RECOVERING COLOMBIAN CITIZENSHIP
What is the procedure for recovering Colombian Citizenship?
According to Law 43, 1993, regulated by Decree 1869, 1994 and amended by Law 962, 2005, citizens by birth or by adoption who have lost or renounced the Colombian nationality, may recover it by means of a written statement submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombian Consulates or Governors’ Offices in Colombia. Once all requirements and documents stated in the legislation in force have been complied with, a “recovery certificate” shall be issued informing that the Colombian nationality has been recovered
Requirements and Documentation
For Colombians by birth:
1. Written request addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombian Consulates or Governors’ Offices in Colombia indicating the will to endorse and observe the Political Constitution and the laws of the Republic. If the petitioner is the holder of another nationality, it must be mentioned as well. The period for submitting this request is two (2) years from the date of issuance of the Colombian nationality renunciation certificate.
2. Photocopy of the Colombian identity card, if any, or a true copy of the birth certificate.
3. Five (5) recent identical photographs, size 4 x 5 centimeters.
4. The person shall appear for notification of the Colombian Nationality Recovery Certificate, prior summons issued by the Internal Working Group on Nationality from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or by the relevant Consulate or Governor’s Office.
5. If it extends to minors, suitable documents proving kinship, parental authority and birth in a foreign country must be submitted.
The attachment of a copy of the Colombian Nationality Renunciation Certificate and of a document stating the acquisition o another nationality is recommended.
For Colombians by adoption (naturalization):
1. Written request addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombian Consulates or Governors’ Offices in Colombia indicating the will to endorse and observe the Political Constitution and the laws of the Republic. If the petitioner is the holder of another nationality, it must be mentioned as well. The period for submitting this request is two (2) years from the date of issuance of the Colombian nationality renunciation certificate.
2. Photocopy of the Colombian identity card, if any, or a true copy of the birth certificate.
3. Five (5) recent and identical photographs, size 4 x 5 centimeters.
4. Expressly authorize the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request the Certificate of Good Conduct and the Police Record Certificate.
5. Proof of residence in Colombia for at least one (1) year prior to requesting nationality recovery.
6. The person shall appear for notification of the Colombian Nationality Recovery Certificate, prior summons issued by the Internal Working Group on Nationality from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or by the relevant Consulate.
7. If it extends to minors, suitable documents proving kinship, parental authority and birth in a foreign country must be submitted.
Attaching a copy of the acquisition of Colombian nationality by adoption (naturalization) and of the Colombian Nationality Renunciation Certificate is recommended.
Fee
This procedure has no cost.
Place
Offices in Bogotá: Internal Working Group on Colombian Nationality Coordination Office, Office of the Director of International Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Business Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 12pm.
Consular offices: Colombian Consulate where the relevant request was submitted. Directory.
Governors’ Offices: the Office where the request was submitted. Consult at the corresponding Office
Consult the procedure here: Sistema Único de Información de Trámites - SUIT (Single Procedures Information System)
