Nationality of Colombia: all obtaining pathways
Colombia naturalizes after five years of residence with a resident visa, reducing the period to two years for spouses, permanent partners, and parents of Colombian children under Law 2332 of 2023. Nationality by birth requires parental domicile in the territory, and descent is registered through the consulate.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 5 years of continuous residence on Colombian territory with a Resident Visa (Law 2332 of 2023)
- 2 years of continuous residence for spouses or permanent partners of a Colombian, parents of Colombian children, or Spanish nationals
- Of legal age
- Lawful activity or profession or trade in Colombia
- Good record
- Knowledge test on the Constitution, history, geography and culture of Colombia, and Spanish (if not a native language)
Documentation
- Copy of the valid Resident Visa (holder or beneficiary)
- Valid foreign resident card
- Valid passport (biographical data page)
- Civil registry birth certificate apostilled or legalized
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin apostilled
- Work certificate, RUT or Chamber of Commerce certificate (proof of activity)
- Document-type photograph 4x5 cm with white background
- Memorandum or letter addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting nationality
2Nationality by birth (ius soli with parental domicile)
Nationality by birth (ius soli with parental domicile)
Requirements
- Having been born on Colombian territory as a child of resident foreigners
- Apply within the 2 years following the age of majority
- Having resided in Colombia
Documentation
- Colombian civil registry birth certificate
- Parents' citizenship card or passports
- Certificate of the parents' residence in Colombia
3Nationality by descent
Nationality by descent
Requirements
- Being a child of a Colombian father or mother born abroad
- Register before a Colombian consulate or establish domicile on Colombian territory
Documentation
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Colombian civil registry birth certificate of the father/mother
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Colombia
How many years of residence does Colombia require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Colombia (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years (2 years for spouses/permanent partners of Colombians, parents of Colombian children, or Spanish nationals). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
What documentation does naturalization in Colombia require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Copy of the valid Resident Visa (holder or beneficiary); Valid foreign resident card; Valid passport (biographical data page); Civil registry birth certificate apostilled or legalized; Criminal record certificate from the country of origin apostilled; among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Colombia?
Colombia provides 3 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Nationality by birth, Nationality by descent.
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Anything to correct or add about Colombia?
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