Navigate the Process of Obtaining Citizenship Through Birth in Colombia and Embrace Your Heritage
NOTE: "The term "citizenship by birth" can be misleading, as it might suggest that only individuals born in Colombia can acquire Colombian nationality. However, this is not the case. The term actually encompasses two scenarios: being born in Colombia, or having at least one Colombian parent. The alternative path to citizenship is "citizenship by adoption," which applies to foreigners who have fulfilled a period of legal residency and apply for naturalization in Colombia. For comprehensive information on this topic, please refer to this booklet published by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:"
CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH
Applicable To:Individuals born in Colombia under one of the following conditions:
To qualify for Colombian citizenship by birth, at least one of your parents must currently hold Colombian citizenship. It's important to note that if your parent was previously a Colombian citizen but renounced their nationality or lost it (for instance, due to a pre-1991 political constitution or by acquiring a different nationality), you won't be eligible for citizenship through them.
In cases where both parents are foreign nationals, at least one parent must have been residing in Colombia with a valid visa or permanent residency status at the time of your birth.
Responsible Authority: The National Civil Registry (RegistradurÃa Nacional del Estado Civil) oversees cases of Colombian nationality by birth.
Duration: Indefinite.
Documentation Required:
Authentic copy of the birth certificate.
Proof of the parents' nationality or residence as applicable.
Application Location: In Colombia or at a Colombian consulate abroad.
Processing Time: If you are outside of Colombia, you need to schedule an appointment at the consulate, which usually takes about one week to be granted. Once you attend your appointment with all the required documents up to date, nationality is granted at the time of the appointment. The same process applies when requested in Colombia through a notary; nationality is granted at the time of the appointment.
Allows Beneficiaries? Since this is not a visa but citizenship, the following may benefit:
The parents, through an M visa for the parent of a Colombian national.
The children, as the individual is Colombian, their current or future children can also be Colombian.
Government Fees:It is free to register as a Colombian by birth.
Additional Services You May Need:
Apostilles and official translations.
Travel arrangements for the Colombian parent to the location where the registration will be formalized.
Relevant Aspects and Frequently Asked Questions:
If I am of legal age, can I register as Colombian? Yes, as long as your parents are Colombian and you meet the aforementioned requirements.
If my Colombian parent(s) have passed away, can I apply for this type of nationality?Yes, you can, by demonstrating that your parents were Colombian and that they have passed away.
Can I apply while outside of Colombia? Yes, you can carry out this registration at a Colombian consulate.
Will I receive a Colombian passport when I become a citizen? Of course, but the first step is to register as Colombian through the Colombian Birth Certificate. Subsequently, you can apply for your citizenship ID and Colombian passport.
If I am in Colombia, can I carry out this process? Yes, at the National Civil Registry (RegistradurÃa Nacional del Estado Civil) or a notary's office.
Relevant Link for More Information:Â