How to Get Colombia Marriage Visa
The Colombian marriage visa is in the migrant visa category. It is intended for foreigners who are married to a Colombian national or have a permanent partner. The Colombian marriage visa is fairly easy to obtain if you have a relationship. The marriage visa is an excellent visa with many benefits. Still, you must plan your application process carefully to get a Colombian Marriage Visa, which is primarily outlined by the new Resolution 5477 of 2022.
The Colombian marriage or permanent partnership visa was once called the TP-10 visa. This visa was valid for three years. After three years, you became eligible for a resident (R) visa. After you have an R visa for 2 years, you can apply to become a Colombian National. Colombia allows dual citizenship and has no limit on the number of other nationalities. Having the Colombian Marriage Certificate provides protections when dealing with immigration issues.
The Colombian marriage visa, and Colombian Parents visa are the visas with the most substantial legal benefits for foreigners. Direct family links to Colombia through Colombian citizens give foreign nationals special rights. These rights can help them avoid deportation in some cases.
Since December 2017, the Colombia marriage visa has changed and is now known as a Migrant (M) visa of category 1 (an M-1 visa). The new M-1 visa is valid for up to three years, just like the TP-10 visa. With the new visa you are eligible to apply for a resident (R) visa after only two years. The M-1 visa allows you to stay, work, and study in Colombia. This is similar to the previous TP-10 visa. This visa is issued by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If you currently hold an M-1 marriage visa you will need to wait for three years before you are eligible to apply for a resident visa. The resident visa is also a path toward Colombian Citizenship. You must live in Colombia 180 days a year to meet residency requirements. After three years you can qualify for the resident visa. Then you can qualify for citizenship and even dual citizenship, or third or fourth citzenship as Colombia has no limits.
The M-1 visa allows multiple entries to Colombia. But you cannot stay outside Colombia with an M-1 visa for more than six months in a year, whether consecutive or not. If you stay out of Colombia for more than six months in a row, then your visa loses its validity like any other migrant visa.
This rule will apply changes in the category of various types of visas and will require adjustments in Colombian Visa Application System. According to this resolution, the new visa rules will be applicable starting October 22, 2022.
Related Topics of Interest for You:
Civil Union (union marital de hecho) Visa holders now need to wait 5 years before applying for residency visa, previously it was only 2 years.
Common Law Marriage is now required and must be registered officially at least 1 year prior to visa application. Permanent Partner M Visas for common law marriages last up to 1 year. Visa holders must reapply at least 4 times before applying for a residency visa.
Common Law (Union Marital de Hecho) Visa holders now have to wait a full 5 years to apply for residency, previously it was only 2 years.
If someone is exploring the Colombian Marriage Visa page, they might also be interested in the Colombian Parents Visa: This visa allows foreign nationals to reside in Colombia if they have a child who is a Colombian citizen or resident. It’s an excellent option for parents looking to live near their children while enjoying the benefits of Colombian residency. Parent Visa.
ren while enjoying the benefits of Colombian residency. Parent Visa.
What Are Colombia Marriage Laws?
Getting married to a Colombian in Colombia may be thrilling and exciting to you but you must know a few things about marriage laws before you tie the knot. Here are a few things you must know before getting married in Colombia. Besides qualifying for the Colombia marriage visa below are more useful details.
Civil Union or Partnership
Colombia recognizes civil unions or partnerships, which are equivalent to a common law marriage. Known locally as “unión libre” or “unión marital de hecho,” this legal arrangement arises when partners have cohabited for two continuous years, thus forming a legally acknowledged marital union in Colombia.
A written declaration in front of a notary documenting a civil union is required for marriage visa purposes. In Colombia, this declaration is called as declaracion union marital de hecho. It must be documented in a public deed (escritura) and this document can be used to get a marriage visa. This becomes part of the Colombian civil registry.
Consider the civil union as an alternative to the full marriage as it does not require you to obtain the certificates. This process must be handled by an attorney through the court system, otherwise a notary will always ask for a birth certificate. So we always recommend or clients avoid having to obtain a birth certificate from your home country to save a money and time.
Same Sex Civil Unions:
Colombia recognizes same-sex civil unions or partnerships. It allows partners in same-sex relationships to apply for and get marriage visas in the country.
Inventory of Assets:
If you are getting married and have minors in Colombia, it is necessary to hire an to compile a list of your assets associated with the children. This list must be prepared and validated by an attorney who is approved by a special notary before the marriage can proceed. Completing this process incorrectly can lead to delays, with timelines ranging from one day to a month.
Prenuptial Agreements:
Colombia allows spouses to get prenuptial agreements before getting married. This is commonly known as which are known as capitulaciones matrimoniales. You will need services of an experienced lawyer in Colombia who can craft a prenuptial agreement for you. Such an agreement must include asset dissolution clauses that can protect claims on future assets.
Personal Appearance:
Sometimes this visa requires a personal appearance for the first time by both applicants if done in the country, or out of Colombia. Sometimes a virtual video call is done if applicants are not together.
Correct legalization of documents:
Many people come to Colombia without properly legalized documents. It is very important to start the process with an experienced visa agency before you send or bring documents to Colombia. Common errors include expired documents, wrong stamps, missing stamps, poorly worded certifications, and invalid documents.
Community Property Country
It is very important to know that Colombia is a community property country. Therefore, any assets acquired post marriage are divided on 50/50 basis in Colombia. This equal division applies to both marriages and civil partnerships. In Colombia, anyone who has been living with his or her partner for over two years essentially has almost the same rights as a spouse. Any assets acquired before marriage are not up for debate when dissolving the marriage or civil union.
Symbolic Ceremony:
Symbolic Ceremonies are good for those who will not use a minister, father or other religious figure. You can have the symbolic ceremony even if all of the foreign papers are not
If the notary cannot come to the ceremony so a professional presenter can fill in.
Under the new visa resolution 5477, all Migrant visas require you to be in Colombia 180 days or more to keep your visa. If you stay outside Colombia for more than 180 days, your visa will no longer be valid. Migracion Colombia officials may cancel your visa when you enter. If they allow you to enter Colombia with just a stamp, they will likely let you enter as a tourist after canceling your visa.
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What Is The Process Of Getting Married In Colombia?
In Colombia, you can get married at a church or at a Colombian notary. If you get married at a church in a religious ceremony, then that marriage must be registered at a notary as well. Getting married at a Colombian notary is quite common among foreigners and their Colombian spouses. Here is step by step process of getting married in Colombia.
If possible use a notary that has experience with marriage of foreign nationals.
Once you have arrived, then present the following documents for getting married in Colombia.
1. Photocopy of your Colombian fiance's cedula.
2. Notarized copy of your Colombian fiances birth certificate
Not older than 30 days. Please note that this certificate needed to be the long form folio version which shows his or her marital status orestado civil.
3. Foreigners birth certificate.
with an apostille and Spanish language certified translation not older than 90 days.
4. Sworn Affadavit
or Government Certificate you are single or a recent divorce certificate.
5. Divorce Records
Recently certified with an apostille and Spanish language translation not older than 90 days if applicable
6. Photocopy of your foreigners cedula or a photocopy of your passport.
7.Inventory of Assets
For parents of minors living in Colombia. This process can take one month if not done correctly. Our office can assist with speeding up this process.
* For persons married outside of Colombia a registration of foreign marriages is also possible, but follows slightly different requirements depending on the notary.
Notes on Marriage Process: Once you bring all the above mentioned documents to the notary, they will review the documents and schedule the civil wedding with the notary. After you are married they will give you a marriage certificate, (registro de matrimonio), which is the equivalent of a marriage license in Colombia. The escritura is a public deed and the marriage is recorded on a public escritura at a notary, and becomes part of the National public registry of Civil Status, (Registraduria Nacional del Estado Civil).
Recommended Reading: Colombia Living Trust
If you do not speak Spanish fluently, then an official interpreter is required. Please be aware that official interpreters charge about $100 to appear. The cost of a marriage at a notary in Colombia is about 300,000 pesos.
All documents must have an apostille or legalization stamp from the state or providence you live in. If you are legalizing documents then you must send your documents to the local Colombian consulate before coming to Colombia. All documents must be translated to Spanish by an official Spanish translator.
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What Documents Are Required For Colombia Marriage Visa?
The following documents are required for M-1 marriage visa
Passport Photocopy
Proof of Legal Entry:
Passport Entry Stamp or Exit Stamp
Photocopy of Previously Issued Visa:
If you’ve had a previous Colombian visa such as a student or retirement visa, then a photocopy of this visa
Photocopy of Previously Issued Visa:
If you’ve had a previous Colombian visa such as a student or retirement visa, then a photocopy of this visa
Migration Certificate:
Migracion Colombia will issue a certificate of your entries and exits out of Colombia over the last 5 years for both the foreigner and Colombian citizen.
Letter from Spouse:
Letter asking of Spouse asking for Visa.
Letter from Colombian Spouse:
Asking for foreign spouse to have visa, with date you started living together,date of marriage, Colombian address, and contact information.
Cedula Photocopy:
If foreigner has had a previous marriage.
Marriage Certificate:
Colombian marriage certificate issued by a Colombian notary or Colombian Consulate. Must be issued within 90 days prior to the Colombia visa application.
Visa photo:
Passport style face photo with a white background, sized at 3 cm width X 4 cm height, maximum size of 300 kb jpg file for online application.
Health Insurance:
You must have health insurance either from Colombia or from another country. The health insurance policy must cover all risks including repatriation of the body to the home country in case of death.
Proof of Relationship:
is very important and can make a diffierence on the approval of your applciation. We have a page on our website with ideas on what documents work for this applciation. Colombian Proof of relationship you can find here.
Criminal Record from your home country:
This is not always asked for on this type of application but one should be prepared tos ubmit this with apostille and translation if you are from the United States. If you are from the United States this is the FBI report with federal apostille, and if your from Canada this is from the Royal Mounted police with a Canadian Apostille.
Related Topics of Interest for You:
How to Apply for Colombia Marriage Visa?
There are two ways to apply for Colombian Marriage visa.
Applying for Marriage visa from abroad
A visa applicant who wishes to invest in Colombia can apply for a Colombia Marriage visa online. In addition, any Colombian visa can be obtained at any Colombian consulate around the world. In the U.S., Colombia has consulates located in the following cities and states:
The Colombian visa application process is not easily completed online due to limits of pages and size of digital documents. This application will require scanned copies of all required documents in Adobe PDF format along with your passport photo in JPEG format. In addition, a detailed guide for applying online can be found here.
If you are outside Colombia, you must go to the nearest Colombian consulate. There, you can get the visa added to your passport. Once your application has been approved you will receive a digital pdf file to print out, you are ready to travel to Colombia as a migrant visa holder.
The Colombian visa application process is fairly easy as it can be completed entirely online. You can apply for a Colombia Marriage visa online Tramites Visa . This application will require scanned copies of all required documents in Adobe PDF format along with your passport photo in JPEG format. In addition, a detailed guide for applying online can be found here.
If you are in another country outside of Colombia, then you have to go to nearby Colombian consulate in that country so that you can get the visa added to your passport at a Colombian consulate. Once your Colombian investment visa has been approved and added to your passport, you are ready to travel to Colombia as a migrant and an investor.
Applying for Marriage Visa from Colombia
Once you receive online visa approval, if doing this in Colombia, you need to travel to Bogotá to get the visa in your passport. Visas in Colombia are issued at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office in Bogotá. Their office is located at Avenida 19 # 98-03, Torre 100 Building, 3rd Floor. It’s open from 7:30 am until noon.
The major challenge with getting a Colombian visa yourself is dealing with a government bureaucracy, making a trip to Bogota and not understanding the laws properly if you are not fluent in Sanish.
This is where you can benefit from the services of an experienced visa agency such as Visas by James. A visa agency such ours is your best bet when it comes to obtaining visa for you. An experienced visa agency which has processed hundreds of visas and knows exactly what is needed for each type of visa is exactly what you need.
Another big benefit of using a visa agency is that they offer services to courier your passport to Bogotá to get the visa put in your passport. So, you can avoid a trip to Bogotá. The cost of a visa service including the service to courier your passport to Bogotá can even be cheaper than the cost of a trip to Bogotá.
Our Path to Becoming Colombia's Leading Visa Agency
James Lindzey founded ColombiaVisas.com after relocating to Medellín in 2005. With experience as a private investigator and paralegal in the U.S., James brought a strong legal background to Colombia's complex visa system.
Today, Visas by James—part of Colombia Legal & Associates SAS—is a top provider of visa and legal services for expats. We specialize in U.S. immigration services for Colombian spouses and fiancés, helping hundreds reunite through legal marriage or fiancé visa processes.
In addition to our visa services our agency offers a full range of legal and accounting services to our clients. We are able to assist better in document collection services in the United States because of James previous legal experience in the United States.
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Visas By James (Visas y Trámites Internacionales)
Testimonials from a current and former clients who got a Colombian visas successfully.
Worked with James and Cristina on buying first property in Colombia. They were very knowledgable in Colombia law and banking. They went the extra mile to guide us through transferring foreign funds, reviewing purchase documents, and explaining legal details. Invaluable, and in dual languages! Thanks to them the process was completed in less than one month!
I had James renew my US passport and all went well. I did not have to go to Bogota. I got a new passport in a little over 2 weeks. Highly reccomend.
This is a dependable and reliable legal and accounting service. For me, it was nice to give these sometimes hard tasks to skilled and trustworthy professionals. I'll be recommending them to my friends as well.
About Colombia Legal & Accounting SAS and its partners: Reliable, Trustworthy, Honest, Good Management, and Punctual. That's all you need to know to put yourself in their professional hands.
Our main office is located in Medellin, Colombia near Parque Lleras in El Poblado. We have representation in Bogota, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Our main office address is Cra 39#5A-95, Oficina 709, Edificio Avangarde. We accept walk in appointments but its always nice if you can let us know ahead of time so we can schedule a time. Areas codes in Colombia have changed. To reach our office please call (57) 604-444-6634.
More About Our Visa Services
Many visas require obtaining complicated documents in the United States, Canada, or other countries. We are experts at handling foreign documents!
We identify necessary documents for your visa application.
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Visas By James
(Visas y Trámites Internacionales)
Testimonials from a current and former clients who got a Colombian visas successfully.
Worked with James and Cristina on buying first property in Colombia. They were very knowledgable in Colombia law and banking. Went the extra mile to guide us thru the process of transferring foreign funds, reviewing/advising purchase documents, and walking us thru the maze of legalities. Invaluable, and in dual languages! Thanks to them the process was completed in less than one month!
I had James take care of the renewing of my US passport and all went very well I did not have to go to Bogota and all was completed with a new passport in a little over 2 weeks !! Highly reccomend.
This is really a dependable and reliable legal and accounting service, and for me it was nice being able to turn over these sometimes laborious tasks to competent and trustworthy professionals. I’ll be recommending them to my friends as well.
About Colombia Legal & Accounting SAS and its associates; Reliable, Trustworthy, Pristine, Honesty, Management, Punctual. That’s all you need to know to put yourself in their professional hands.
Our main office is located in Medellin, Colombia near Parque Lleras in El Poblado. We have representation in Bogota, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Our main office address is Cra 39#5A-95, Oficina 709, Edificio Avangarde. We accept walk in appointments but its always nice if you can let us know ahead of time so we can schedule a time. Areas codes in Colombia have changed. To reach our office please call (57) 604-444-6634.