How to acquire Colombian nationality

How to Obtain Colombian Nationality: A Step-by-Step Guide

Visitors to Colombia are captivated by its landscapes, cuisine, culture, and people… many even see the possibility of thriving in the country and becoming active members of society. Given the current immigration situation in the country, we deemed it pertinent to discuss how to acquire Colombian nationality, in case someone wishes to become a Colombian citizen and contribute to the country's development. To better understand the immigration context, you can read our article on What is Immigration Law? and learn more about the Types of Visas in Colombia 2025: Requirements and Recent Changes.

How is Colombian Nationality Acquired?

According to Article 96 of the Colombian Political Constitution of 1991, (link to Article 96), Colombian nationals are:

1. By birth:
   1. Those born in Colombia, if one of their parents is Colombian or was born in Colombia; or, if born to foreign parents, if one of them was domiciled in Colombia at the time of birth.
   2. Children of Colombian fathers, who, even if born abroad, later become domiciled in Colombian territory.
2. By adoption:
   1. Foreigners who apply for and obtain naturalization, according to the parameters established by law.
   2. Latin Americans and Caribbean nationals by birth, domiciled in Colombia, who, with government authorization and in accordance with the law, request to be registered as Colombians before the municipality where they reside.
   3. Members of indigenous peoples who share border territories.

Requirements to Apply for Colombian Nationality

Before starting the process of applying for Colombian nationality, the applicant must have a valid Resident Visa in Colombia 2025: Complete Guide to Obtaining Permanent Residency and meet a residency requirement in Colombia. This period varies according to the applicant's nationality as follows:

• For Latin Americans and Caribbean nationals: 1 continuous year from the date of visa issuance.
• For Spanish nationals: 2 continuous years from the date of visa issuance.
• For foreigners who are not Latin American, Caribbean, or Spanish: 5 continuous years from the date of visa issuance.

However, this period can be reduced to 2 years if the applicant is married or in a Visa for spouse or permanent partner in Colombia with a Colombian national, or has a Colombian child. Note that same-sex couples can also benefit from this time reduction, as both de facto unions and same-sex marriage are recognized in Colombia. If any of these three conditions are met, the Complete Guide to Applying for a Colombian Visa: Steps, Requirements, and Tips 2025 can be submitted to the Chancellery in Colombia to begin the process.

Necessary Documentation to Acquire Colombian Nationality

Once the residency requirement is met, and to begin the process, the following documentation must be submitted. It is important to note that the following information is taken from the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; therefore, these are the legal documents required to carry out the process:

1. A memorial addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting Colombian nationality, with its respective justification, which must include:

   • Name, number of Processing of Alien Registration Cards in Colombia, occupation, country of origin, and current nationality of the applicant.
   • City of domicile and address of residence in Colombia, landline telephone number, cell phone number, and email address.
   • A statement from the applicant indicating their willingness to be notified electronically, if desired. In the online process, there is an option to indicate interest in electronic notification.
   • Express authorization to request confidential, tax, or other relevant information from the competent authorities.
   • Reasons justifying the request.
   • Statement of their last domicile before residing in the country.
   • If the applicant has minor children under their parental authority, they may request that nationality be extended to them. Proof of the civil status of the children to whom nationality is to be extended must be provided. The application must be made jointly by both parents or whoever holds parental authority. If parental authority is exercised solely by the applicant, this circumstance must be proven.
   • If the applicant has not defined their military situation in their country of origin, they must submit a written commitment stating that they will define their military situation in Colombia, should they be granted nationality.
   • The application must be signed by the applicant.

2. A simple copy of the current foreign identification card.

3. A simple copy of the current resident visa.

4. One (1) current passport-style photograph, front view, white background. Size 4x5 cm in JPG format.

5. A simple copy of the biographical data page of a valid passport. (If it does not include the information required, a suitable document issued by a competent authority in their country of origin will be requested, proving the date and place of birth. This document must be legalized by the Colombian consul, or apostilled by the competent authority of the applicant's country of origin, as applicable. The aforementioned document must be translated into Spanish if it was originally issued in another language, and if the translation was carried out abroad, it must be apostilled or legalized as applicable.

6. Proof of profession or trade with a work certificate from the company where they work, not older than six (6) months.

7. If the applicant is a self-employed professional, they must provide a copy of their Unique Tax Registry (RUT) form.

8. If they are a partner or owner of a commercial establishment, they must provide a certificate from the Chamber of Commerce issued no more than six (6) months prior, indicating the company's corporate purpose and tax identification number (NIT).

9. If the applicant is economically dependent on another person, they must submit a declaration stating this dependency, signed by the family member, spouse, or permanent partner. They must also attach the documents listed in points 7, 8, and 9 corresponding to the person responsible for the applicant.

10. Accreditation of basic knowledge of the Colombian Political Constitution, national history, Colombian geography, and Spanish. Examinations must be taken at the respective Governor's office of their place of residence, upon request from this Ministry, in accordance with Law 43 of 1993, modified by Law 962 of 2005.

If you find the process of acquiring Colombian nationality to be complex, Servicio Legal can help. We are Immigration Lawyers, Alien Law, or Foreigners Law and will guide you through each step. Contact us through our website or learn more about our Inmigration Law.