Taxes you have to pay if You Obtain Colombian Citizenship in 2026: Medellín and the Metropolitan Area

If you have just obtained Colombian citizenship (for whatever reason), it is completely normal to ask yourself: “So… what taxes do I have to pay now?”

The calm and honest answer is this: citizenship itself does not create new taxes.
What really changes your tax situation in Colombia is whether you become (or already are) a tax resident, and whether you have income, assets, property, vehicles, or a business.

In this guide, I explain — clearly and without complications — which taxes you may pay in 2026 in Medellín and nearby municipalities (Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, etc.), and how this compares to being a foreigner without Colombian citizenship.

1) What really matters: tax residency (not your passport)

In Colombia, the real distinction is not “citizen vs. foreigner.”
It is:

• Tax resident: you declare (and potentially pay taxes on) worldwide income and assets.
  
  
• Non-tax resident: you declare and pay taxes only on Colombian-source income and assets located in Colombia.
  
  

The most well-known rule to become a tax resident is the 183-day rule within a 365-day period (it does not have to be the same calendar year).

If you meet that condition, in practice, Colombia considers you a tax resident.

Now, a key point: once you are a Colombian citizen, in addition to the day-count rule, the DIAN may also look at strong ties to Colombia, such as:

• Family
  
  
• Center of economic interests
  
  
• Percentage of income or assets connected to Colombia
  
  

This does not mean “they will tax you just because you have a Colombian ID,”
but it does mean that if you live between two countries, it is wise to have your situation well documented and properly planned.

2) What changes compared to being a non-citizen foreigner?

In practice, the change is usually more administrative than tax-related:

• You now identify yourself with a Colombian citizenship ID (cédula de ciudadanía) and must update your RUT.
  
  
• If you were already a tax resident as a foreigner (due to time spent in Colombia), your tax obligations are the same once you become a Colombian tax resident.
  
  
• The real difference appears when someone wants to “live between countries”: as a citizen, Colombia may assume a stronger connection, so tax residency and reporting need to be planned more carefully.
  
  

3) National taxes you may pay in 2026 (DIAN)

A) Income tax (individuals) – filed between August and October

This is the main tax.

When does it apply?

• If you are a tax resident, your tax return may include income from Colombia and abroad.
  
  
• If you are a non-tax resident, you only declare Colombian-source income (rent in Medellín, Colombian dividends, fees for services rendered in Colombia, etc.).
  
  

Important: filing a tax return does not always mean paying taxes.
Many people file and end up with zero tax due or even a refund, depending on withholdings, deductions, and income structure.

B) Foreign assets declaration (informative) – same deadlines as income tax

If you are a tax resident and have assets abroad (bank accounts, investments, real estate), you generally must report them when applicable.

This is not a separate tax, but it is a key formal obligation.

C) Wealth tax (for high-net-worth individuals) – May

This does not apply to everyone.
It only applies if your net worth exceeds a high threshold (calculated in UVT).

If you have substantial assets (for example, multiple properties or large investments), this must be reviewed carefully.
This year, the rates changed and the threshold to file the wealth tax was lowered.

4) Local taxes in Medellín and the Metropolitan Area

This is where many people are surprised, because they do not see these as “citizenship taxes,” but rather as everyday life taxes.

A) Property tax (Impuesto Predial) – if you own real estate

If you buy or already own an apartment, house, commercial property, or land in Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta, etc., you must pay property tax in the municipality where the property is located.

• It is calculated based on the cadastral value.
  
  
• It is usually paid in installments throughout the year (often with discounts for early payment).

B) ICA tax (Industry and Commerce) – if you have a business or economic activity

If you invoice as an independent contractor with a business establishment, or if you own a business in Medellín, you may be subject to ICA, a municipal tax calculated on gross income (rates and rules depend on the municipality).

• If you are an employee with no business → you normally do not pay ICA personally.
  
  

If you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, or merchant → check whether you must register and file ICA returns.

C) Vehicle tax (Antioquia)

If you own a car (and some motorcycles), you must pay vehicle tax to the Department of Antioquia.

• It is calculated based on the vehicle’s commercial value.
  
  
• It is usually paid in the first half of the year, with discounts for early payment depending on the year.
  
  

5) Your practical obligations: what to do as soon as you obtain citizenship

Quick checklist

• Update your RUT with your Colombian citizenship ID and correct information (email, address, activity if applicable).
  
  
• If you own property, make sure you are correctly registered for property tax in the corresponding municipality.
  
  
• If you have a business or issue invoices, confirm whether you must register for ICA.
  
  
• If you own a vehicle, download and pay the Antioquia vehicle tax on time.
  
  
• If you are a tax resident and have assets abroad, organize your supporting documentation (banks, brokers, properties, etc.).
  
  
• Do not improvise with tax residency if you live between two countries — this must be planned.
  
  

At Nexo Legal, we help new Colombian citizens understand, organize, and plan their taxes from day one, avoiding common mistakes that lead to penalties, unexpected charges, or double taxation.

If you have just obtained Colombian citizenship (or are about to), a timely review of your tax residency, income, assets, and local obligations in Medellín can save you money and a lot of headaches — contact us and we will give you a clear, practical, and personalized roadmap to comply properly in Colombia without overpaying.