Apply for the Colombia Marriage Visa
Fell in love with a Colombian? Marrying a Colombian doesn’t just change your life personally. It can change your legal status too. With a Colombia Marriage Visa, you can live in the country and qualify for permanent residency and even citizenship in just a few years.
Why Apply for the Colombia Marriage Visa?
Stay Together
No need for border runs or tourist visa stress. The Marriage Visa lets you live full-time in Colombia with your partner.
Path to Residency
After three years on this visa, you’re eligible for permanent residency. Citizenship is possible after two more years.
No Income Requirement
Unlike Investor or Pensioner visas, the Marriage Visa doesn’t require significant proof of income or savings.
Simplified Bureaucracy
The application process is detailed, but manageable – especially with the right help (that’s us, the Freedom Files).
Life in Colombia
Live like a local, open a bank account, access healthcare, and get a Colombian ID (cédula) within weeks of approval.
Ready to Explore Your Options in Colombia?
Who is the Colombia Marriage Visa for?
Newlyweds
If you recently married a Colombian citizen and want the ability to live in the country (or another citizenship in your portfolio), this is your next step – no matter whether you married in Colombia or abroad.
Long-Term Partners
If you’re in a registered civil union with your Colombian partner, you also qualify for a Marriage Visa. Love counts, even without a legal marriage.
Expats in Love
Already living in Colombia on a tourist visa and want to stay legally with your spouse or significant other? This visa makes it possible.
Registered Marriage
If you married outside of Colombia, you must register your marriage with the Colombian government.
Marriage Certificate
This legalization certificate must be issued within three months of your application date.
Visa Letter & POA
Your Colombian spouse must sign a visa application letter and grant power of attorney. We prepare both for you.
Financial Support
Prove you can support yourself while living in Colombia with bank statements or employment documents.
Immigration Movement
Both you and your spouse need official record of your travel in and out of Colombia.
Relationship Proof
Provide evidence of your shared life with photos together (ideally from social media), joint accounts, leases, etc.
Passport & Stamp
Clear and unblurred scans of your passport (6+ months of validity left) and most recent Colombian entry stamp.
Spouse’s ID Docs
Copy of your Colombian spouse’s national ID (cédula) and their birth certificate issued in the last 90 days.
Passport Photo
Standard visa-style photo with a white background. No hats, glasses, or filters.
Legal Status in Colombia
You must have legal presence in the country when applying. A tourist stamp will do.
Request Your Colombia Marriage Visa Infosheet
The Colombia Marriage Visa Process
Step 1
Register Your Marriage
If you married outside of Colombia, you must register the marriage here first. This step is non-negotiable.
If you married in Colombia, you must notarize your Colombian marriage documents and legalize your marriage with the government. Then, book a call with us to map out your next steps.
Step 2
Prepare Documentation
The Freedom Files helps you gather all required documents, translate what’s needed, and review your application for errors before submission.
Step 3
Submit the Application
We file your (M) Marriage Visa application with the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on your behalf. Let’s hope for a quick response. But typically, the government will approve or reject your application in 1-4 weeks.
Step 4
Pay Government Fees
To submit your application officially, you must pay a small application fee (~US$65 depending on the exchange rate). If approved, you’ll pay a couple other small fees for the visa itself and for your Colombian ID card called a cédula.
Step 5
Obtain & Register Your Visa
Once approved, your visa will be digitally issued. Within 15 days of approval, the Freedom Files will help schedule your biometrics appointment, gather your Colombian ID card, and make your residency in Colombia official.
Step 6
Upgrade to R Visa
After just three years of residency and minimal obligatory physical presence, you can apply for permanent residency (R Visa). After two years of permanent residency, you’re eligible for citizenship, provided you meet naturalization requirements.
FAQs About Colombia Marriage Visa
How Much Does the Colombia Marriage Visa Cost?
Government fees for the application, visa study, and residency ID card total just a few hundreds dollars. To handle Colombian bureaucracy and the immigration process, the Freedom Files also has professional fees for full support.
Can I Qualify for Citizenship through a Colombia Marriage Visa?
Yes. You’re eligible for permanent residency after three years on the Marriage Visa and citizenship after 5 years total – assuming you meet all physical presence, integration, and documentation requirements.
Do I Have to Pay Colombian Taxes on My US Income?
Not necessarily. Only if you spend more than 183 days per year in Colombia must you pay Colombian taxes on your worldwide income. Additionally, Colombia does not share a double tax treaty with the United States, so your tax liability in the country could be significant. But a smart setup and plan can minimize your Colombian tax liability. The Freedom Files can help.
How Long Does the Colombia Marriage Visa Process Take?
If your paperwork is in order, expect the full process (from document preparation to visa approval) to take 4-10 weeks total.
Can I Include My Dependents in My Colombia Marriage Visa Application?
Not on the marriage visa directly, no. But once you have Colombian residency, you can sponsor young children and other dependents separately under a family beneficiary visa.