Eligibility quiz
Do you have a child who is a Colombian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Colombian passport
An ordinary or executive Colombian passport is valid for 10 years.
Passports are issued in Colombia and at Colombian consulates abroad.
A valid passport is normally needed to leave Colombia, though some agreements provide exceptions.
Live in Colombia for life
Colombian citizens can live in Colombia indefinitely without a visa or residence permit.
Live and work in 9 countries
Study in Colombia
Colombian citizens can use education and public services on the terms of each programme.
For example, a public-university tuition programme has eligibility conditions; citizenship alone does not guarantee a tuition-free place.
Work in Colombia
Colombian citizens can work in Colombia without immigration permission.
Get help abroad
Colombian embassies and consulates can provide assistance and protection to Colombian citizens travelling or living abroad.
You must prove your Colombian citizenship.
Vote and run for office
Eligible Colombian citizens can vote, run for office, take part in referendums and form or join political parties.
Some public jobs have restrictions for naturalized citizens or people with another citizenship.
Eligible citizens registered to vote abroad can vote in national elections, but not Colombian local elections, from abroad.
Use public healthcare
Colombian citizens can join the health system on the same basis as other residents.
Work, ability to pay, household circumstances and residence determine how you join and whether you pay contributions.
How to apply
Applying onlineApplying online
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the online naturalisation application.
See required documentsFill in your application
Open the online naturalisation form, select “NATURALIZACIÓN” and enter your details as they appear on your documents. Prepare your photograph as a JPG and your documents as separate PDFs, and add them to your application.
Open the formSubmit your application
Complete the required sections and save your application online. Keep the confirmation and application number sent to your email.
Submit your applicationPay the fee
Pay the application fee using the payment method shown by the online system, and register your payment as directed.
Find payment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the fee for Colombia's online naturalisation application?”
Take required exams
If you do not submit a qualifying education document, take the required knowledge exams as part of your application.
Find exam informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the knowledge exams for Colombian naturalisation?”
Wait for the decision
Follow your application online and respond to any requests sent by email or through the application system. If approved, wait for the notice and publication of the decision and for the ministry to send your naturalisation letter to your town hall.
Check your applicationFind your town hall
Find the town hall where you live in Colombia for your citizenship oath.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which town hall handles Colombian naturalisation oaths in your city?”
Take your citizenship oath
Go in person to your town hall to take the citizenship oath or, if your religion does not permit an oath, make a solemn declaration. The town hall sends the record to the ministry, completing your naturalisation so you can apply for a Colombian passport.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the Colombian naturalisation oath at the town hall in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Provide your birth certificate showing your exact place and date of birth, and your Colombian child's Colombian birth record showing your relationship and their Colombian citizenship. If you also apply based on marriage to a Colombian citizen, include your Colombian spouse's birth record.
Proof of partnership *
Provide a document that proves your permanent partnership with your Colombian partner. It should show that the partnership exists when you apply.
* Only if you also apply based on a permanent partnership with a Colombian citizen.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Colombian documents for travel
If you also have another citizenship, you must enter, stay in and leave Colombia as a Colombian citizen and use Colombian identity documents.
Military service for men
Colombian men may have to perform military service from adulthood.
Men living abroad must register and settle their military status through a consulate.
Exemptions and objections based on deeply held beliefs may apply.
Citizenship can be lost
You can give up Colombian citizenship, but it ends only when your request is accepted and recorded.
Naturalized citizens can lose it after a final conviction for certain offences against the state or its constitutional system; citizens by birth cannot be deprived of it.
A court can also suspend political rights in specified cases.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Medellin Expats
English Facebook group for people living in Colombia interested in Colombian local life
Join on FacebookMedellin Gringo Info
English Facebook group for people living in Colombia interested in Colombian local life
Join on FacebookExpat in Santa Marta - Magdalena - Colombia
English Facebook group for people living in Colombia interested in Colombian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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