This guide is designed to assist those who are considering taking this significant step, whether you are a foreign national looking to make Colombia your permanent home, or someone born in Colombia who has been living abroad for an extended period. Here, we provide an overview of what it means to become a Colombian citizen and how this decision impacts your life and integration into Colombian society.
Becoming a citizen of Colombia offers several benefits for foreigners, which include but are not limited to:
It's important to note that while these benefits can be significant, the decision to become a citizen should be based on a comprehensive understanding of both the responsibilities and privileges that come with Colombian citizenship.
The eligibility requirements for obtaining Colombian citizenship can vary depending on the applicant's specific circumstances. Generally, there are several paths to Colombian citizenship, including naturalization for foreigners, citizenship by birth, and citizenship by marriage. Here are the detailed requirements for each category:
Foreign nationals who wish to become Colombian citizens through naturalization typically need to meet the following criteria:
Individuals may be eligible for Colombian citizenship by birth in the following scenarios:
Foreigners married to a Colombian citizen can apply for citizenship, with the following requirements:
These general guidelines provide an overview, but the exact requirements can vary based on individual circumstances and current immigration laws.
Applying for Colombian citizenship involves a multi-step process, which can slightly differ depending on whether you are applying through naturalization, marriage, or other specific circumstances. Here's a general step-by-step guide for the naturalization process, which is the most common path for foreigners:
Updates: Always check for the most current information and procedures, as immigration laws and policies can change.
The time frame for obtaining Colombian citizenship through naturalization can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and the efficiency of the administrative process. Generally, after meeting the residency requirement (which is typically five years, or two years for those married to a Colombian citizen, and one year for nationals from Latin American and Caribbean countries), the application process itself can take several additional months to over a year. This duration includes the time for preparing and submitting the application, processing by the Colombian authorities, taking necessary tests, and attending any required interviews. It's important to note that this is an estimated time frame and can vary based on the specific case and current administrative workload.
If you were born in Colombia but have lived abroad for many years and obtained citizenship in another country, you typically do not need to reapply for Colombian citizenship. Colombian law recognizes the principle of "jus soli" (right of the soil), meaning that individuals born in Colombia are generally considered Colombian citizens by birth. This citizenship is usually lifelong and does not cease when a citizen acquires another nationality.
Here are some key points to consider:
As someone born in Colombia, you are generally considered a citizen for life, and acquiring another citizenship does not negate your Colombian citizenship. However, keeping your Colombian documents up to date is important for proving your status and exercising your rights as a citizen.
If you are outside of Colombia while making an application, you may be required to have documents apostilled or legalised. For assistance with having documents legalised in your country for use in Colombia, visit one of the Colombian embassies below to find consulates in your area. If your country is not listed below, visit www.gov.co to see if there are options available in your country.
Website: https://estadosunidos.embajada.gov.co/
Phone: +1 202 387 8338
Website: https://reinounido.embajada.gov.co/
Phone: +44 20 7589 9177
All calls are kept strictly confidential