If I Marry a Colombian, Do I Get Colombian Nationality?

One of the most common questions foreigners ask when they fall in love in Colombia is: “If I marry a Colombian, do I get Colombian nationality?” The answer is yes, but it’s not automatic. This process involves several steps, starting with a spouse visa, moving on to residency, and finally allowing you to apply for Colombian citizenship.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know — from the visa requirements and costs, to the most important legal warnings before applying. You’ll also discover how we can help you through Colombian Passport, led by immigration attorney Camila Ocampo.

Step by Step: From Marriage to Colombian Nationality

Getting married to a Colombian citizen allows you to apply for a Type M – Spouse Visa, which is the first step toward legal residency in Colombia. This visa lets you work, study, and live in the country.

After 3 continuous years with this visa, you can apply for a Resident Visa. Then, after 2 more years as a resident, you’ll be eligible to apply for Colombian citizenship (nationality).

⚠️ What You Should Know Before Applying

Before beginning this process, make sure you understand these important warnings that could affect your application:

✅ The marriage must remain valid during the entire duration of the visa. If there is a separation, the visa becomes invalid.

✅ If you plan to apply for residency later, you must not let your spouse visa expire. Even one day of expiration can lead to rejection.

✅ Foreign marriage certificates are not accepted. You must register your marriage in Colombia or at a Colombian consulate.

✅ To get married or register your marriage in Colombia, the foreign spouse must provide apostilled documents (such as birth or single status certificates).

✅ You must prove that your marriage is genuine: joint leases or contracts, photos, social media posts, shared travel bookings, bank transfers, etc.

✅ You must submit an official copy of the Colombian Marriage Certificate, issued within the last 3 months.

✅ Visa applications are reviewed by real officers, not algorithms. They may request additional information or interviews at any time.

✅ The Colombian visa system is complex, and errors or delays are common if you’re unfamiliar with the process.

✅ Once the visa is approved, you must obtain a Foreign ID (Cédula de Extranjería), which requires a separate appointment with Migración Colombia. This step can also be confusing due to the difficulty of their online platform.

💼 How We Help You at Colombian Passport

At Colombian Passport, we guide binational couples through the process step by step, making everything smoother, faster, and stress-free.

🔹 We review and correct all your documents to make sure your application is flawless.

🔹 We respond to any additional requests from the visa officers.

🔹 We book your appointment to get your Foreign ID and register your visa.

🔹 We provide personalized support, helping you avoid mistakes that could cost you time, money, or even a rejected visa or citizenship application.

💬 A Word from Camila Ocampo, Immigration Attorney:

📝 How Much Does the Spouse Visa Cost?

Here are the approximate costs for a Type M – Spouse Visa:

• Application review: $54 USD

• Visa issuance: $270 USD

• Foreigner ID (cedula de extranjeria): $60 USD aprox.

• Translations and apostilles: varies by country, approx. $100–$200 USD

• Professional fees: $550 USD.

  
  

📩 Want to Live in Colombia with Your Partner?

Let us help you make that dream a reality. Send us a message on WhatsApp or fill out our intake form to receive a personalized proposal. Camila and her team will be with you every step of the way.

👉 Click here to start your process with Colombian Passport.

Have questions about how to get your spouse visa, residency, or Colombian citizenship? Contact us — we’re here to help!