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Becoming Colombian Citizen

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tammytravels
  8/11/2019 13:11 EST

I haven't really considered becoming a citizen of Colombia because 1) I'm lazy and didn't want to bother with studying for the test and 2) I'm lazy and just know the run around will be a pain in the neck. BUT... I decided to look and see just what was involved, and found this in the list of requirements:

Accredit basic knowledge of the Political Constitution, history and geography of Colombia, as well as of the Spanish language. The tests will be given at the applicable Governor's Office, as provided by Law 43 of 1993, amended by Law 962 of 2005.

Individuals that show proof of having obtained a high school or university degree, as well as persons over 65 years of age are exempted from this requirement. The Spanish language test is waived for natives of Spanish-speaking countries. Recognition of equivalence of specializations or postgraduate degrees do not constitute an exemption from the aforementioned tests.

This is the 8th requirement on this website:

https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/content/nationality-0

So, I am interpreting this to say if you are over 65 you will only have to pass a Spanish test. Right? or wrong?

WhoaNellie
  8/11/2019 13:18 EST

In English it seems clear - if you are over 65, the requirements of section 8 are waived - that includes the requirement to take a Spanish test.

Here's the complete text of #8, in English:

8. Accredit basic knowledge of the Political Constitution, history and geography of Colombia, as well as of the Spanish language. The tests will be given at the applicable Governor's Office, as provided by Law 43 of 1993, amended by Law 962 of 2005.

Individuals that show proof of having obtained a high school or university degree, as well as persons over 65 years of age are exempted from this requirement. The Spanish language test is waived for natives of Spanish-speaking countries. Recognition of equivalence of specializations or postgraduate degrees do not constitute an exemption from the aforementioned tests.

Note: In order to take these tests, the interested party shall be notified after filing the relevant naturalization application or registration as a Colombian citizen, as the case may be.

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WhoaNellie
  8/11/2019 13:27 EST

The same thing is Spanish, below. It's always a good idea to cross-check things in Colombia, that they say the same thing in both English and Spanish...still, no test of Spanish is required for those over 65:

11. Acreditar conocimientos básicos de Constitución Política de Colombia, historia patria, geografía de Colombia y castellano. Los exámenes deberán ser presentados en la respectiva Gobernación del lugar de su domicilio, previa solicitud de este Ministerio, de conformidad con lo dispuesto en la Ley 43 de 1993, modificada por la Ley 962 de 2005.

Se exceptúan de este requisito quienes comprueben haber obtenido título de bachiller, o quienes hayan culminado estudios universitarios en Colombia, y las personas mayores de 65 años. Si no se anexan pruebas de títulos de Bachiller o Universitarios en Colombia, la Coordinación de Nacionalidad oficiará a la Gobernación del domicilio del solicitante, para llevar a cabo la práctica de los exámenes de conocimientos.

El examen de castellano se exceptúa para aquellas personas cuya lengua materna sea el castellano.

La homologación de títulos universitarios no exime de la prueba de conocimientos.

Se presentan los exámenes ante la Gobernación del domicilio del solicitante, en la fecha dispuesta por la respectiva Gobernación.

The above is from

https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/nacionalidad/adquisicion

tammytravels
  8/11/2019 13:37 EST

Well, there just might be a new Colombian Citizen on the way:). Now I wonder why everyone over 65 isn't becoming one. This seems easy enough even for lazy people.

WhoaNellie
  8/11/2019 13:54 EST

I'm not sure what extra benefits Colombian citizenship confers upon expats, over and above what they already enjoy in Colombia just by virtue of their residency and their mostly well-off economic status?

There may be some downside also, such as a US Citizen being subject to being taxed on their world-wide income, and then as a Colombian Citizen having Colombia also make the same claim, and with even higher tax rates in Colombia...

Electricista
  8/11/2019 14:00 EST

I see the word "oath" often mentioned which, to me, implies "oath of allegiance". Although dual citizenship is legal in the US, swearing an "oath of allegiance" to another country while being a US citizen could be problematic if (and only if) someone is really trying to find dirt on you. Gaining a 2nd or third citizenship is not a problem if you do not have to swear an "oath of allegiance" to the other nation.

On the hand, Canada is not bothered if you swear an Oath to another nation.

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EpaEpaEpa
  8/11/2019 20:31 EST

Unless you want a second passport or want to vote in the presidential elections I can't imagine the benefit of becoming a Colombian citizen if you have a resident visa.

guestuser
  8/11/2019 20:41 EST

@epaepaepa

I think what you say is generally true. However the citizen route does provide more certainty. Residents visas are basically rules, they can be changed at any time. Generally existing visa holders are grandfathered in to any change but there’s no certainty about that. There’s a little more certainty with being a citizen.

Plus when you’re a citizen the paperwork stops. No renewing stickers in your passport, no renewal fees, etc.

But generally I’d be with you. Getting residency in Colombia, at least compared with most places in the world isn’t difficult and therefore going the citizenship route doesn’t gain you that much.

Elexpatriado
  8/12/2019 00:24 EST

WhoaNellie said:

"Not sure what extra benefits Colombian citizenship confers upon expats, over and above what they already enjoy in Colombia just by virtue of their residency and their mostly well-off economic status?

There may be some downside also, such as a US Citizen being subject to being taxed on their world-wide income, and then as a Colombian Citizen having Colombia also make the same claim, and with even higher tax rates in Colombia..."

Why wpuld that be a concern? Any of us pn this Forum that stay in Colombia more than 183 days a year all follow Colombian Tax Law " to the "t"..so this should not be an issue, am I not right??

bigjailerman
  8/12/2019 07:46 EST

Taxation is time biggest drawback for me as well. You also lose the 183 day rule as well...

Finally the US friend on dual citizenship unless it is your birthright or it is conferred upon you without you actually applying.

This topic always crops up every year or two..

Electricista
  8/12/2019 10:09 EST

I am watching to see if Meghan Markle takes UK citizenship. Unless she was born in a Commonwealth country, she would be required to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen. That event could define how the US will treat that type of dual citizenship situation in the future.

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guestuser
  8/12/2019 10:43 EST

Presumably the idea in the thread is to become a dual citizen.

Of course dropping the US citizenship potentially gets around US world wide taxes.

My thought is that dropping US citizenship might be costly. Whereas paying US social security to a citizen overseas isn’t going to be challenged It would hardly be a leap to think that the rules on non citizens might be changed, means tested or something. Plenty of money to be saved and not a single vote between those impacted.

Today there’s news that green card holders if they apply for any sort of public assistance risk that status going forward. Small steps in removing even legal immigrants from access to benefits.

SkyMan
  8/12/2019 11:32 EST

Frankly I do not see the upside & benefits of becoming a Colombian Citizen. If there are any, they have not been presented on this forum now or in the past. So my question is Why ? Buena Suerte !

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