Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a citizen of Colombia?
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 from inside ColombiaApplying from inside Colombia
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the online naturalization application.
See required documentsFill in the application online
Open the Solicitar trámite naturalización form and enter your details. Select the office for the place where you live and provide your email address.
Fill in the formSubmit your application
Upload your photo and documents, then save and confirm your application online. The system sends a confirmation to your email.
Submit your applicationPay the application fee
Select a payment method in the system and generate your payment notice. Pay the fee using the method you selected.
Find payment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the Colombia carta de naturalización application fee?”
Take the knowledge test
Take the knowledge test when asked, unless you qualify for an exemption. Follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' instructions for taking it.
Find test instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the Colombia carta de naturalización knowledge test?”
Wait for the decision
Check your application status online while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviews your application and decides. Answer any requests sent to your registered email and provide corrections or more records when asked.
Check your applicationTake the oath
If your application is approved, wait for the citizenship document to become final and go to the regional governor's office where you live when you are called. Take the oath there to complete your citizenship process; you can then apply for a Colombian passport.
Find oath instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I take the oath after approval of my Colombia carta de naturalización?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage or partnership record
Provide your Colombian civil marriage record or the public deed declaring your partnership with your Colombian spouse or partner. Get the record or deed from the office that holds it.
Considerations
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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