Can You Get a Mortgage in Colombia as a Foreigner?
- Juan Valdez
- Aug 7
- 17 min read

Can You Get a Mortgage in Colombia as a Foreigner?
As real estate advisors and market analysts working in the heart of Antioquia, we encounter international buyers every single day who share a compelling dream. They fall in love with the mountain landscapes, the vibrant culture, and the extraordinary value proposition that Colombia presents to property investors.
Whether an investor is seeking a chic urban apartment in Medellin, an authentic colonial home in a historic heritage town, or a magnificent agricultural estate in the southwest, the conversation quickly turns to capital deployment and financing mechanics. The fundamental question that every prospective buyer asks early in their research is straightforward: Can you get a mortgage in Colombia as a foreigner?
The direct answer is yes, but the operational reality requires a sophisticated understanding of local banking frameworks, currency controls, and risk assessment protocols. Obtaining a mortgage in Colombia as an international buyer is legally permissible, yet it involves navigating a distinctly conservative banking sector that evaluates non-resident risk differently from North American or European financial institutions. While foreign citizens enjoy equal legal rights under Colombian property law to acquire and hold title to real estate, the financial ecosystem treats mortgage underwriting as a separate discipline.
Understanding the full landscape of property financing in Colombia allows international buyers to make strategic decisions rather than relying on assumptions carried over from their home countries. From traditional bank mortgages and leasing agreements to seller financing, cross-border equity leverage, and strategic capital structuring, foreign buyers have several pathways to acquire property across Colombia. Can You Get a Mortgage in Colombia as a Foreigner?
Understanding the Legal Framework for Foreign Property Buyers in Colombia
To evaluate mortgage accessibility, one must first understand the legal posture of foreign property ownership in Colombia. Under the Colombian Political Constitution and the Civil Code, foreign physical persons and foreign corporate entities enjoy virtually identical property rights to native-born Colombian citizens. There are no restrictions barring foreigners from owning fee-simple title to urban apartments, suburban single-family homes, historic properties, or vast rural land holdings.
However, legal eligibility to own property does not automatically guarantee equal access to credit. The Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia, which regulates all banking and financial institutions across the national territory, imposes strict capital adequacy ratios, know-your-customer verification standards, and risk management guidelines. Colombian financial institutions operate with notable prudence. Unlike markets that rely heavily on automated credit scoring and securitized mortgage pools, Colombian banks underwrite property loans with a strong preference for local, predictable, and verifiable peso-denominated cash flows.
Consequently, while the law permits a foreigner to apply for a mortgage, the bank's internal credit risk committee retains full discretion over whether to grant credit to an applicant whose primary income or tax residence sits outside national boundaries.
Can Foreigners Qualify for a Local Mortgage in Colombia?
Foreign buyers generally fall into two distinct underwriting categories when approaching Colombian financial institutions: resident foreigners holding local status, and non-resident international investors.
Foreigners with Legal Residency and Local Income
Foreign nationals who hold a valid Migrant (M) or Resident (R) visa, along with a foreign identity card known as a Cedula de Extranjeria, occupy the strongest position when seeking a traditional mortgage. If you reside in Colombia, file taxes with the national tax authority (DIAN), and generate verifiable income in Colombian pesos through local employment or a registered Colombian company, major financial institutions evaluate your application using standard underwriting criteria. Under these conditions, securing a property loan is relatively straightforward, as you possess a local credit profile, a verified tax ID (RUT), and domestic bank history.
Non-Resident Foreigners Earning Foreign Currency
For non-resident international buyers who do not hold local residency visas and whose income is generated abroad in US dollars, euros, or Canadian dollars, the traditional mortgage pathway presents higher hurdles. Historically, most major domestic banks simply declined to process mortgage applications for non-residents without local credit histories. However, as international capital inflows into Colombian real estate have surged, select domestic institutions and specialized financial intermediaries have established specific loan programs designed to evaluate foreign-sourced income, overseas credit reports, and foreign tax returns.
Even within these specialized foreign-buyer programs, approval is not guaranteed. Banks examine the stability of the applicant's income, global asset holdings, debt-to-income ratios, and the liquidity of the underlying real estate asset. Properties situated in high-liquidity markets like major metro areas or prominent tourist destinations are far easier to finance than highly speculative or remote properties.
Credito Hipotecario versus Leasing Habitacional: Two Ways to Finance
When exploring property financing options in Colombia, international buyers encounter two distinct financial vehicles offered by commercial banks: the traditional mortgage (Credito Hipotecario) and residential leasing (Leasing Habitacional).
Traditional Mortgage (Credito Hipotecario)
A traditional mortgage involves a direct loan where the property title is immediately registered in the buyer's name, with the lending institution placing a first-priority mortgage lien (hipoteca de primer grado) over the title at the public notary and property registry.
Down payment requirements generally range from 30 percent to 50 percent of the bank-appraised value for foreign applicants.
Loan terms typically span between 5 and 15 years for international borrowers, compared to up to 20 or 30 years for domestic borrowers with long-standing local banking records.
Amortization can be structured in fixed peso terms or indexed to inflation units known as UVR (Unidad de Valor Real).
Residential Leasing (Leasing Habitacional)
Residential leasing is an increasingly popular alternative among high-net-worth buyers and international investors. Under a leasing habitacional contract, the financial institution actually acquires the property title and leases it back to the buyer for a predefined term. The buyer enjoys full possession, use, and beneficial rights over the property, along with the option to purchase the property title at the end of the lease term for a pre-agreed residual value.
Lower down payment thresholds: Financial institutions may finance up to 70 percent or even 80 percent of the property value under leasing habitacional, requiring only a 20 percent to 30 percent initial equity contribution.
Tax optimization benefits: Because the property title remains legally vested with the bank during the lease term, the asset does not immediately inflate the buyer's personal local wealth tax calculations, providing potential tax efficiencies depending on the buyer's global tax structure.
Simplified execution: In the event of default, the bank avoids protracted foreclosure judicial proceedings because it already holds title, which reduces the bank's underlying risk and makes institutions more open to approving non-resident applicants under leasing habitacional arrangements.
Major Colombian Banks Offering Financing to International Applicants
While dozens of financial entities operate within Colombia, a select group of major banking institutions handles the vast majority of international property transactions and non-resident buyer evaluations.
Bancolombia
As the largest commercial bank in Colombia, Bancolombia boasts dedicated international divisions and specialized broker network channels specifically established to assist Colombians living abroad as well as foreign investors. Bancolombia offers structured mortgage and leasing products for buyers purchasing residential property across major urban hubs and key regional growth corridors. They maintain defined procedures for accepting foreign income documentation, tax returns, and international credit reports from recognized agencies such as Experian or Equifax.
Davivienda
Davivienda is another primary lender with substantial experience handling international client portfolios. Through specialized international service platforms, Davivienda allows foreign buyers to initiate mortgage applications from abroad. They evaluate foreign income sources and provide financing for both new construction projects from recognized developers and existing resale properties.
BBVA Colombia and Banco de Bogota
BBVA Colombia and Banco de Bogota also participate in foreign buyer financing, though their underwriting requirements often lean more conservatively toward applicants who already hold active banking relationships, local residency, or corporate structures within Colombia.
Core Eligibility Requirements and Documentation for Foreigners
To successfully apply for a mortgage or residential lease in Colombia as a foreign national, you must prepare a comprehensive financial dossier. Colombian financial regulators enforce strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, requiring complete transparency regarding the origin of funds.
Essential Documentation Checklist:
Identification: Valid foreign passport alongside a Cedula de Extranjeria if local residency is held.
Tax Identification (RUT): A Colombian tax registration document issued by DIAN, which is mandatory for any individual entering into property transactions or formal financial contracts in Colombia.
Proof of Income: Foreign tax returns for the previous two to three years, certified by an accountant or official tax body in your home country.
Bank Statements: Official personal and corporate bank statements covering the previous 6 to 12 months showing steady account balances and liquidity.
Employment or Business Verification: Employment contracts, letters of good standing from employers, or corporate registration documents if you are self-employed or run a business abroad.
International Credit Report: An official credit bureau report from your primary country of residence showing a strong credit rating and zero active defaults.
Legal Apostille and Translation: Any foreign-issued document must bear an official international Apostille stamp from the issuing country and be translated into Spanish by a certified, official translator recognized in Colombia.
Certificate of Title and Freedom (Certificado de Tradicion y Libertad): A real-time legal title document for the prospective property, confirming that the asset is free of legal disputes, unauthorized encumbrances, or tax liens.
Official Bank Appraisal (Avaluo Comercial): A formal property appraisal conducted by a certified appraiser registered with the National Register of Appraisers (RDA) and authorized by the lending bank.
Interest Rates, Down Payments, and Financial Terms
Understanding the economic metrics of Colombian property loans is essential for proper capital planning. Interest rate structures and currency mechanics in Colombia differ significantly from low-yield environments found in mature Western markets.
Down Payment Expectations
While domestic first-time homebuyers might access high loan-to-value products, foreign buyers must expect substantial initial equity requirements. Lenders typically expect a down payment ranging between 30 percent and 50 percent for traditional mortgages on resale properties. For new development projects purchased off-plan, buyers often pay 30 percent in structured installments during the construction phase, with the remaining 70 percent covered by cash or bank loan approval at project delivery.
Interest Rate Dynamics
Mortgages in Colombia are denominated in Colombian Pesos (COP) or indexed to the UVR inflation metric. Benchmark peso interest rates set by the Banco de la Republica (Colombia's central bank) directly influence commercial mortgage lending rates.
Peso-denominated fixed mortgages generally carry nominal effective annual interest rates reflecting local monetary policy, inflation trends, and risk premiums. Foreign buyers typically receive interest rates between 11 percent and 16 percent annually on peso loans.
While nominal interest rates on peso mortgages appear high when compared to US dollar or euro baselines, international investors must evaluate these rates in the context of currency exchange movements and inflation differentials. Borrowing in a currency that may experience long-term depreciation against hard currencies can alter the effective cost of capital over time when debt service is converted from foreign earnings.
Loan Terms and Amortization
Maximum loan terms for foreign borrowers generally range between 10 and 15 years. This shorter amortization window results in higher monthly principal payments compared to 30-year mortgages, necessitating strong monthly cash flow verification during the underwriting process.
Foreign Exchange Compliance: Banco de la Republica and Form 4
Navigating property acquisition in Colombia—whether financed through a local loan or funded entirely via cash equity—requires strict adherence to foreign exchange regulations. The movement of foreign capital into Colombia for real estate purchases is governed by the Banco de la Republica under the international exchange regime.
Whenever an international investor transfers foreign currency into Colombia to pay a down payment, settle closing costs, or execute a outright property purchase, the funds must enter through the formal foreign exchange market via an authorized financial intermediary (a commercial bank).
The Critical Role of Formulario 4 (Form 4)
Every international wire transfer destined for real estate investment must be properly registered with the central bank using Exchange Declaration Form 4 (Declaracion de Cambio por Inversiones Internacionales - Formulario 4).
Proper Registration Protects Capital: Filing Form 4 establishes official legal record that your foreign capital entered Colombia as a foreign direct investment in real estate.
Guaranteed Repatriation: Having your initial capital properly registered guarantees your legal right to repatriate your principal investment plus all capital appreciation and net profits back to your home country in foreign currency whenever you decide to sell the property.
Tax and AML Verification: Failure to execute Form 4 correctly can lead to severe fines from DIAN and create significant hurdles when attempting to wire funds back out of the country in the future.
Working with an experienced real estate advisor and legal counsel ensures that every dollar or euro entering the country is classified correctly from day one.
Alternative Financing Strategies for International Buyers
Given the stringent documentation rules, higher down payments, and shorter loan terms associated with traditional Colombian mortgages, many savvy international investors utilize alternative capital structuring methods to acquire property across Colombia.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or Refinancing in Home Country
By far the most cost-effective and popular method for purchasing real estate in Colombia is securing capital against existing assets in the buyer's home country.
Lower Cost of Capital: Interest rates on home equity loans, HELOCs, or cash-out refinances in North America or Europe are frequently significantly lower than peso mortgage rates in Colombia.
Cash Buyer Advantage: By drawing liquidity against overseas assets, you transform into a cash buyer in Colombia. Cash buyers enjoy powerful negotiation leverage, allowing them to secure price discounts of 5 percent to 15 percent off listing prices from local sellers who prefer fast, uncomplicated transactions without bank contingency clauses.
Simplified Closing: Eliminating local bank underwriting speeds up the transaction timeline from months to weeks.
Developer Financing and Staged Payment Plans
When purchasing new residential developments or off-plan projects, major Colombian construction developers offer structured payment schedules known as cuotas durante construccion.
Under this arrangement, the buyer pays a booking deposit followed by monthly or quarterly installments covering 30 percent to 40 percent of the purchase price over a 18-to-36-month construction period.
Crucially, developer installment plans during construction carry zero interest charges.
Upon project completion, the remaining 60 percent to 70 percent balance is due, which can be settled in cash or via a pre-approved local mortgage or leasing agreement.
Seller Financing (Financiacion Directa del Vendedor)
In resale transactions—particularly for rural properties, country estates, and working agricultural holdings—seller financing presents a viable path. While not as common in urban condo markets, private sellers of high-value rural real estate are often open to structured seller financing terms.
Typical seller financing terms involve a 50 percent cash down payment upon signing the public deed of purchase option (promesa de compraventa), with the remaining balance amortized over 2 to 5 years at an agreed-upon interest rate.
The property is secured via a legal mortgage lien (hipoteca) or a guarantee trust (fideicomiso de garantia) until the final installment is paid, protecting both seller and buyer interests.
Private Capital and Specialist Cross-Border Lenders
A growing sector of private credit funds and specialized cross-border financial entities now provides asset-backed private loans to foreign nationals purchasing high-end Colombian real estate. These private loans prioritize the loan-to-value ratio and the underlying quality of the real estate over exhaustive local credit scoring, offering faster approval times in exchange for slightly higher interest rates.
Navigating the Real Estate Market in Antioquia and Jardin
While understanding financing mechanics provides the foundation for property acquisition, selecting the right market location determines the long-term appreciation, rental performance, and lifestyle quality of your investment.
The Antioquia Growth Story
The department of Antioquia stands as one of the most economically dynamic and beautiful regions in South America. Driven by top-tier infrastructure, ideal spring-like climates, robust healthcare systems, and an enterprising local culture, Antioquia continues to draw unprecedented domestic and foreign capital.
While urban areas like Medellin, Envigado, and Rionegro offer bustling city living, a profound demographic and investment shift has taken place toward Antioquia's stunning rural regions and historic heritage towns. Investors seeking tangible real assets, clean water, agricultural wealth, and breathtaking natural surroundings are focusing heavily on the Southwest region of Antioquia.
Jardin: The Gem of the Southwest
Among all regional markets in Colombia, the historic municipality of Jardin represents an exceptional real estate destination. Celebrated for its preserved colonial architecture, lush coffee-covered mountains, rich biodiversity, and welcoming community, Jardin has transformed from a quiet agricultural enclave into a premier destination for high-end eco-tourism, specialty coffee production, and luxury country living.
Properties in Jardin range from charming colonial townhouses surrounding the iconic main plaza to sprawling mountain estates, boutique eco-resorts, and productive coffee farms.
Strategic Real Estate Search and Asset Categories in Antioquia
International investors exploring property options across Jardin and the broader Antioquia region generally look at distinct asset classes:
Country Homes and Fincas: Rural estates ranging from recreational family compounds to private sanctuaries featuring mountain views, natural streams, and lush gardens. Search channels frequently highlight listings under FincaForSaleColombia and BuyingPropertyInColombia.
Productive Coffee Estates: Agricultural properties featuring established coffee plantations, processing facilities, and infrastructure. These assets allow owners to generate passive agricultural income while holding prime land. High-demand opportunities are listed through specialized platforms covering ColombianCoffeeFarmsForSale, CoffeeFarmsForSaleColombia, CoffeeFarmForSaleColombia, CoffeeFarmsInColombiaForSale, and ColombianLandForSale.
Investment Land and Rural Parcels: Undeveloped land parcels offering opportunities for custom estate construction, eco-lodging development, or long-term land banking. These listings attract attention across FarmsForSaleInColombia and InvestInColombia channels.
For investors considering how to InvestInColombiaRealEstate or looking to InvestInColombia, acquiring prime land in Jardin and Antioquia offers an unmatched blend of lifestyle prestige and wealth preservation.
Professional Marketing, Property Portfolio, and Expert Advisory
Navigating regional real estate markets requires deep local relationships, legal accuracy, and specialized market insights. At JardinColombia Real Estate, available at https://www.jardincolombiarealestate.com/ , we specialize in connecting international buyers and regional property owners with premium real estate opportunities across Jardin and Antioquia.
We feature the hottest properties in Jardin and throughout Antioquia, offering an curated portfolio that includes everything from historic town residences to productive coffee estates and magnificent mountain fincas.
Beyond traditional real estate brokerage, our organization provides specialized outsourced marketing services designed for developers, property sellers, and commercial real estate ventures. Our specialized teams leverage expert skills, deep digital analytics, and new perspectives to elevate real estate projects, drive client acquisition, and help businesses achieve greater returns.
Whether you are looking to secure a country home, explore agricultural land investments, or market a high-value real estate development in Antioquia, partnering with a dedicated local firm ensures your transaction is executed with precision, regulatory compliance, and maximum financial efficiency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Financed Property in Colombia
To ensure a seamless acquisition process when utilizing financing or importing capital into Colombia, follow this chronological execution roadmap:
Step 1: Define Budget and Capital Source
Determine early whether you will apply for a domestic Colombian mortgage, utilize a residential leasing contract, execute a HELOC in your home country, or deploy cash reserves. Calculate a total budget including purchase price plus 3 percent to 5 percent for closing costs (notary fees, registration taxes, legal representation, and appraisals).
Step 2: Secure Pre-Approval or Financial Pre-Qualification
If applying through a Colombian financial institution like Bancolombia or Davivienda, submit your apostilled income documents, foreign tax returns, and bank statements for initial credit pre-approval before signing purchase contracts.
Step 3: Property Selection and Due Diligence
Select your ideal property in Jardin or broader Antioquia with the assistance of professional real estate advisors. Conduct thorough legal due diligence on the title by reviewing a current Certificado de Tradicion y Libertad to verify that the title is clear of liens, family disputes, mortgages, or legal encumbrances.
Step 4: Execute the Purchase Option Contract (Promesa de Compraventa)
Sign a legally binding promesa de compraventa detailing the purchase price, payment schedule, bank financing contingencies, penalty clauses, and target closing date at a public notary.
Step 5: Execute Bank Appraisal and Formal Loan Approval
The lending bank assigns a certified appraiser to inspect the property. Upon completion of the appraisal and legal title review by the bank's legal department, the bank issues final credit approval.
Step 6: Currency Importation and Form 4 Registration
Transfer your down payment equity or cash purchase funds into Colombia via your authorized commercial bank account, ensuring that Exchange Declaration Form 4 is correctly filed with the Banco de la Republica for international investment registration.
Step 7: Signing the Public Deed (Escritura Publica) and Closing
Sign the official public deed at the designated public notary (Notaria). The notary calculates closing fees and transfer taxes. Once signed, the deed is submitted to the Property Registry Office (Oficina de Registro de Instrumentos Publicos) to record the change of title and register any bank mortgage lien.
Key Pitfalls Foreign Buyers Must Avoid
Overlooking Bank Appraisal Differentials
Lending banks base their maximum loan-to-value percentage on their official certified appraisal value, not on the seller's agreed sales price. If a seller agrees to sell a finca for 1,000,000,000 COP but the bank appraiser values the property at 850,000,000 COP, the bank will base its 50 percent loan offer on 850,000,000 COP, requiring the buyer to cover the remaining gap in cash.
Neglecting Tax Identification and RUT Registration
Do not wait until closing day to apply for your RUT tax ID from DIAN. Without an active RUT, public notaries cannot register property deeds in your name, which can delay transactions and trigger penalty clauses in purchase option contracts.
Failing to File Exchange Form 4
Never send international wire transfers directly to individual seller accounts or real estate agencies without completing formal foreign exchange declaration procedures through an authorized bank. Unregistered capital entry creates severe legal and tax complications upon resale.
Ignoring Rural Land Zoning Restrictions (POT)
When purchasing rural property, coffee farms, or land parcels in Antioquia, always verify municipal land use plans (Plan de Ordenamiento Territorial - POT). Confirm building densities, environmental protection zones, water rights, and construction permissions before finalizing land purchases.
Conclusion
Can you get a mortgage in Colombia as a foreigner? Absolutely. The Colombian financial sector offers real pathways—including traditional mortgages, residential leasing agreements, and foreign income evaluation programs—for international buyers seeking to acquire real estate in one of South America's most dynamic economies. While domestic bank underwriting requires patience, thorough documentation, and substantial equity down payments, securing financing in Colombia is entirely achievable with proper preparation.
Furthermore, when evaluating alternative capital structures such as overseas home equity lines, developer installment plans, or direct seller financing, foreign investors enjoy incredible flexibility in funding their real estate acquisitions. Combined with Colombia's foreign investor protections and central bank currency registration rules, international buyers can build real estate portfolios with total legal safety.
Regions like Antioquia—and specifically the historic mountain paradise of Jardin—stand out as world-class destinations for capital deployment. From charming colonial homes and luxury fincas to productive coffee plantations, the spectrum of property opportunities is vast and rewarding.
At JardinColombia Real Estate, accessible at https://www.jardincolombiarealestate.com/ , we bring new perspectives, specialized teams, and deep local expert skills to guide you through every stage of property search, legal due diligence, and capital structuring. We feature the hottest properties in Jardin and throughout Antioquia, alongside professional outsourced marketing services that help real estate ventures and investors achieve greater returns.
Whether you are seeking a peaceful mountain sanctuary, exploring commercial agricultural ventures, or building a diversified international property portfolio, Colombia offers a welcoming home and a powerful investment landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a foreigner buy property in Colombia without holding legal residency?
Yes, foreign nationals can legally purchase and hold fee-simple title to real estate in Colombia on a tourist visa using a valid foreign passport. Legal residency is not required to own land, houses, or commercial property. However, holding a legal residency visa (M or R visa) makes applying for a domestic bank mortgage much easier.
What is the typical down payment required for a foreign buyer getting a mortgage in Colombia?
Most Colombian financial institutions require a down payment ranging between 30 percent and 50 percent of the property's bank-appraised value for non-resident foreign applicants. If utilizing a residential leasing contract (leasing habitacional), down payment requirements can sometimes be reduced to 20 percent or 30 percent.
Are interest rates higher for foreign mortgage applicants in Colombia?
Nominal interest rates for foreign borrowers are generally comparable to standard domestic rates, typically ranging between 11 percent and 16 percent annually for peso-denominated loans depending on central bank benchmark rates. However, banks may add a small risk margin based on the complexity of underwriting foreign-sourced income.
What is Formulario 4, and why is it mandatory when buying property with foreign capital?
Formulario 4 (Form 4) is an official Exchange Declaration submitted to the Banco de la Republica (Colombia's Central Bank) when importing foreign currency to buy real estate. Filing Form 4 registers your foreign direct investment, establishing legal proof of incoming capital and guaranteeing your legal right to repatriate your principal investment and profits in foreign currency when you sell the property.
Is it better to get a mortgage in Colombia or refinance assets in my home country?
For most foreign buyers, drawing equity against assets in their home country through a HELOC or cash-out refinance offers significant advantages. Overseas equity financing generally provides lower interest rates, longer repayment terms, and turns you into a cash buyer in Colombia, providing strong price negotiation leverage and faster closing timelines.
What additional closing costs should I expect when buying property in Colombia?
Total closing costs typically add between 3 percent and 5 percent to the purchase price. These costs include public notary fees (split equally between buyer and seller), property registration taxes paid to the Oficina de Registro de Instrumentos Publicos, departmental transfer taxes (beneficencia), legal representation fees, and official bank appraisal costs.
Can I buy a coffee farm or rural finca in Antioquia using bank financing?
Yes, though banks evaluate rural land financing more conservatively than urban residential properties. Banks require thorough legal title reviews, official appraisals, and clear access rights. Many buyers acquiring rural estates or coffee farms utilize cash, seller financing, or residential leasing structures to streamline the purchase process.
How does JardinColombia Real Estate assist foreign investors and property owners?
JardinColombia Real Estate provides comprehensive real estate advisory services, connecting buyers with premier properties across Jardin and Antioquia, including country homes, coffee estates, and investment land. Furthermore, our agency offers specialized outsourced marketing services, leveraging expert teams, analytics, and creative strategies to help property developers and real estate businesses achieve greater returns. Discover our current portfolio at https://www.jardincolombiarealestate.com/ .





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