Complete Guide to the Spouse Visa in Colombia

At Legal Solutions & Co, we guide you through every step of this process — from collecting documents to submitting your visa application.

We’ll help you understand which documents are required for each spouse, including valid passports, visas (if applicable depending on nationality and type of stay), birth certificates, single-status certificates, and any other documents required under Colombian law.

It’s essential to keep in mind that foreign documents may need to be legalized or apostilled to be valid in Colombia.

Many foreign citizens contact us seeking help to regularize their immigration status in Colombia through marriage to a Colombian national. This is possible through the Type M Spouse Visa for Colombian Nationals.

How Much Does the Type M Spouse Visa Cost in 2025?

• Visa application study fee: USD 54 (paid in Colombian pesos).

• Visa issuance fee (if approved): USD 270, also payable in Colombian pesos.

Payments for the Spouse Visa can be made via Banco GNB Sudameris, Servibanca ATMs, or online using a debit or credit card.

What Is the Type M Spouse or Permanent Partner Visa?

The Migrant Spouse Visa is valid for three (3) years and is available to foreign citizens who are married to or in a civil union with a Colombian national.

Foreigners who marry or form a legally recognized partnership (“unión marital de hecho”) with a Colombian citizen are eligible for this visa category.

According to Colombian law, “spouses” are individuals who maintain a legally registered marriage or equivalent relationship, either in Colombia or abroad.

Spouse Visa Requirements in Colombia (2025)

To apply for a Type M Spouse Visa, you must provide:

• Passport valid for at least six (6) months with two blank pages.

• Copy of the tourist entry stamp (PIP-5) for 90 days.

• Tourist extension issued by Migración Colombia, if applicable.

• Certified copy of the Colombian marriage certificate, issued within the last 3 months.

• Letter from the Colombian spouse requesting the visa, confirming cohabitation and including full contact details and a copy of their national ID (cédula de ciudadanía).

• Special power of attorney granted before a notary or Colombian consul authorizing the foreign spouse to apply.

• Migration movement certificate issued by Migración Colombia for both spouses.

Marriage and Type M Visa Procedures

• Marriage Certificate: Authentic copy issued within 3 months prior to visa application.

• Letter of Support: A written statement from your Colombian spouse declaring your stable relationship.

• Notarial Procedures: Our legal team assists you with document submission and notarial registration for your marriage or civil union.

• Legalization & Apostille: We guide you through legalizing or apostilling foreign documents.

• Official Translations: We coordinate certified translations of non-Spanish documents.

• Post-Marriage Legal Guidance: If you need help with your immigration status after marriage, we provide full legal orientation.

If the marriage took place abroad, the foreign spouse must present a translated, apostilled, or legalized marriage certificate, depending on the country of origin.

The visa holder may stay in Colombia for the full visa duration and enter and exit the country multiple times.

Important: If the couple divorces or separates, the foreign spouse must apply for another visa category to remain legally in Colombia.

When applying for this visa through a Colombian consulate abroad, the civil union certificate from the country of residence is accepted if legally valid under local law.

Permanent Partner Visa in Colombia

If you are in a civil partnership (“unión marital de hecho”) with a Colombian citizen, you may qualify for the Type M Permanent Partner Visa.

This visa allows you to live and work legally in Colombia and start accumulating time toward permanent residency.

Benefits of the Type M Spouse Visa

• Valid for up to three (3) years.

• Grants the right to live, work, or engage in paid activities in Colombia.

• After three years, the foreign spouse may apply for permanent residence (valid for 5 years).

At Legal Solutions & Co, we understand that planning an international marriage and managing immigration procedures can be complex.
Our expert team is deeply familiar with Colombian immigration law and all legal requirements for marriages between Colombian citizens and foreign nationals.

What Does “Spouse of a Colombian Citizen” Mean?

Anyone who has a registered marriage or legally recognized partnership with a Colombian citizen may apply for this visa category.
Simply living together does not qualify as a legal marriage for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ask us about our marriage and civil union legal assistance services in Colombia.

How to Apply for the Spouse (Migrant) Visa in Colombia

Applications are submitted online through the official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.cancilleria.gov.co

You will need approximately 30 minutes to complete the online form.
Make sure to include the letter signed by your Colombian spouse and upload your photo in JPG format (max 300 KB).

Legal Solutions & Co Services for the Type M Spouse Visa

We offer a comprehensive legal assistance package for your spouse visa process in Colombia, including:

• Guidance and representation for your civil marriage or civil union registration in Colombia.

• Translation, legalization, and apostille of all required documents.

• Visa interview preparation for first-time applicants.

• Drafting and organization of all supporting documents to ensure fast and successful visa approval.

• Registration of your Foreigner ID (Cédula de Extranjería).

• Monitoring and follow-up of your entire immigration process.

Contact Legal Solutions & Co today for complete and personalized immigration assistance — and let our experienced team make your path to residency in Colombia simple, clear, and successful.