Frequently asked questions from Portuguese citizens in Colombia

If you are a Portuguese citizen or a Colombian with Portuguese nationality by Sephardic Jewish origin and reside in Colombia, you probably have many questions about consular procedures and legal services. Below, we provide detailed answers to the most common questions to help you manage your needs efficiently and safely.

Questions and Answers

1. How can I make my consular registration? And where?

To register at the consulate, you must visit the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota or any of the Honorary Consulates in Cali, Medellin, and Cartagena.

Bring your valid ID and proof of residence in Colombia.

This registration is vital to receive assistance and participate in the Portuguese elections from abroad.

1. My passport has expired. How do I renew this document?

You must request an appointment at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

You will need your expired passport, a recent photo and a Portuguese identity card.

It is advisable to start the process in advance to avoid travel problems.

1. I want to make a Portuguese cedula for the first time. How can I make this document? My cédula is expired. How can I renew this document?

To obtain or renew your Portuguese cedula, request an appointment at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

Bring your ID card, a recent photo and, if you are renewing, the expired ID card.

This document is essential for many official procedures in Portugal.

1. My documents were stolen/lost and I do not have any Portuguese documents. How can I travel urgently?

If your documents are lost or stolen, you can apply for an Emergency Passport at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

File a police report and any other available identification documents to expedite the process.

1. I need to legalize or apostille a Portuguese document. How should I proceed?

Take your documents to the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota for legalization or apostille.

Make sure that the documents are already legalized by the competent Portuguese authorities before proceeding.

1. I need to legalize or apostille a Colombian document. How can I proceed?

Colombian documents must be legalized or apostilled at the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

After this, they can be used in Portugal as needed.

1. Translation of documents

To translate official documents, hire the services of official translators authorized by the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

Make sure translations are accurate and comply with legal requirements.

1. I want to register the birth of my son/daughter. How should I proceed?

To register the birth of your child in Portugal, present the child’s Colombian birth certificate, your identity documents and proof of residence at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

1. I want to register the death of my family member. How should I proceed?

The death registration is done by presenting the death certificate and the identity documents of the deceased at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

This procedure is crucial to update civil registries.

1. I want to get married in Colombia. How should I proceed? Can I get married at the embassy?

To get married in Colombia, follow the local laws.

The Portuguese Embassy does not perform marriages, but can help you register your Portuguese marriage once it is performed according to Colombian law.

1. I want to register my marriage. How should I proceed?

To register your marriage in Portugal, present the Colombian marriage certificate and the identity documents of both spouses at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

This registration is necessary for the validity of the marriage in Portugal.

1. I want to register my divorce. How should I proceed?

Present the divorce decree and identity documents at the Portuguese Embassy.

This ensures that your marital status is up to date in Portugal.

1. What do I do if I need medical assistance while visiting Colombia?

Have international health insurance before traveling.

In case of medical emergency in Colombia, go to any hospital or clinic and contact the Portuguese Embassy for further assistance.

1. I am Portuguese and I wish to reside in Colombia. Where can I apply for my visa?

Apply for your visa at the Colombian Consulates or through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Check the specific requirements according to the type of visa you need.

1. How can I vote in the Portuguese/European elections while residing in Colombia or Ecuador?

Register in the consular electoral roll at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota to vote in the Portuguese or European elections from abroad.

1. I need to make a power of attorney. How should I proceed?

To make a power of attorney, visit the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota with your identity documents and the text of the power of attorney.

The embassy will assist you in the legalization of the document.

1. I need a certificate of residence. How should I proceed?

Apply for a certificate of residence at the Portuguese Embassy by presenting your identity card and proof of residence in Colombia.

This certificate is useful for various legal and administrative procedures.

1. I need a household goods list certificate. How should I proceed?

Present a detailed list of your assets and your identity documents at the Portuguese Embassy to obtain the household goods list certificate.

This certificate is useful for the importation of your personal belongings.

1. I need proof of life. What should I do?

To obtain a proof of life, visit the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota with your identity document and complete the corresponding form.

This document is often required for social security and pension purposes.

1. I need a Portuguese criminal record certificate. How should I proceed?

Request the Portuguese criminal record certificate online through the Portuguese Justice portal or at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

This document is essential for several legal and labor procedures.

1. Are there any embassy-accredited intermediaries/lawyers providing services to users?

The Portuguese Embassy can provide you with a list of lawyers and accredited intermediaries to assist you with various legal and consular procedures.

1. How can I renew my Portuguese driver’s license? Can I use it to drive in Colombia?

To renew your Portuguese driver’s license, please do the procedure in Portugal.

Your Portuguese license is valid in Colombia for a limited time, after which you must obtain a Colombian license.

1. How can I obtain the Portuguese tax identification number?

The tax identification number (NIF) can be obtained from the Portuguese Tax Service or through the Portuguese Embassy.

It is an essential number for various financial and legal transactions.

1. How can I change my tax address?

You can change your tax domicile at the portal of the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority or at the Portuguese Embassy.

Keep your tax address updated to avoid legal problems.

1. I need authorization to travel with a minor unaccompanied or accompanied by only one parent. How can I get it?

Obtain authorization for the travel of a minor at the Portuguese Embassy by presenting identity documents and a letter of consent signed by the parents.

This document is necessary to ensure the child’s safety during the trip.

1. How can I regularize my military status?

Present your identity documents and military record at the Military Consulate or Embassy of Portugal to regularize your military situation.

This procedure is required for Portuguese citizens of military age.

1. How can I bring my pet to Portugal?

To bring your pet to Portugal, comply with vaccination and microchip requirements, and obtain a health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian.

Find out about specific regulations before you travel.

1. I want to study in Portugal. Where can I get more information?

Consult the Portuguese Embassy and Portuguese university websites for information on studying in Portugal.

Exchange programs and scholarships are also available for international students.

1. How can I homologate university degrees?

It carries out the homologation of university degrees through the Portuguese Ministry of Education.

Submit the original title and an official translation of the title to initiate the recognition process.

1. How can I apply for Portuguese nationality?

Present the documentation proving your eligibility at the Portuguese Embassy to apply for Portuguese nationality.

The requirements vary according to the reason for the application, whether by descent, marriage, or residence.

1. I need to make a birth certificate. How can I apply?

Request the Portuguese birth certificate online through the portal of the Portuguese Civil Registry or at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

This document is essential for many legal and administrative procedures.

1. How to obtain a Portuguese passport?

To obtain a Portuguese passport, you must request an appointment at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.

Present your Portuguese identity card and a recent photo.

It is important to carry out this procedure in time to avoid inconveniences.

1. How long does it take to get a passport in Portugal?

The issuance time of the Portuguese passport may vary, but generally takes between two and four weeks from the time of application.

It is advisable to check with the embassy for more precise times.

1. How to make an appointment at the Embassy of Portugal?

Request an appointment at the Embassy of Portugal in Bogota through its official website or by phone.

Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready for your appointment.

1. How many generations can obtain Portuguese nationality?

Portuguese nationality by descent can be obtained up to the third generation in some cases, especially for descendants of Sephardic Jews.

Check with the embassy for specific details.

1. All the steps to obtain a Portuguese passport from Colombia

To obtain a Portuguese passport from Colombia, you must:

1. Request an appointment at the Portuguese Embassy in Bogota.
2. Present your Portuguese identity card and a recent photo.
3. Pay the corresponding fees.
4. Wait for the processing time, which is usually between two and four weeks.
5. All the steps to obtain the Portuguese citizenship card from Colombia

To obtain the Portuguese citizen card from Colombia:

1. Request an appointment at the Embassy of Portugal in Bogota.
2. Present your Portuguese identity card and a recent photo.
3. Complete the corresponding form.
4. Pay the required fees.
5. Wait for the issuance of the document.

Conclusion

We hope these answers to frequently asked questions for Portuguese citizens in Colombia will be of great help. Stay informed and follow the correct procedures to ensure efficient handling of your legal and consular needs.

Cybergraphy

1. Embajada de Portugal en Bogotá – Frequently asked questions
2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
3. Portuguese Justice Portal
4. Tax and Customs Authority of Portugal

For more information and expert support, contact us!