Colombian Citizenship and Residency: a How-to Guide

Why Acquire Colombian Citizenship?

Acquiring Colombian citizenship is easy, and the process takes about five years. Colombia is a very foreigner-friendly country, and an investment in real estate worth at least $165,000 is required.

Why Get a Second Residency in Colombia?

– You can apply for Colombian citizenship after five years – The process of obtaining residency is relatively quick – You do not need to relocate to Colombia to maintain residency – Colombia speaks Spanish, an easy language to learn

How it Works

Time to Citizenship: 5 years Direct Citizenship by Investment: No Minimum Investment: An approximate $165,000 in real estate Nationalities Allowed to Get The Colombian Nationality: All

Taxes and Costs

Cost of living: $1,500+ Income Tax Rate: 0-39% Taxes Foreign Income: Yes

The Colombia Passport

Visa Free Countries: 131 Can Visit Europe: Yes Can Visit the US: No

About Colombia

Colombia is a country in northern Latin America, bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Panama. Nearly 52 million people live in Colombia, with more than seven million living in the capital city of Bogota. Although it has a history as one of South America’s most dangerous countries, Colombia has experienced great economic growth in recent years.

Why Colombia Citizenship?

Colombia is a beautiful, underrated Latin American country. Once you obtain residency in Colombia, you have the right to live and work there for life. In order to keep your residency status, you will need to visit the country once every two years for at least one day. The time required to become a citizen is only five years after being a resident.

Colombian Dual Citizenship

Colombia allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your current citizenship to become a Colombian citizen. Colombia’s policy of jus soli – or “right of the soil” – means that children you give birth to while in Colombia will obtain Colombia citizenship at birth. Being a parent of a Colombian citizen could shorten your own path to citizenship to just two years.

Taxes and Cost of Living in Colombia

Colombia’s corporate tax rate is 31% but it will decrease to 30% in 2022. Personal income tax only needs to be paid after five years of actually having lived in the country. There is no in-country presence requirement in order to maintain your second residency or work toward your second passport.