Colombian Citizenship Application Requirements
On this page, we will discuss the Colombian Citizenship Application Process: Your Colombian nationality process as a Colombian Residency Visa holder is handled through a process called adoption. Colombian Citizenship by adoption is processed online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Enter and complete the form at the link “Carry out your nationality process online here“. All other documents required for the study of nationality by adoption must be sent digitally following the online procedure.
The primary methods of obtaining Colombian citizenship are birth and residency under a Colombian visa.
Related Topics of Interest for You:
Colombian Citizenship or Nationality for Resident Visa Holders:
1. Types of Colombian Residency Visa Holders who Qualify
For Latin Americans and Caribbean by birth: Be domiciled in Colombia for a term of one (1) year. The term of domicile will be counted from the issuance of the RESIDENT VISA.
For Spaniards by birth: Be domiciled in Colombia for a term of two (2) years. The term of domicile will be counted from the issuance of the RESIDENT VISA.
For foreigners who are not Latin American, Caribbean or Spanish: Be domiciled in Colombia for a term of five (5) years. This term will be reduced to two (2) years, if the foreigner is married to a Colombian national, or if he is a permanent partner of a Colombian national, or if he has a child. a) Colombian The term of domicile will be counted from the issuance of the RESIDENT VISA. In other words after 3 years spouses and parents may apply for citizenship, and all others must wait to apply for Colombian Citizenship.
The reasons on which your request is based.
If the applicant has not defined the military situation in his country of origin, he must make a written commitment note in which he states that he will define his military situation in Colombia, in case he is granted nationality.
2. Memorial, letter or official letter addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which Colombian nationality is requested,
Name, immigration identification number, occupation, and current nationality of the petitioner.
City of residence and address of your residence in Colombia, landline phone number, cell phone number and email.
Manifestation of the applicant stating his willingness to be notified by electronic means. For this purpose, in the virtual procedure, there is the option of indicating the interest of electronic notification.
Express authorization for this Ministry to request confidential, tax or other relevant information before the competent authorities.
Additional Considerations:
- Background Checks: The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs might ask for a certificate of good conduct and judicial record from your country.
- Fees: There are likely application fees associated with the process.
- Processing Time: The time it takes to process the application may change, so it is good to consult Colombian authorities for latest estimates.
7. Accredit work activity, profession or trade in Colombian territory, with one of the following documents:.
7.1 If the applicant is a dependent professional, he must provide a labor certificate from the company where he works, not older than six (6) months.
7.2 If the applicant is an independent professional, he must provide a copy of the Single Tax Registry (RUT) form.
7.3 In the event that the applicant is a partner or owner of a commercial establishment, he must submit the certificate of the Chamber of Commerce with an issue of no more than six (6) months, in which the corporate purpose of said entity and its number are stated. tax identification number (NIT).
7.4 In the event that the applicant is economically dependent on another person, they must submit a statement, signed by the family member, spouse or permanent partner, stating that dependency. Likewise, you must attach any of the documents listed in numerals 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3 corresponding to the person who is responsible for the applicant.
8. If the non-Latin American and Caribbean foreigner is married or has a de facto marital union with a Colombian, or children have Colombian nationality, they must provide the Civil Marriage Registry, proof of the Marital Union of Fact or the Civil Registry of Birth.
Requirements for Minors
Citizenship Foreign Minor Children as beneficiaries of the nationalization process. If the foreigner interested in acquiring Colombian Nationality by Adoption, has minor children under their parental authority and with a resident visa as beneficiaries, they can request that their application for Colombian Nationality by Adoption be extended to them, for which, You must provide the following documents:
Copy of the Resident Visa as Beneficiary
Request, letter, official document or memorial by means of which this Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required that the request for Colombian Nationality by Adoption presented by the father, mother or legal representative be extended to the minor, the request must be signed by the parents or by the person exercising parental authority (in which case the court ruling issued by the State of origin where said circumstance is accredited) must be provided.
Copy of the Civil Registry of Birth of the minor
Copy of the identification documents of the parents or legal representative.
Minor Passport
Note:
In the course of the application, the applicant must prove knowledge of the Political Constitution of Colombia, national history, Colombian geography and Spanish, for foreigners whose mother tongue is not Spanish, by presenting the knowledge exams before the Government of the place of residence, in accordance with the provisions of Law 43 of 1993, modified by Law 962 of 2005.
Keep in mind that the Governors advance the summons process, once this Ministry requires the practice of the knowledge exams.
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Colombian Consulates in The United States
Click the name of the Colombian consulate closest to you to get permission for the next flight. If you have problems communicating with the consulate and you would like help please let us know. We charge a small fee for assisting with documents and forms in Spanish.
Applying for Migrant visa from Colombia
Once you receive online visa approval, if doing this in Colombia, you need to travel to Bogotá to get the visa in your passport. Visas in Colombia are issued at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office in Bogotá. Their office is located at Avenida 19 # 98-03, Torre 100 Building, 3rd Floor. It’s open from 7:30 am until noon.
The major challenge with getting a Colombian visa yourself is dealing with a government bureaucracy, making a trip to Bogota and not understanding the laws properly if you are not fluent in Sanish.
This is where you can benefit from the services of an experienced visa agency such as Visas by James. A visa agency such ours is your best bet when it comes to obtaining visa for you. An experienced visa agency which has processed hundreds of visas and knows exactly what is needed for each type of visa is exactly what you need.
Another big benefit of using a visa agency is that they offer services to courier your passport to Bogotá to get the visa put in your passport. So, you can avoid a trip to Bogotá. The cost of a visa service including the service to courier your passport to Bogotá can even be cheaper than the cost of a trip to Bogotá.
Our Path to Becoming Colombia's Leading Visa Agency
James Lindzey founded ColombiaVisas.com after relocating to Colombia in 2005. With experience as a private investigator and paralegal in the U.S., James brought a strong legal background to Colombia's complex visa system.
Today, Visas by James—part of Colombia Legal & Associates SAS—is a top provider of visa and legal services for expats. We specialize in U.S. immigration services for Colombians migrating to the USA, and Expats from countries around the world migrating to Colombia.
In addition to our visa services, our agency offers a full range of legal and accounting services to our clients. We can better assist clients with document collection services for documents located in the United States because of James's prior legal experience there.
We also maintain contact with over 800 notaries, registries, and Colombian courts to obtain any documents required in Colombia.
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What Clients Say About Working With Us
Real feedback from clients who have worked with our team on Colombian visa and legal processes.
Client feedback is sourced from publicly available third-party review platforms. Individual results may vary.
“I worked with Visas by James Medellín and had an excellent experience. Once I was connected with Isabela, I felt confident I was on the right path to obtaining my visa.”
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“Very professional service. All steps were clearly explained, and they helped me avoid mistakes that could have delayed my visa.”
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“Overall, a positive experience. Communication was good, and the process was explained in a way that made sense for a foreigner.”
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Important Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, immigration advice, or a guarantee of any specific visa outcome.
Colombian visa requirements, procedures, government fees, and internal criteria change frequently and may vary depending on your personal situation and the policies in force at the time of your application.
Always consult a qualified professional to receive advice tailored to your individual case. Reading this website does not create an attorney–client relationship with Colombia Legal & Associates SAS, Visas by James, or any member of our team.
What about our Services?
Many visas require obtaining complicated documents in the United States or Canada. We have experienced legal experts who work exclusively with the United States. Just another reason why you should choose our firm.
We organize your documents and help you present a favorable immigration profile to ensure your Colombian visa or citizenship application is successful.
We draft and structure all required letters for your Colombian visa or citizenship application.
We monitor your immigration process, handle requests for more evidence (requerimientos) del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
Translation, Legalization, and apostille of the documents required for your visa application in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Colombia (Cancillería)
Chat over WhatsApp or via our website – get your visa questions answered fast.
Courier your passport to Bogotá to get the visa in your passport if required.
Office in El Poblado in Medellin in the Golden Mile zone.
Please let us know if you need more information, or we can set up a consultation in order to provided you personalized visa or immigration plan.
Our main office is located in Medellin, Colombia near Parque Lleras in El Poblado. We have representation in Bogota, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Our main office address is Cra 39#5A-95, Oficina 709, Edificio Avangarde. We accept walk in appointments but its always nice if you can let us know ahead of time so we can schedule a time. Areas codes in Colombia have changed. To reach our office please call (57) 604-444-6634.