Get Your Colombia Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Anyone born in Colombia is a citizen, except children of foreign diplomats.
- By Descent : Children born abroad to at least one Colombian citizen parent are eligible for citizenship by descent, even if the parent is a dual national.
- By Marriage : Spouses of Colombian citizens may apply for naturalization after 2 years of residency (or 1 year if they have a Colombian child).
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals may apply after 5 years of continuous legal residence (2 years for Latin Americans or Spaniards).
- By Investment: Investors who contribute at least ~USD $170,000 (650 minimum monthly wages) may qualify for a residency visa leading to citizenship.
- Dual Citizenship Allowed: Colombia allows dual citizenship. You are not required to renounce your previous nationality.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your path: descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment.
- Submit your application through Cancillería (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) or a Colombian consulate.
- Meet residency or ancestry requirements and pass the language and culture exam (if applicable).
- Attend an interview and take the Oath of Allegiance.
- Receive your Colombian citizenship certificate and apply for a cédula and passport.
Benefits of Colombian Citizenship
- Live, vote, and work freely in Colombia
- Keep your original nationality — dual citizenship is legal
- Access public healthcare and national ID benefits
- Strong passport with visa-free access to 130+ countries
Frequently asked questions.
Does Colombia allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Colombia permits dual citizenship. You can keep your original nationality while becoming Colombian.
Can I get Colombian citizenship through my parents?
Yes. If at least one parent is a Colombian citizen, you may apply for citizenship by descent. Registration is required at a consulate or in Colombia.
Can I apply through marriage?
Yes. Spouses of Colombians can apply after 2 years of residency, or just 1 year if they have a Colombian child.
Are there faster paths for Latin Americans or Spaniards?
Yes. Nationals from Latin America or Spain may apply after only 2 years of legal residence instead of the usual 5 years.
What’s the investor path to citizenship?
If you invest at least ~USD $170,000 in Colombia (e.g., in real estate or business), you may qualify for residency leading to citizenship after 5 years.
Do I have to pay taxes in Colombia as a dual citizen?
Colombia taxes residents on worldwide income. If you live abroad and aren’t tax-resident, you’re only taxed on Colombian-source income.
Is same-sex marriage recognized for citizenship applications?
Yes. Colombia legalized same-sex marriage in 2016. Same-sex spouses have the same rights as opposite-sex couples for residency and citizenship.