Immigration to Colombia for Ukrainians

Naturalization (citizenship by residence)

Ukrainian citizens can apply for Colombian citizenship through naturalization under the following conditions:

• Permanent residence: You must have a valid residence visa and have lived in Colombia for at least 5 years without interruption.

• Exceptions:

- Marriages with Colombian citizens: The period of residence is reduced to 2 years.

- Children of Colombian citizens: May obtain citizenship regardless of place of birth.

Requirements for applicants

• Permanent residence: Possession of a resident visa and continuous residence in Colombia for the specified period.

• No criminal record: The applicant must have a clean criminal record.

• Financial stability: Proof of legal source of income or employment.

• Language and legal knowledge: Passing exams on knowledge of the Spanish language and the Constitution of Colombia (exemption is possible for persons over 60 years of age or with disabilities).

Required documents

To apply for naturalization, you must prepare:

1. Official application

Application to the Minister of Foreign Affairs stating:

• Full name, profession, citizenship, foreigner ID card number;

• Address of residence in Colombia;

• Reasons for the application;

• Previous address before moving to Colombia;

• Permission to request official checks (police, taxes, etc.);

• If you have children, a statement on the extension of citizenship to them (together with the relevant documents and the consent of both parents or proof of sole custody).

2. Basic documents

• Certified copy of foreign resident ID and resident visa;

• Birth certificate or copy of passport with birth information — legalized or with an apostille;

• Documents confirming your profession:

- employees — reference from employer;

- self-employed — RUT, tax return, certificate of maintenance;

- entrepreneurs — extract from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (not older than 6 months), with information about the company and NIT;

- dependents — statement from the person providing maintenance (relative/partner).

3. Knowledge of the language and country

Proof of knowledge:

• Political Constitution of Colombia;

• Geography;

• History;

• Spanish language (if not native).

📌 Exams are held at the place of residence. Preparation is the responsibility of the applicant.

Exemption from exams: applicants with education obtained in Colombia (school, bachelor's degree, master's degree, etc.) must provide a copy of their diploma.

4. Document format requirements

• Upload: SITAC system;

• Formats: documents — PDF, photos — JPG;

• All required documents must be provided;

• Documents from abroad must be apostilled or legalized;

• Translations into Spanish must be certified by a translator.

Application procedure

1. Preparation of documents

2. Submission of application: Online via the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.

3. Payment of the fee: Approximately $180 USD.

4. Application review: The review period is usually 6–12 months. There is no official deadline for reviewing applications. The duration depends on:

- the completeness of the document package;

- speed of checks and internal processes;

- workload of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

5. Taking the oath: If the application is approved, you must take an oath of allegiance to Colombia.

6. Obtaining a certificate: After taking the oath, you will be issued a Colombian citizenship certificate, which allows you to apply for a passport.

📌 Additional information

• Loss of residence: Absence from Colombia for more than one year without interruption may result in the loss of resident status.

• Official information: Detailed requirements and procedures can be found on the official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.