A business account in Colombia is opened in the name of a company registered in Colombia with a RUT and a NIT, so the usual route for a non resident is to register a company first. A foreign legal representative usually needs a valid Colombian visa and a Cedula de Extranjeria, and banks apply enhanced SARLAFT checks on foreign ownership. There is no standard remote business account for an unregistered foreign company; cross border platforms can fill some of that gap.
- Main route
- Register a company in Colombia, obtain the RUT and NIT, then open the account in the company name.
- Foreign representative
- Usually a valid Colombian visa and a Cedula de Extranjeria. A passport alone is generally not enough.
- Compliance
- Enhanced SARLAFT checks on foreign ownership, and foreign investment registered with the Banco de la Republica.
- Alternative
- Cross border platforms such as Wise, Payoneer or Airwallex, subject to their own eligibility. Not a Colombian bank account.
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
What non resident means for banking in Colombia
For business banking, the question is less about the owner being abroad and more about the company being registered in Colombia. A company incorporated in Colombia can be foreign owned and still open a local business account, because the account follows the registered company. A foreign company with no Colombian registration generally cannot open a standard Colombian business account remotely. So the practical path for a non resident is to register a Colombian company, obtain the RUT and NIT, and appoint a legal representative who can satisfy the bank identification rules.
The local company route
Register the company with the Camara de Comercio and obtain the RUT with the NIT from the DIAN. The bank then opens the account in the company name after SARLAFT checks, with enhanced review where ownership or control is foreign. A foreign legal representative usually needs a valid Colombian visa and a Cedula de Extranjeria, the foreigner identity document, since a passport alone is generally not enough to open and operate the account. Foreign capital invested in the company is registered as foreign investment with the Banco de la Republica through the exchange channels, which supports later repatriation.
Cross border alternatives
Where registering a Colombian company is not yet practical, cross border platforms such as Wise, Payoneer and Airwallex can hold and convert currencies and pay or receive to and from Colombian counterparts, subject to their own eligibility and onboarding. These are not a Colombian bank account, and foreign currency operations with Colombia still fall under the exchange regime, so a declaracion de cambio can apply. Confirm eligibility, features and reporting with the provider and a qualified adviser, as of 3 June 2026.
Compare business accounts available in Colombia
These providers accept business customers in Colombia. Fees and eligibility shown as of 3 June 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about non resident accounts in Colombia
Can a non resident open a business account in Colombia?
Can a foreign owned company bank in Colombia?
What identification does a foreigner need to bank in Colombia?
What are the alternatives for non residents banking with Colombia?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 3 June 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.