Explore the Steps, Requirements, and Benefits for Long-Term Residency with a Colombian Partner
Type of Visa: M.
Applicable To: Foreigners in a de facto marital union with a Colombian citizen.
Duration: Up to 1 year.
General Requirements:
Copy of the main page of the passport where all the holder's information appears, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Digital color photo with a white background measuring 4 centimeters high by 3 centimeters wide. You should be facing the camera and your head should be centered and complete. Both eyes should be open and the ears should be visible. There should be no glare in the photo, hair or other accessories should not be allowed to cover the face. The image format is JPG and must have a maximum size of 300 KB. NOTE: The photo must be current, different from that of the passport, previous visas and applications.
If the applicant is in Colombia at the time of applying for the visa, copy of the last stamp of entry or exit from Colombia or extension of stay or safe passage for visa application (whichever applies).
In the event that the applicant begins the visa process while in their country of residence (different from their country of nationality), they must present an identification document from their country of residence, for example: NIE, Visa, Driving License, etc.
Specific Requirements:
Authentic Copy of the Public Deed, Judicial Provision, or Conciliation Act: Or a certificate of validity where applicable. This document must be issued no more than 3 months prior and must declare the existence of the de facto marital union. The date of formalization of the document supporting the union must be more than 1 year prior to the visa application.
Copy of the Colombian Partner's ID (Cédula de CiudadanÃa).
4 to 8 Photos of the Couple with Dates: Photos should be taken on different occasions and include screenshots from social media.
Airline Tickets and/or Hotel Reservations: Proof of trips made as a couple.
Bank Transfers, Joint Accounts, Joint Contracts, Screenshots of Conversations: Any additional proof that can demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship.
Motivation Letter Signed by the Colombian Partner: This letter should be based on the facts of the relationship (Colombian Passport format), with the help of the applicants.
Certificate of Migratory Movements for Both Partners: Issued by Migración Colombia.
Special Power of Attorney: Signed by the Colombian partner authorizing the foreign partner to apply for the visa; the power of attorney must be duly authenticated (Colombian Passport format).
Benefits of this visa:Â This visa allows its holder to reside and exercise any legal activity in Colombia, including working and joining the Colombian Social Security System. Likewise, and as mentioned before, when the holder maintains this visa continuously and uninterruptedly for 5 years, he or she can apply for the Resident Visa for accumulated time.
Allows to Work in Colombia? Yes, this visa allows you to work in Colombia.
Processing Time: Generally, from 2 to 5 weeks, but it may vary.
Application Location: Can be applied for from within Colombia or from your country of residence or nationality.
Allows Beneficiaries? Yes, this visa allows beneficiaries, including children under the age of 25 and older adults who are financially dependent.
Can Reapply for this Visa? Yes, it is possible to reapply for this visa.
Government Fees for Visa Application. These fees are charged directly through a specific link provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia and can be paid using a credit or debit card.
Visa Study Fee: $54,92 USD.
Visa Issuance Fee: $195,40 USD.
Additional Services you may need:
Apostilles and official translations may be required.
Registration of the partnership in Colombia may be required.
Processing of migratory movements for both partners may be required.
Does it allow you to accumulate time for residency? Yes, for foreigners who have stayed in the national territory as holders of a Migrant (M) visa, the accumulation time for the permanent partner visa is 5 years.
Relevant Aspects and Frequently Asked Questions:
Application Requirements: The applicant must provide evidence of a genuine permanent partnership.
Place of Application: Although the visa application is online (there is no way to do it in person), it is recommended that you be in the place from where you will present the visa in person. You can apply while in Colombia, as long as you are in a regular situation in the country (if you have been in Colombia for less than 3 months on a tourist permit or if you have requested an extension of your tourist permit and have been in the country for less than 6 months, or if you have been on a tourist permit for more than 5 months but want to apply for a special permit). You can also apply from your country of nationality or residence, as long as you have a valid identification document in that country.
Certificate of Migratory Movements: This document is processed personally or through a representative at any Migración Colombia office. It must be for both partners, and depending on the case, it should be requested for 5 or 10 years.
Power of Attorney: The power of attorney granted by the Colombian partner to the foreign partner for processing this visa is a special power that must be duly authenticated.
Visa Application at Consular Office: When applying for the visa as a permanent partner of a Colombian national at a Colombian Consulate, a valid document proving the de facto marital union according to the laws of the place where it was declared will be accepted, with compliance with the formalities required for foreign documents.
Restrictions when applying for this type of visa: The partnership must be genuine and not solely for immigration purposes. Additionally, if the partners separate, the visa will automatically become invalid.
Regulation governing this type of visa: Resolution 5477 of 2022, Section 3, Article 68.
Representation: Although the law does not require you to be represented by a lawyer for this type of process, a lawyer with a valid Colombian professional license can represent you through a power of attorney, duly authenticated.
Relevant link for more information: