CO
Colombia · Nacionalidad Colombiana por Naturalización · Naturalization
Ordinary naturalization requires five years of continuous domicile for most foreign nationals, counted from issuance of a Resident Visa. The period is reduced to two years for applicants married to or permanent partners of Colombians, applicants with Colombian children, and Spanish nationals; the statute also recognizes reciprocity from the applicant’s state of origin. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs decides applications at its discretion. Knowledge exams cover the Constitution, Colombian history, culture and geography; Spanish is tested when it is not the applicant’s mother tongue. Applicants complete an oath or solemn affirmation after approval.
The former one-year route for Latin American and Caribbean nationals under Ley 43 de 1993 is no longer the general rule for applications governed by Ley 2332 de 2023. Five years is the default; two years applies for Colombian spouse/permanent partner, Colombian child, Spanish nationality, or verified reciprocity. Domicile starts on the Resident Visa issue date. A departure from Colombia for a period equal to or greater than one year before applying interrupts domicile. Knowledge exams are waived for Colombian secondary/university graduates, people over 60, applicants with cognitive disabilities and members of qualifying Indigenous communities on Colombia’s border. The application is filed online; examination and oath steps take place in person. The 2026 application tariff is COP 808,558 (record USD fee is an approximate conversion). The Ministry publishes no statutory total decision time. Eligible minor children with Colombian residence domicile and beneficiary Resident Visas may be included by extension in the parent’s application. How to apply: online application; examination and oath in person.
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source
updated official and application URLs and confirmed current application process and COP fee Source
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