, we also provide legal support in matters of child support and family law to ensure all aspects of the move are covered.
The Hudson Weekly: It’s great to hear that there’s comprehensive support available. Could you elaborate on the Digital Nomad Visa? What are the specific requirements and benefits?
Adam Hodges: The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers who want to live in Colombia. Applicants need to show proof of income, usually a minimum of around $684 per month, a valid passport, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The benefits include the ability to live in Colombia for up to two years, with the option to renew. It’s a fantastic option for those who want to experience life in Colombia without committing to a long-term residency right away.
The Hudson Weekly: That’s very appealing, especially for freelancers and entrepreneurs. What challenges might New Yorkers face when moving to Colombia, and how can your firm help mitigate these?
Adam Hodges: One common challenge is navigating the bureaucratic processes, which can be quite different from those in the U.S. Language barriers can also pose difficulties. Our firm helps by providing clear guidance, handling paperwork, and offering translation services. We aim to make the transition as seamless as possible, so our clients can focus on settling into their new lives.
The Hudson Weekly: Your services seem incredibly valuable for anyone considering this move. Are there any particular success stories you can share with us?
Adam Hodges: Absolutely. We had a client who moved from New York to Medellín to start a tech company. We helped him secure his Digital Nomad Visa, assisted with the legal aspects of setting up his business, and provided ongoing support as his company grew. Today, he’s thriving in Colombia, and his business is expanding rapidly. Success stories like these make our work incredibly rewarding.
The Hudson Weekly: That’s inspiring to hear. For our readers who are now interested, how can they get in touch with Colombia Law Connection?
Adam Hodges: They can visit our website at www.colombialawconnection.com, where they’ll find more information about our services and contact details. We also offer free initial consultations to discuss their needs and how we can assist them.
The Hudson Weekly: Thank you so much for your time, Adam. This has been very enlightening.
Adam Hodges: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing how we can help New Yorkers make Colombia their new home.
