Colombian citizenship

After holding the R (resident) visa for long enough, foreigners can apply to become Colombian citizens. Citizenship is the end of the immigration road, no more renewals, full political rights, and a Colombian passport (currently visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 130+ countries).

Residency requirement before applying:

• 5 years on an R visa for most foreigners
• 2 years if you're from an Ibero-American or Caribbean country (Spain, most of Latin America)
• 2 years if you're married to a Colombian or have a Colombian child

You'll also need to pass:

• A Spanish language exam (waived if you're from a Spanish-speaking country)
• A Colombian history, geography, and constitution exam
• Background checks from Colombia and your country of origin

Colombia allows dual nationality, you do not have to renounce your original passport. (Whether your home country lets you keep it is a separate question, check before you apply.)

Process runs through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and typically takes 12-24 months from application to swearing in. Once granted, you exchange your cédula de extranjería for a regular cédula de ciudadanía and can apply for a Colombian passport.