How To Get Colombian Citizenship

Second citizenships can provide you with lower taxes, increased freedom of movement and boundless opportunities. Getting a second passport can lead to a world of possibilities, improving the way you work, live and prosper. As the world becomes more interconnected, multiple individuals decide to go abroad to build better lives for themselves and their families.

Perhaps you reside in a country with excellent infrastructure, lucrative job opportunities and more, but something feels quite off. The US, Canada and other powerful Western countries, despite their development, may not fully align with your vision. 

Wouldn’t you rather live in a country where you can enjoy more freedom and your money can go further? Now, you might wonder where to move and how to navigate the process of obtaining new citizenship. The task of exploring all the options seems overwhelming, but fear not. We’re here to guide you through this journey.

Of all the countries offering citizenship opportunities, Colombia emerges as a brilliant destination for expats seeking a fresh start. With its multiple pathways to acquire citizenship, Colombia promises a brighter future. In this guide, we’re delving into the different routes available, providing you with the knowledge needed to pick the one that suits you best. 

Cartagena is an amazing place to live once you get your Colombian citizenship

TRADITIONAL PATHWAYS TO COLOMBIAN CITIZENSHIP

CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE

By marrying a Colombian national, you can get Colombian citizenship quickly. This also applies to same-sex and civil unions. 

If you’ve been married to a Colombian and have held a Resident Visa for at least two years, you’re eligible to apply for this citizenship. However, you must meet other criteria as well:

• Have a clean criminal record;

• Provide evidence of your marriage to a Colombian national;

• Provide a certificate of good conduct issued by your country of origin;

• Provide proof that you’re financially stable;

• Pass a test on Colombia’s history, geography and constitution;

• Pass a Spanish language test if you’re a non-native speaker.

The visa requirements are the following:

• A police clearance certificate;

• A certificate of good health;

• A copy of your passport;

• A copy of your marriage certificate;

• A copy of your spouse’s Colombian ID card (cédula);

• A notarized visa application letter from your spouse signed and certified by a recognized Colombian notary.

Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

If your father or mother is Colombian, don't miss the chance to apply for Colombian citizenship and enjoy a lifestyle close to nature in Guatape

CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH

According to the Colombian Political Constitution of 1991, citizenship by birth is granted to individuals who meet the following requirements:

• Children of a Colombian father or mother born in a foreign land and later domiciled in Colombian territory or registered in a consular office of the Republic of Colombia;

• Natives of Colombia meet one of two conditions. Either one of the parents must have been a native or Colombian citizen, or if the children were born to foreigners, at least one of their parents must have been domiciled in the Republic at the moment of birth.

A foreign national with a Colombian parent can acquire Colombian citizenship by obtaining a Colombian birth certificate (Registro Civil de Nacimiento) at a notary in Colombia or a Colombian consulate abroad. The following requirements must be met to obtain the Colombian birth certificate:

• An original copy of the birth from the foreign national’s country of birth, legalized or with the proper seal, depending on the country;

• Valid citizenship cards (Cédula de Ciudadanía) or both parents’ Colombian passports. A death certificate issued by a Colombian authority must be provided should a parent be deceased;

• The applicant’s presence during the process of providing fingerprints;

• A copy of a document proving the applicant’s blood type and Rh blood group.

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Volcano Tolima, in Los Nevados National Park

CITIZENSHIP BY ADOPTION

Colombian nationality by adoption is granted to:

• Foreigners who apply for and obtain naturalization according to Law 43 of 1993;

• Members of indigenous peoples from bordering countries, following the principle of reciprocity and based on duty, executed public treaties;

• Latin Americans and Caribbeans by birth who are domiciled in Colombia and request to be registered as Colombians with government authorization, following the principle of reciprocity, before the municipality where they reside;

Note. The principle of reciprocity means that members of these indigenous groups can get Colombian citizenship as long as their respective countries also extend similar rights to Colombian citizens living in border areas.

CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION

The first condition is being a holder of a resident visa. Depending on the nationality of the applicant, the time to acquire citizenship by naturalization varies:

• Native Latin Americans or Caribbeans: Must have resided continuously in Colombia for one year before applying for citizenship;

• Native Spanish citizens: Must have resided in Colombia for two years before applying;

• Rest of the foreigners: Must have resided in Colombia for five years before applying for citizenship or for two years in the case of being married to a Colombian national, being the permanent partner of a Colombian national, or having Colombian children.

Note: the continuous residency period is interrupted if the applicant is outside Colombia for at least one year.

Related content: What's The Lifestyle In Colombia Like For Its Residents?

Once Colombian citizenship is acquired, a range of benefits awaits, including this amazing aerial view of Cali

BENEFITS OF COLOMBIAN CITIZENSHIP

Depending on your situation, you can opt for the pathway to citizenship that best suits your case. Once you obtain Colombian citizenship, you’ll have a wide range of benefits, such as:

• Visa-free travel to 99 countries;

• Visa-on-arrival in 32 countries;

• Global mobility: With a passport ranking 39th in the world, Colombian citizens have relatively good mobility, which facilitates business, leisure and international opportunities;

• Educational Opportunities: Easier travel may result in more accessible educational opportunities for Colombian students eager to study abroad;

• Business and Investment Opportunities: A Colombian passport grants access to various countries with promising economic prospects;

• Improved Quality of Life: A Colombian passport grants not only access to the allure of Colombia, but also that of multiple countries all around the globe.

And these are solely the benefits of being a Colombian passport holder. What the Republic of Colombia has to offer goes way beyond decent global mobility. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, offering an affordable standard of living for expats, including digital nomads and retirees. 

This beautiful country possesses an abundance of natural wonders, from magnificent shores to majestic mountains and picturesque countryside. In Colombia, you’ll surely find a city or town that caters to your needs.

Its status as the third-largest economy in the Latin American and Caribbean region and its stable banking system ensure a secure and thriving financial environment. With a monthly income of $2,000 USD, you can live like a king, indulging in inexpensive, delicious and nutritious produce such as fish, meats and poultry. 

Colombia is self-sufficient in food production and a major exporter, showcasing the variety and quality of its agricultural sector. Additionally, Colombians are known for their warm and welcoming nature, ensuring that expats feel at home and embraced by the local community.

Related content: Best Cities In Colombia For Expats

Caño Cristales, in Colombia, is considered the most beautiful river in the world

CONCLUSION

Obtaining Colombian citizenship offers expats a gateway to a realm of possibilities. With multiple pathways available, such as citizenship by marriage, birth, adoption, or naturalization, individuals can choose the option that caters to their circumstances. 

Once Colombian citizenship is acquired, a range of benefits awaits, including visa-free travel to numerous countries, increased mobility and business opportunities. Additionally, Colombia’s wondrous natural beauty, affordable cost of living, stable economy and welcoming community are the perfect cherry on top of an improved quality of life for expats.