Attention Foreigners! Cancillería De Facto Changes Requirement for Beneficiary Visas in Colombia: Requires Authenticated Signature of Both Parents

A new, unwritten requirement from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) is causing confusion and rejections in visa applications for beneficiaries (mainly minor children of primary visa holders). According to a report from the immigration expert firm ColombianPassport.com, Cancillería is de facto requiring that the letter of financial responsibility include the authenticated signatures of both parents, even if there is no formal change in current immigration regulations.

This practical shift in the evaluation criteria is affecting foreign families seeking to settle in Colombia. The "letter of responsibility" is a standard document where the primary visa holder commits to covering the expenses of their dependents. Historically, the signature of the primary holder was sufficient, but now, Cancillería officials are reportedly rejecting or requiring applications that do not contain the duly authenticated signatures (before a notary public or consul, as applicable) of both parents of the minor beneficiary.

"We are witnessing a worrying disconnect between the written regulation and the current administrative practice. Resolution 5477 of 2022 does not stipulate this requirement of a double authenticated signature on the letter of responsibility for beneficiaries," explains Camila Ocampo Matiz, founding lawyer of ColombianPassport.com. "This de facto criterion is taking applicants by surprise and causing the denial of visas for children, complicating family reunification."

The lack of official communication about this new practical requirement adds uncertainty to the process. Families submitting complete files according to published regulations are facing unexpected rejections based on this non-formalized demand.

About ColombianPassport.com: ColombianPassport.com is a firm led by lawyer Camila Ocampo Matiz, a graduate of Universidad de los Andes, with extensive experience in advising on immigration to Colombia and Colombian visas. Its mission is to facilitate the immigration processes for foreigners who wish to reside, work, or invest in Colombia.