Why is Cartagena a popular destination for expat entrepreneurs?

Cartagena, Colombia is a city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant culture. But in recent years, it has also become a popular destination for expat entrepreneurs. With its strategic location in South America, a growing economy, and a welcoming business environment, Cartagena offers a unique opportunity for foreigners to start their own businesses. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 industries for expat entrepreneurs in Cartagena and why this city is a prime location for starting a business.

What are the key industries for expat entrepreneurs in Cartagena?

1. Tourism and Hospitality

As one of the top tourist destinations in Colombia, it’s no surprise that tourism and hospitality is a thriving industry in Cartagena. With its picturesque beaches, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife, the city attracts millions of visitors every year. For expat entrepreneurs, this presents a great opportunity to start businesses such as hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and souvenir shops.

2. Real Estate

Cartagena’s real estate market has been on the rise in recent years, thanks to an influx of foreign investors and tourists. Expats can take advantage of this trend by investing in rental properties, buying and selling homes, or even starting their own real estate agency.

3. Fashion and Design

With its colorful and eclectic style, Cartagena has become a hub for fashion and design. From traditional Colombian clothing to modern, high-end fashion, there’s a market for all types of fashion businesses in this city. Expats with a passion for fashion and design can start their own clothing line, open a boutique, or offer design services to local businesses.

4. Technology and Innovation

Colombia’s tech industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, and Cartagena is no exception. With a growing number of tech startups and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, expats can tap into this industry by starting their own tech company, offering tech services, or investing in local startups.

5. Healthcare and Wellness

Cartagena has a well-developed healthcare system, making it a popular destination for medical tourism. Expats with a background in healthcare can take advantage of this by starting their own medical practice or wellness center. Additionally, there’s a growing demand for wellness services such as yoga, meditation, and spa treatments, presenting opportunities for entrepreneurs in this industry.

6. Education

With a large number of international schools and universities, Cartagena has a strong education sector. Expats with teaching experience or a background in education can start their own language school, offer tutoring services, or even open an international school catering to the growing expat community.

7. Agriculture and Agribusiness

Colombia is known for its rich agricultural resources, and Cartagena is no exception. Expats can take advantage of this by starting businesses in areas such as organic farming, agro-tourism, or exporting local products.

8. Renewable Energy

As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, there’s a growing demand for renewable energy solutions. Cartagena, with its sunny climate, presents an excellent opportunity for expat entrepreneurs to start businesses in solar energy, wind energy, or other renewable energy sources.

9. Arts and Crafts

Cartagena is known for its colorful street art, handmade crafts, and traditional artisanal products. Expats can turn this into a business opportunity by starting their own art gallery, offering art classes, or selling locally made products to tourists and locals alike.

10. Food and Beverage

Colombian cuisine is gaining popularity around the world, and Cartagena is a melting pot of different cultures and flavors. Expats can start businesses in the food and beverage industry, such as restaurants, food tours, or even importing and exporting local products.

What makes Cartagena a favorable environment for expat entrepreneurs?

Besides the diverse range of industries, there are several other factors that make Cartagena a desirable destination for expat entrepreneurs:

  • Low cost of living and business expenses
  • Ease of doing business and obtaining work visas
  • A growing economy and stable political climate
  • A large and diverse expat community
  • Access to skilled labor and resources

Other ways people asked this question:

  • What are the most profitable businesses for expats in Cartagena?
  • What industries are growing in Cartagena?
  • How can expats start a business in Cartagena?
  • What are the benefits of starting a business in Cartagena as an expat?