Patrick
¡Hola, adventurers! If you’ve been following my journey here on the blog, you know I’ve been calling Cali, Colombia, home for more than decade. Today, I’m thrilled to share a major milestone: I’m officially a Colombian citizen! The road to citizenship was long, chaotic, and full of unexpected twists, but it’s a story worth telling for any expat or visitor dreaming of making Colombia their permanent home.
The Path to Residency
My journey began almost 12 years ago when I moved to Cali. After meeting the woman (who later became my wife) and falling in love with the city’s vibrant culture, salsa rhythms, and warm people, I knew I wanted to stay. The first step was obtaining residency, which I qualified for as the parent of a Colombian child. This process was relatively straightforward, thanks to Colombia’s clear pathways for parents. With my residency secured, I settled into life in Cali, began working, and soaked up everything from la feria to the city’s unbeatable street food—and forgot about visas for the next many years.
The Citizenship Application: A Test of Patience
Colombian law allows residents (not migrants) to apply for citizenship after five years, but I waited until I’d been a resident for six years to take the plunge. In 2019, I hired a visa consultant to help me with the paperwork, and we began the citizenship application process, expecting a challenging but manageable journey. Little did I know what was in store!
The first hurdle was getting the initial paperwork approved, basically documenting that I had been a full-time resident of Colombia for 5+ years and demonstrating that, as the father of a family, I would be exempt from military service. In late October 2019, I finally heard from the Gobernación that the Cancillería had approved my initial documents and requested that I present myself for a written citizenship exam, which tests your knowledge of Colombian history, culture, and laws. No date was given.
The Citizenship Exam
Getting an appointment for this exam took a lot of insistence. I must have called their office more than 20 times and written countless emails. I finally secured an appointment on January 20, 2020. When I asked about study materials, they told me, “Esa información está en Google.” Yeah, right.
I studied hard, and when I showed up to present my exam, it was completely weird. I was placed at a table in a regular office with workers running all around me and given the papers to fill out. Oddness aside, upon completion, I felt confident that I’d passed. Results were supposed to be sent to the Cancillería, and I could expect a reply within two months. But I never heard a word back. I called and wrote endlessly (again). Dead silence.
After bothering them for months on end, one government official finally had the courage to admit that they had lost my exam, and I would have to present myself for the exam—again. ¡Que pena! By then, the pandemic basically gave the bureaucrats a carte blanche to ignore all communication, and this setback meant waiting over a year and ten months for a new exam date. Frustrating? Absolutely. But in true Colombian fashion, I learned to roll with the punches.
Finally, the Finish Line in Sight
After passing the rescheduled exam (phew!) in October 2022, the final step was the swearing-in ceremony with the governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro. As ridiculous as it sounds, the final step was once again postponed several times. On one occasion, I was sitting at her office waiting for her to arrive for our scheduled ceremony when her secretary came and canceled. The governor had had to evacuate the building due to an emergency. No other explanation was given.
Eventually, on June 24, 2024, all the stars of the universe aligned themselves, and along with a dozen other soon-to-be Colombian citizens, I took my oath and was given the final document to prove my new nationality—la carta de naturaleza. It was a proud and emotional moment, marking the end of a five-year process and the beginning of my life as an official Colombian.
Last steps
The last step was taking my letter of citizenship to the Registraduría to request my cédula de ciudadanía—the official Colombian ID card—before updating my information with the DIAN, banks, chamber of commerce, health insurance, pension funds, and more. This final phase felt like a victory lap, tying up loose ends and officially cementing my new status in all aspects of life in Colombia.
A Shoutout to My Visa Agent
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my incredible visa agent. From navigating paperwork to chasing down lost exams and keeping me sane through the delays, they held my hand every step of the way. If you’re an expat considering residency or citizenship, I can’t stress enough how valuable a knowledgeable agent is. They turned what could’ve been an overwhelming process into a manageable (if chaotic) adventure.
Reflections as a New Colombian
Becoming a Colombian citizen after almost 12 years in Cali feels like crossing a finish line I didn’t even know I was running toward when I first arrived. The process tested my patience, but it also deepened my appreciation for this beautiful country and its resilient spirit. Now, as a citizen, I’m more excited than ever to continue exploring Cali, sharing its hidden gems, and helping fellow expats and visitors make the most of their time here.
If you’re curious about the citizenship process or have questions about life in Cali, shoot me an email! And if you’re thinking about taking the leap yourself, my biggest advice is to find a trusted visa agent and embrace the journey—delays, chaos, and all.
¡Viva Colombia, and viva Cali!
