Application for Colombian Nationality by Naturalization: Practical Aspects

Nationality is a legal, political, and emotional bond between an individual and a State, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE). In the case of foreigners holding another nationality or stateless persons residing in Colombian territory, as long as they meet the requirements to hold a visa, it is not mandatory for them to opt for Colombian nationality, regardless of the length of their stay in the country. Acquiring Colombian nationality involves an essential volitional element: feeling Colombian.

1. How can a foreign citizen become naturalized as Colombian?

The process of nationality by naturalization is regulated by Law 2332 of 2023. Any foreigner holding a resident visa who has been domiciled in Colombian territory for a period of five years while holding said visa may apply for nationality by naturalization.

2. Can this period be reduced?

Yes, in the following cases:

• For Latin Americans and Caribbeans by birth, and stateless persons: 1 year.
• For Spaniards by birth, and spouses or permanent partners of Colombian nationals: 2 years.

3. How is the domiciliary time interrupted?

A holder of a resident visa who is absent from the country for a period equal to or greater than one year will lose the accumulated domiciliary time required to submit a naturalization application.

4. What requirements must be fulfilled in the application process?

In addition to the documents that must be provided at the time of application in accordance with Article 9 of Law 2332 of 2023, all foreigners under the age of 60 must take an exam on the Colombian Political Constitution, national history, culture, and geography. In the case of foreigners whose mother tongue is not Spanish, they must also take an exam certifying their knowledge of Spanish.

Foreigners who can prove they have completed high school, undergraduate, or postgraduate studies at officially recognized Colombian educational institutions may be exempted from this requirement.

5. Once the application is submitted, how long does it take to receive a response?

The MRE may take up to three months to review the formal compliance of the initially submitted documents and may request corrections or the completion of any missing requirements within six months, under penalty of filing the application. As part of the application process, the MRE will request reports from the DIAN (Colombian tax authority) and Migración Colombia about the applicant. Once all reports are received, there is no specific legal timeframe for the MRE to issue a substantive decision on the application.

6. Are there any exceptions to this regime?

The only way to be exempted from the ordinary regime is through a convenience opinion issued by the Presidency of the Republic and forwarded to the MRE. Only the President of the Republic has the authority to exempt an applicant from the requirements to apply for naturalization.