How to offer online classes in Colombia and get students

Since the pandemic, the world has realized that you don't need to be in the same room to learn something new. If you are someone who masters English, math, programming, or even playing the guitar, giving virtual classes in Colombia has become an excellent way to generate extra income or even make a full-time living from it. But, let's be honest, the hard part isn't teaching; the real challenge is getting those first students and formalizing your work without getting tangled up with the DIAN.

Legal and tax requirements for private tutors in Colombia

Pay attention to this: if you are going to charge for your services professionally, you need the Single Tax Registry (RUT). Many are terrified of the DIAN, but registering for the RUT is free, has indefinite validity (you don't have to renew it every year), and can be done virtually through the DIAN website if you are a Colombian citizen with a national ID. If you are a foreigner with a Foreigner ID (Cédula de Extranjería), you will need to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment to process it. If you want to see real options right now, you can see available jobs on Colombia Move — posting is completely free.

When registering, you must choose your economic activity. The correct ISIC (CIIU) code will depend on what you teach:

• 8559 (Other types of education n.e.c.): This is the one for academic tutoring services, language classes, and exam preparation.
• 8553 (Cultural education): Use this if you are going to teach art, music, dance, or theater.
• 8552 (Sports and recreational education): Ideal for yoga, fitness, or sports instructors.

Another piece of great news is the VAT issue. According to current regulations, private classes taught by individuals on subjects from official curricula are exempt from VAT in Colombia. However, depending on your annual income, you might be required to file an income tax return, so consult with an accountant once your volume of students starts to grow.

How to set your rates (without giving your work away)

One of the most common mistakes when starting out is charging dirt cheap prices to "steal" students from the competition. Don't give your work away. Rates usually vary between 20,000 and 60,000 COP per hour depending on the specialty, the complexity of the subject, and your verifiable experience.

My recommendation is to structure your prices in packages. Instead of selling a single hour, offer a "10-class package" with a slight discount. This ensures constant income and commits the student to finishing the process, which translates into better learning results and, therefore, better recommendations for you.

The best platforms to get students in Colombia

To get students, you can rely on recognized platforms like Superprof, Tusclases.co, or Apprentus. These sites have good traffic from people looking to learn, but they have a downside: the competition is fierce and, in some cases, the billing models (whether charging the teacher or the student to contact you) can be an obstacle.

Here is a key piece of information you cannot ignore: according to active ads on Colombia Move (July 2026), the current supply in our classes category is very low, with only 3 active ads. This means there is a huge gap in the local market against a student demand that continues to grow. It is the perfect time to post your profile and stand out without having to fight against thousands of identical profiles.

Post your service for free on Colombia Move

Honestly, I would skip the platforms that charge you high commissions from day one. If you want to reach students all over the country, I recommend taking advantage of remote services in Colombia. By posting in a specialized directory, students can contact you directly via your WhatsApp, without intermediaries.

You can upload photos of your workspace, detail your methodology, and make your prices clear in the services section. The key is to write an attractive title, for example: "Conversational English Classes for Professionals" instead of a simple "I give English classes."

Practical tips to succeed as a virtual teacher

Teaching online requires more than just turning on the camera. Make sure you have a stable internet connection (connect via network cable if possible) and good lighting; if the student can't see you or hear you well, they will hardly book again.

Use interactive tools. Zoom and Google Meet are the standard for video calls, but adding platforms like Miro (virtual whiteboards) or Notion to organize your students' notes will make the difference between an average teacher and a premium one. Also, always offer a brief 15-minute free exploratory session. Use it to get to know the student, assess their level, and explain your methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it mandatory to have a RUT to give private classes in Colombia?

Yes, it is mandatory for any independent economic activity. According to the DIAN (valid for 2026), the process is completely free, does not require annual renewals, and you can do it virtually on the DIAN portal if you have a national ID.

❓ What ISIC (CIIU) code should I register in the RUT if I am a private teacher?

According to DIAN classifications (2026), you must use code 8559 for academic tutoring and language classes. If you teach art or music, it corresponds to 8553, and if you teach sports or yoga, you must register code 8552. Confirm with the DIAN if your activity has special characteristics.

❓ Do online classes in Colombia carry VAT?

No, according to the current Tax Statute (2026), private classes taught by individuals on subjects from official curricula are exempt from VAT. However, depending on your annual income, you might be required to file an income tax return; consult an accountant to confirm your specific situation.

❓ How much does a private teacher charge per hour in Colombia?

Rates vary widely: they usually range between 20,000 and 60,000 COP per hour as a general reference, depending on the specialty, complexity, and the tutor's experience. This is not an official rate; each teacher sets their own price based on the local market.

❓ How can I receive payments from my students securely?

The most recommended method is to use direct bank transfers via Nequi, Daviplata, or Bancolombia, or to generate digital payment links. Charging in advance or selling class packages reduces the risk of no-shows without payment.

❓ Where can I post my virtual tutoring services for free?

You can create profiles on platforms like Superprof or Tusclases.co. Additionally, we recommend using the remote services section of Colombia Move to reach students across the country without paying commissions.