How To Get Colombian Citizenship By Marriage And Descent

Have you ever dreamed of living in Colombia? The country is one of South America's most welcoming destinations, known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Its beautiful nature, varied climate, and affordable prices further attract expats from all over the world.

If you’re considering becoming a Colombian citizen, there are several ways to do so, even if you were not born there. One of these routes is citizenship by marriage. The world is a big place, and it’s entirely likely that you could find the love of your life in another country. If you’re already married or planning to marry a Colombian citizen, why not get a new passport? Colombia allows dual (and even triple) citizenship. 

If you’re not getting married but were born in Colombia or have Colombian parents and are wondering if you can obtain Colombian citizenship, the short answer is yes, you can get your Colombian citizenship by descent!

In this article, we’ll explain how to get Colombian citizenship by marriage and descent and discuss the requirements, necessary documentation, and steps to help you acquire one of the most versatile passports available. 

COLOMBIAN CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE

Being married to a Colombian citizen will allow you to reduce the time needed to acquire a Colombian passport. Generally, foreigners must spend 5 years living in Colombia before being eligible for citizenship, but spouses of Colombian citizens only require 2 years. The process for receiving citizenship by marriage in Colombia works as follows:

GET SPOUSAL VISA

Before obtaining citizenship by marriage, you must obtain the applicable Spousal Visa, also known as the “Visa M Cónyuge.” Below are the documents you will need to gather: 

• Copy of the Colombian civil marriage registry issued within 3 months before the visa application;

• Letter of request signed by the Colombian spouse, requesting the visa for the foreign spouse and stating their effective cohabitation. This letter must include the Colombian spouse’s phone number, physical and email address, and copy of their citizenship card (cédula). The Visa and Immigration Authority may require additional evidence demonstrating the practical existence of the relationship or may call for an in-person, virtual, or telephone interview when deemed necessary;

• Special power of attorney, with content and signature recognition procedure before a notary or Colombian consul, allowing the foreign partner to apply for this type of visa;

• Certificate of migratory movements of the foreigner issued by the Special Administrative Unit of Migration Colombia and their Colombian spouse.

This visa allows you to live, study, and work in Colombia legally. It can also apply to other relatives, such as children under 25. 

OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE

After residing for 2 years in Colombia with your partner or spouse—or even if you have Colombian children—you can apply for Colombian citizenship by marriage. Here are the documents to gather: 

• Motivated document addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs requesting Colombian nationality, duly signed;

• Copy of marriage visa (cédula), the valid foreigner identification card, and the biographical data page of the valid passport;

• Civil registry of birth that accredits the applicant's exact place and date of birth;

• Document stating the profession, activity, or trade of the applicant or of the person on whom he/she is economically dependent;

• A document that demonstrates the marriage, demonstrates that he/she is the permanent partner of a Colombian national or has Colombian children;

• Copy of the certificate or diploma of a degree if he/she has completed secondary or university studies in Colombia;

• If the registrant belongs to an Indigenous community, they must submit a document issued by the competent authority of their community of origin.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Upon obtaining all the documents, you will need to access the Cancilleria website and pay Col $363,000 (approx. $83 USD) to start the naturalization process. The Foreign Affairs Ministry will review the application within the first three months. You will have 6 months to correct errors if the application does not meet all requirements. If you do not do so, it will be understood that you don’t want to continue with the process.

Once the documentation is reviewed and all the requirements are fulfilled, if the authorities assess that granting nationality is appropriate, a Letter of Naturalization or a Resolution will be issued authorizing registration as a “Colombian citizen by adoption.” Though confusing, this term means “naturalization” as per Colombian legislation. Once confirmed, the applicant will swear an oath before the Mayor's Office.

COLOMBIAN CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT 

The fastest way to obtain a Colombian passport is to obtain Colombian citizenship by descent. You qualify as a Colombian citizen by descent if at least one of the following conditions apply:

• At least one of your parents was a Colombian citizen at the time of your birth;

• You were born abroad to a Colombian parent but later on established domicile in Colombia.

Before applying for citizenship, you will need to gather the following documents: 

• The birth certificate of the applicant from the country of birth, duly apostilled or legalized and translated if necessary;

• Proof of Colombian nationality of the parent(s).

APPLICATION PROCESS

After gathering all required documents, you will need to make an appointment at the Civil Registry (Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil). Fill in the requested information, including the document type and identification number. Under Type of Procedure, select "Birth Certificate for Colombians.” When granted an appointment, you must show up with the documents listed above at the designated place. This procedure is free of charge.

With Colombia’s acceptance of dual citizenship, you can expand your global mobility while retaining your original nationality, all while enjoying the right to live permanently in this diverse and vibrant country

BENEFITS OF COLOMBIAN CITIZENSHIP

You’ll enjoy multiple benefits once you receive a Colombian passport. From visa-free access to numerous countries worldwide to the right to live permanently in this beautiful country, this passport will open the door to great opportunities. Let’s check the perks of Colombian citizenship:

• Visa-Free Travel: The Colombian passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 135 countries, including the Schengen Area, most Latin American countries, Russia, and even parts of Asia;

• Dual Citizenship: Colombia accepts dual citizenship, meaning you can keep your existing nationality along with your Colombian passport and increase your global mobility;

• Free Movement Across South America: As a Colombian citizen, you can easily travel across the Andean Community and Mercosur countries, allowing for more residency and professional opportunities in countries like Uruguay and Brazil.

CONCLUSION 

Colombia is a country that offers multiple benefits for expats, including streamlined pathways to citizenship. Whether you’re married to a Colombian citizen or have Colombian parents, you can fast-track your citizenship application and obtain a strong passport with access to multiple countries. As a Colombian citizen, you’ll have the right to live and work in Colombia and get easier access to education opportunities and credit, among other perks.

If you want to obtain a Colombian passport or simply learn how to get second residencies or citizenships, take the first steps by downloading my free special report, ‘Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.’