Family Visas in Colombia (Beneficiary Applications)
Here, we will provide clear information about beneficiary or famiy visa applications, in accordance with Articles 3 and 93 of the Resolution 5477 of 2022.
What is a beneficiary visa application?
A dependent visa application is the closest equivalent to a family visa in the Colombian immigration system.
In Colombia, there are two types of visa holders: principal and beneficiary.
It is not possible to apply for a visa for the entire family simultaneously. One family member must first obtain their visa as the principal holder, and once issued, they can apply for the same visa for the rest of their family, but as beneficiaries.
Not all visa categories in Colombia allow beneficiary applications.
Beneficiary visas are granted in the same category as the principal applicant’s visa.
For example: Richard, his wife, and their two children, aged 3 and 4, come to Colombia as tourists.
However, Richard finds a job with a Colombian company and applies for the M worker visa. Once his visa is approved, he submits simultaneous applications for worker visas for his wife and children through the designated form, as his beneficiaries.
The visa category does not change for beneficiaries. Thus, Richard will have his visa as the principal holder in the worker category, and his wife and children will hold beneficiary visas in the same worker category.
Who can be a beneficiary?
A beneficiary is someone who relies on the principal visa holder for financial support. This economic dependency is the most important condition for being considered a beneficiary.
According to current visa laws (Resolution 5477, 2022, Article 3), the following individuals can be beneficiaries:
In the previous visa resolution, parents were included as beneficiaries. However, since Resolution 5477 of 2022, only those listed in Article 3 are considered beneficiaries.
Requirements to approve a beneficiary visa application (Article 93):
For proof of relationship, additional documents may be requested in the following cases:
Other requirements include:
How long is this visa valid?
A beneficiary visa has the same validity period as the principal visa holder’s visa.
It is important to note that dependent visa holders must obtain a foreigner ID card (Cédula de Extranjería) if their visa is valid for three months or longer. Once approved and issued, the dependent visa holder must complete the visa registration and ID card process with Migración Colombia within 15 calendar days.
Note: Beneficiary visas do not allow holders to work; they are only permitted to study. Additionally, the validity of beneficiary visas is tied to the principal visa’s status. If the principal visa is canceled early by the visa authority, any dependent visas issued under the principal visa will also be canceled.
Changes in circumstances: If a beneficiary minor turns 25 or ceases to be financially dependent on the principal holder, their beneficiary visa will automatically be canceled. In such cases, the individual must apply for a different visa category as a principal holder to remain legally in Colombia.
Colombian visa categories that allow beneficiary visa applications:
If you are considering bringing your family to Colombia, Capital M can assist you in processing both principal and dependent visa applications. We have extensive experience helping foreign families relocate to Colombia with visitor, migrant, or resident visas. Don’t hesitate to schedule your consultation with us here.
In this blog post, we're going to give you some straightforward information about the Beneficiary Visa in Colombia.
Who can be a beneficiary?
A beneficiary is someone who relies on the main visa holder for financial support. This includes:
Visa Types That Include Beneficiaries:
What you need for a Beneficiary Visa
When the beneficiary visa is for the spouse of the main visa holder, it is required:
When the beneficiary visa is for the children of the main visa holder, it is required:
Check this letter template:
Sres. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores - Colombia
Cancillería
Asunto: Solicitud de visa para mis beneficiarias.
Estimados Sres.
Mi nombre es [Name of the main visa holder], ciudadano [main visa holder’s nacionatily], identificado con [Number of passport]
El pasado [date of issue of the main visa] obtuve mi visa de [visa category approved] en Colombia con número [number of visa], lo cual aprovecho para agradecer.
Quiero vivir aquí con mis hijos [name of the children], identificada con Pasaporte no. [number of passport of the beneficiary] por lo que me permito solicitarles la visa en calidad de beneficiario de mi visa actual.
Adjunto a esta solicitud podrán encontrar mis extractos bancarios de los últimos seis meses, en donde podrán constatar que cuento con los recursos financieros suficientes para la manutención y gastos de viaje de mi beneficiario.
Adjunto encontrarán el certificado de nacimiento de mi hijo, apostillado y traducido a español. También encontrarán la póliza de salud que he adquirido para garantizar el acceso a la salud de mi hijo.
Declaro mi responsabilidad económica para la manutención, alimentación, vivienda, cobertura en salud de mi beneficiario.
Sinceramente,
[Name of the main visa holder]
[number of passport]
How long is this visa valid?
It depends on the decision of the authorities, but it cannot last longer than the main visa holder's visa.
Remember, with this visa, you can't work in Colombia. But, you can access healthcare and education.