Essential Information for Parents of Colombian Citizens by Birth
Type of Visa: M.
Applicable To: Foreigners who are the father or mother of a Colombian national by birth.
Duration: From 1 to 3 years.
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 Colombian Birth Certificate: Provide a true copy of the Colombian birth certificate of the child. If both parents are foreign, the certificate must include an annotation indicating its validity to demonstrate nationality and must be available in the Registry Entity's database. If the birth certificate includes annotations other than those related to nationality (e.g., serial number changes, paternal recognition, name changes), the corresponding previous records must be provided.
Visa Application Letter:
If the Colombian child is a minor, the letter must be signed by the Colombian parent, stating that the foreign parent is fulfilling all related obligations. If the Colombian parent is absent or unable to provide consent, the visa applicant must provide a certification from a competent family authority confirming that there are no protective measures or rights restoration measures and that the foreign parent has been fulfilling their obligations.
If both parents are foreign, the letter must be signed by both parents.
If the Colombian child is of legal age, they must present a letter signed by themselves, with a handwritten signature and a fingerprint (index or thumb) requesting the issuance of the Migrant visa for their foreign parent, accompanied by a copy of the Colombian ID (Cédula de Ciudadanía).
Previous Visa Documentation: The Visa and Immigration Authority will verify that at the time of the minor's birth, the parents held a visa granting domicile. The Visa and Immigration Authority will refrain from issuing the visa if the annotation “valid to demonstrate nationality” presents inconsistencies or requires clarification from the notarial or registration authority. If after fifteen (15) days from requesting clarification from the notarial authority no response is received, the application will be inadmissible.
Certificate of Migratory Movements: Provide a certificate of migratory movements for both the foreign parent and the Colombian parent, issued by the Special Administrative Unit Migración Colombia.
Proof of Economic Solvency: Provide bank statements from the last 6 months showing average balances and sources of income.
Benefits of this visa: This visa allows its holder to reside and carry out any legal activity in Colombia, including working and registering in the Colombian Social Security System. Another benefit of this visa is that by holding it continuously and uninterruptedly for 2 years, you 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.
Processing of migratory movements for both the applicant and the Colombian national 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 this visa is 2 years.
Relevant Aspects and Frequently Asked Questions:
Application Requirements: The applicant must provide evidence of the genuine relationship with the Colombian national and proof of the familial connection.
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.
Birth Certificate: Provide an authentic copy of the birth certificate proving the parent-child relationship, issued according to the laws of the country of issue.
Visa Application Letter: Ensure that the letter is signed by the relevant parties as specified and includes necessary details and proof of obligation fulfillment.
Previous Visa Documentation: The Visa and Immigration Authority will verify that at the time of the minor's birth, the parents held a visa granting domicile. The Authority will not issue the visa if the annotation “valid to demonstrate nationality” is inconsistent or requires further clarification. If clarification is not received within fifteen (15) days, the application will be inadmissible.
Certificate of Migratory Movements: Obtain from Migración Colombia, and ensure it covers the required time frames for both parents.
Restrictions when applying for this type of visa: The relationship must be genuine and legally recognized. If the relationship is dissolved or invalidated, the visa will become invalid.
Regulation governing this type of visa: Resolution 5477 of 2022, Section 3, Article 70.
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: