What Does the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Evaluate in Your Spouse Visa Application?
2025-04-08
If you're in a genuine relationship with a Colombian citizen and plan to live in Colombia, the Spouse Visa (M – Spouse of a Colombian) might be your best path. However, it's essential to understand that this process involves much more than simply showing your marriage certificate.
The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) carefully analyzes each case to determine if the relationship is real and meets all the legal requirements. Here's what they really look at—and what you need to be prepared for.
⚠️ What You Should Know Before Applying
✅ Your marriage must remain valid throughout the entire duration of your visa. If there’s a separation, the visa is no longer valid. Besides, your must be married for over a year or more.
✅ If you're planning to apply for residency later, do not let your Spouse Visa expire—even a one-day delay may 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’s documents must be apostilled.
✅ You must prove your marriage is genuine through supporting evidence: shared leases or bills, joint bank accounts, trip reservations, social media, photos, etc.
✅ You must submit a certified copy of your Colombian marriage certificate, issued less than 3 months before applying.
✅ The application is reviewed by actual officers, not algorithms. They may request additional documents at any time.
✅ The application system is not user-friendly. It can cause errors and delays if not handled properly.
✅ Once the visa is granted, the foreign spouse must schedule an appointment with Migración Colombia to obtain the Foreigner ID (Cédula de Extranjería). This is another challenging step due to their complicated platform.
Camila Ocampo’s Advice – Immigration Lawyer
“We’ve helped hundreds of couples navigate the Spouse Visa process. Unfortunately, many people come to us only after making a mistake in their application. That’s why we recommend starting the process with professional guidance—Colombia’s immigration system is strict and unpredictable.”
❗Should I Apply From Inside or Outside Colombia?
Our advice: apply from outside Colombia.
Currently, visa processing in Colombia is severely delayed. Applying from abroad (in your country of nationality or residence) allows for faster response times and better communication with the consulate.
If you're applying from abroad, keep the following in mind:
The consulates in San Francisco, Miami, Costa Rica, Madrid, and Chile aren't overcrowded, but in my experience, they're just as difficult, if not more so, than those in Colombia.
You must be honest about your current location so the form can select the appropriate consulate.
If you choose a city other than your current one because it's in the country of your nationality, you'll basically need to be there for the duration of the visa process.
💼 How Can We Help You at Colombian Passport?
If you want to learn more about this visa and our service, visit the website dedicated to the spouse visa: https://www.colombianpassport.com/our-services/spouse-visa-full-service
We make sure your application is flawless, and that you're supported every step of the way:
🔹 Full review of your documents
🔹 Guidance on how to prove your relationship
🔹 Translation and apostille services
🔹 Response to additional requests from Cancillería
🔹 Help registering your visa and scheduling your ID appointment
🔹 Ongoing WhatsApp support from immigration experts
📩 Ready to start your process? Contact us and let’s make it easy.