Colombian Spouse Visa 2025: requirements, sample letter & timeline

The Colombian Spouse Visa (type M) allows foreign nationals married to Colombian citizens—or in a legally recognized de facto union—to live and work in Colombia. This guide covers the 2025 requirements, step-by-step process, common mistakes, a support letter template, and typical processing times.

2025 requirements

• Relationship proof:
  • Marriage in Colombia: Colombian Marriage Certificate (official copy issued within the last 3 months).
  • Marriage abroad: foreign certificate apostilled/legalized and translated → register it in Colombia (consulate, registrar or notary) → obtain Colombian Marriage Certificate (official copy < 3 months).
  • De facto union (unión marital de hecho): public deed, notarial act, or court ruling (validity < 3 months and at least 1 year of cohabitation).
• ID: passport valid ≥ 6 months; foreigner ID (cédula de extranjería) if applicable.
• Online filing: application form, photo, motivation letter, and study fee.
• Background checks: police/criminal records from the most recent country of residence (apostilled/legalized and translated).
• Means of support: bank statements, contracts, or income certifications.
• Health insurance: coverage in Colombia for the visa’s validity.
• Dependents: children’s birth certificates apostilled and required consents.

Step-by-step process

1. Gather documents (apostilles, official translations, clear PDFs).
2. Submit the online application and pay the study fee.
3. Respond to requests for additional information, if any.
4. Once approved, pay the issuance fee.
5. Receive your e-visa by email.
6. Register the visa and apply for your foreigner ID (cédula de extranjería) within 15 business days (from issuance or entry).

Validity, rights & renewals

• Type: M (Migrant).
• Validity: typically 1–3 years (discretionary).
• Work authorization: allows legal employment in Colombia.
• Absences: avoid being outside Colombia for more than 6 consecutive months.
• Path to residence: time spent on an M visa may count toward the Resident (R) visa.

Common mistakes

• Submitting a foreign marriage certificate without Colombian registration (leads to denial).
• Missing apostilles/legalization or official translations.
• Providing weak financial support evidence.
• Failing to register the visa or apply for the foreigner ID on time.
• Inconsistencies between application forms and documents.

Support letter template

[City], [Date]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia

Subject: Support for Spouse Visa application (Type M)

I, [NAME OF COLOMBIAN SPOUSE], CC [NUMBER], declare that I married [NAME OF FOREIGN APPLICANT], passport [NUMBER], on [DATE], as per certificate No. [NUMBER], registered at [AUTHORITY/NOTARY/COUNTRY].

We currently live at [FULL ADDRESS]. We attach evidence of our relationship: [short list]. I have [income/contract] sufficient to support our subsistence in Colombia.

I respectfully request the issuance of a Spouse Visa for [NAME OF FOREIGN APPLICANT].

Signature,

[NAME], CC [NUMBER], Tel. [ ], Email [ ]

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FAQs

Does a de facto union qualify?
Yes. Provide the deed/notarial act/court ruling (valid ≤ 3 months) and show at least 1 year of cohabitation.

Do I need to register a foreign marriage in Colombia?
Yes. The Colombian Marriage Certificate is mandatory for the spouse M visa.

Can I work with this visa?
Yes, the M Spouse Visa authorizes employment in Colombia.

When do I request the foreigner ID (cédula)?
Within 15 business days of visa issuance or entry into Colombia.

How long does approval take?
From a few days to several weeks, depending on the case and any requirements.

Mini-how-to: register a foreign marriage in Colombia

1) Documents

• Original marriage certificate.
• Apostille/legalization and official translation (if not in Spanish).
• IDs of both spouses.
• Colombian spouse’s birth certificate.

2) Where to register

• Colombian consulate abroad.
• Registraduría Nacional in Colombia.
• Notaries with civil registry functions.

3) Procedure

1. Submit documents.
2. Request registration in the Colombian Civil Registry.
3. Obtain an official copy (valid ≤ 3 months).

Conclusion

The Spouse Visa is a reliable route to live and work in Colombia.
If you married abroad, register first and then apply with the Colombian Marriage Certificate.

Ready to start? Contact us for a assessment and full legal support.