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Resident Visa for Those Who Renounced Colombian Nationality

Your Guide to Obtaining Residency in Colombia After Renouncing Citizenship

  • Applicable To: Foreign nationals who, having been Colombian by birth or adoption, have renounced their Colombian nationality.


  • Duration: 5 years. The holder of the Permanent Resident (R) visa must apply for a transfer of their visa before it expires. This process should be carried out through the digital platform available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


  • Specific Requirements:


    • Renunciation of Colombian Nationality: A copy of the document evidencing the renunciation of Colombian nationality.


    • Historical Context: For those who lost Colombian nationality due to the application of Article 9 of the 1886 Constitution of the Republic of Colombia, a letter of naturalization from a foreign country or a document proving the acquisition of another nationality before 1991 must be presented.


    • Visa Application Letter: A letter requesting the Permanent Resident (R) visa explaining the means of subsistence available abroad for remaining in the country.


  • Allows to Work in Colombia?: Yes, as a permanent resident, the holder is allowed to work in Colombia.


  • Processing Time: Generally, from 2 to 5 weeks, but it may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each application.


  • Application Location: Can be applied for from within Colombia or from the applicant's country of residence or nationality.


  • Allows Beneficiaries? Yes, this visa allows beneficiaries according to the definition of Beneficiary Holder established in Article 3 of this Resolution.


  • Relevant Aspects and Frequently Asked Questions:


    • Document Requirements: The documents (renunciation act and naturalization letter) must be properly apostilled or legalized. If they are in a language other than Spanish, they must be translated by an official translator.


    • Regularization of Status: Those who renounce their Colombian nationality while in Colombian territory must inform the Special Administrative Unit Migration Colombia of their new status as a foreigner. In such cases, their stay in the country will be considered regular, with a 90-day period to process the corresponding visa or to leave the country.



  • Additional Services:

    • Apostilles and official translations may be required.


  • Does it Allow You to Accumulate Time for Citizenship?: Yes, for foreigners who have stayed in the national territory as holders of a Permanent Resident (R) visa, the time can be accumulated toward applying for citizenship. For this type of visa, the accumulation of time is 5 years.


  • Relevant Link for More Information:

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