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If you ask a Colombian entrepreneur what their biggest headache is, they probably won’t say “competitors” or “technology.” They will say “trámites” (paperwork). While Colombia has made significant progress in digitizing government services, the country still suffers from heavy bureaucracy, often referred to as “Red Tape.”
From opening a corporate bank account (which can take weeks) to dealing with the Notary (Notaría) for physical signatures, these administrative hurdles can drain your energy. For a digital startup accustomed to speed, the slow pace of traditional institutions is frustrating. You might find yourself spending more time filling out forms for the DIAN or the Chamber of Commerce than actually building your product.
However, bureaucracy is not an excuse to stop. It is a filter. Only those with enough resilience and patience to navigate the system earn the right to do business here. The key is not to fight the system, but to understand how it works and prepare for it.
“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it.”
— Michael Jordan, Basketball Legend
How to survive the “Papeleo”
You cannot escape bureaucracy, but you can minimize its impact. Here are three tips to keep your sanity:
- Get a Good Accountant (Contador): In Colombia, tax laws change frequently. A good accountant is not an expense; it is an investment. They will save you from expensive fines and legal headaches.
- Digital Signatures: Invest in a certified digital signature (Firma Digital). Many modern institutions now accept this, saving you countless trips to the Notaría.
- The “2x Rule”: When planning your timeline, always calculate that legal or banking processes will take twice as long as the official website says. If they say 3 days, plan for 6. This buffer will reduce your stress.
