Colombian nationality by adoption
naturalisation, Law 2332 of 2023 · Official name: Nacionalidad colombiana por adopción – procedimiento ordinario de naturalización (Ley 2332 de 2023)
Foreigners who hold a Resident visa (R), as principal holder or beneficiary, can apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Colombian nationality by adoption after 5 continuous years of domicile counted from the date the Resident visa was issued. The period is 2 years for spouses or permanent partners of Colombians, parents of Colombian children, or where reciprocity applies. Applicants sit tests on the Constitution, history, culture and geography of Colombia and, if Spanish is not their mother tongue, a Spanish test. Naturalisation is a discretionary decision. Law 2332 of 2023 replaced Law 43 of 1993.
1 entry rule for Colombia based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in Angola, Brazil, DR Congo, Uganda
Travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from Angola, Brazil, DR Congo or Uganda (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit there) need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Colombia
Finance
3
Currency
Colombian Peso
COP
Colombian Peso
Cost of living
41
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
19–39%
Income tax (national)
VAT (IVA) 19% · social security 8%
Bands set in UVT: exempt up to 1,090 UVT; 39% above 31,000 UVT.
Living
1
Happiness
#65 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
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Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Long-term foreign residents of Colombia holding a Resident visa, including spouses and permanent partners of Colombians and parents of Colombian children after a shorter period.
Eligibility
Resident visa held at application and throughout
Sign in to check this route against your profileWhen applying and during the whole process the applicant must be the holder or a beneficiary of a Resident visa. Domicile is counted from the date the Resident visa was issued.
5 years of continuous domicile
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need at least 5 continuous years of domicile in Colombia immediately before the application date.
5 years
Required domicile
- Based on article 9, Law 2332 of 2023
- Domicile counts from the Resident visa issue date
Official wording
At least 5 continuous years of domicile in Colombia immediately before the application date (article 9, Law 2332 of 2023).
2 years for spouses, partners and parents of Colombians, or with reciprocitySpouse, permanent partner or parent of a Colombian
Sign in to check this route against your profileThe required domicile drops to 2 years in certain family situations or where your country of origin gives reciprocal treatment.
2 years
Reduced domicile
- Married to or permanent partner of a Colombian national
- Have Colombian children
Official wording
The period is reduced to 2 years when the applicant is married to or the permanent partner of a Colombian national, has Colombian children, or when the applicant's country of origin is verified to give reciprocal treatment.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
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- 5 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 1 fee
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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