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Colombia is fast becoming one of South America’s most popular work destinations for foreign nationals; for this reason, the number of people looking to work in Colombia is increasing. Salsa lessons and stunning vistas aside, Colombia is attracting an increasing number of expats to develop their careers in its improved urban infrastructure and the growing job market.
Colombia, with a service-driven economy, is rapidly improving its access to technology, nearing levels seen in North America and Western Europe. This progress has led to vibrant tech bubbles in major cities, creating job opportunities for foreign nationals.
So to help you find the right spot in Colombia for your skills and goals, we’ve outlined the 6 best places to work in Colombia. Let’s kick things off with the capital.
Bogotá, Cundinamarca
As the capital, Bogotá is Colombia’s beating heart of trade and commerce. A growing middle class combined with a favorable government outlook towards foreign investment has caused the likes of Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and Proctor & Gamble to set up offices within its metropolitan area.
Not only does Bogotá lure established multinationals, its seen a significant increase in the number of B2B agencies being created. In advertising and marketing alone, there are around 100 firms operating inside the capital.
The average salary for an expat working in Bogotá is higher across most professions than anywhere else in the country. Furthermore, the variety of opportunities is greater than in other cities in Colombia, so it’s ideal if you’re not certain what work you’re looking for.
Medellín, Antioquia
The city of eternal spring is known for more than just its weather. Medellín is fast becoming a hub for foreign and national tech startups.
Voted as the Wall Street Journal’s ‘City of the Year’ in 2012, Medellín now has some 875 startups operating within the city. Local business accelerators like Ruta N have stimulated much of Medellín’s business creation over the past half a decade and, in 2020, received an international smart city award for its social, urban, and cultural transformation.
For expats, this means there’s a rising volume of tech companies looking for foreigners with specialized marketing, computer programming, and account management skills. Currently, Glassdoor is advertising over 140 English-speaking vacancies in Medellín.
Barranquilla, Atlántico
Barranquilla is an ideal choice for expats interested in working in education. Only two hours from the tourist hotspot Cartagena, Barranquilla is also home to some of the best universities and colleges in the country.
For expats looking to develop careers in education or gain some valuable experience in a classroom, Barranquilla has a whole host of teaching options for foreigners with a TEFL certificate. Furthermore, if you’ve got a degree or specialized qualification in education, private schools and universities will pay a premium for your teaching talents
If you’re looking for teaching work in Barranquilla, Colombia, consult expatgroup.co for advice on the best schools in the city.
Cali, Valle del Cauca
Sat in the beautiful valley of Cauca, Cali is now gaining the business clout to match its breathtaking setting.
With around 2,837,000 people living in its metropolitan area, Cali is smaller than Medellín and Bogotá but is now popular for IT services and manufacturing companies. Currently, the likes of Johnson & Johnson and FullStack Labs are hiring fluent English speakers in the Cali region.
Bucaramanga, Santander
Bucaramanga is not as common on Colombia’s tourist trail as it should be, yet its natural wonders slowly make it a more desirable holiday destination.
The Chicamocha Canyon and national parks in San Gil have brought a rising number of visits from international travelers around the world. This has led to an increased need for native English speakers.
Looking for work in Bucaramanga? expatgroup.co has already helped hundreds of expats like you kickstart their careers on Colombian soil.
Manizales, Caldas
If you’re keen to learn about the production of coffee, Eje Cafetero is the crown jewel of Colombia’s coffee love affair. Manizales, a small yet stunning city in the Department of Caldas, is a central piece of Colombia’s vibrant coffee industry.
With hundreds of coffee-growing fincas littering its hillsides, Manizales is home to farmers and exporters of its most famous bean. With commercial tours and coffee-making classes for tourists, Manizales offers employment opportunities for English-speaking expats with a passion for coffee.
Thorough research and sourcing could make Manizales an ideal location to launch a profitable coffee export business.
If you want to take the next step in your life and fulfill your dreams of living in Colombia, apply for a Colombian work visa with expatgroup.co, we will guide you and help you to make your process as easy as possible.
If you have questions or need expert advice on immigration, business, real estate, or legal matters, click the button to get in touch with us.
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