Am I eligible for this visa?

If you have an ongoing registered civil union (common Law marriage - Unión Marital de Hecho) for more than a year with a Colombian national, you are eligible to apply for the Colombian civil union visa.

What are its benefits and restrictions?

Up to one year validity

It allows you to live in Colombia for up to one (1) year, after which you will have to request it again. It also allows you to get a foreign ID card (Cédula de extranjería).

This visa admits beneficiaries

Allows you to bring your children under 25 as beneficiaries once your visa gets approved.

Work permit

It allows you to work and perform any legal activity in Colombia.

Time accrue towards residency

It allows you to accrue time towards residency. After holding this visa for three (3) continous years, you will be eligible to apply for a Resident type visa.

Dependent on your partnership status

Your Colombian partner is obligued to report

What do I need to apply?

1. Civil Union certificate

You must present the civil union official certificate.

Under Colombian Law, to officially recognize a civil union, it must be established by one of three methods:

• a notarized public deed issued
• a judgment from court
• a certificate from a recognized Conciliation Center

For this visa category, there’s an additional requirement: the document that verifies the civil union must have been issued at least one year before submitting the visa application.

If the civil union with a Colombian citizen was formalized outside of Colombia and you're applying for a visa at a Colombian consulate, you must present the document from the country where the union was declared. This document must be properly apostilled or legalized, ensuring it is valid for use in Colombia and officially translated to Spanish by a Colombian certified translator.

2. Notarized request letter from the Colombian partner

You must attach a visa request letter signed and notarized by your Colombian partner, through which he/she will state your current effective cohabitation and supporting your visa request.

The letter must state that you maintain a unique, constant, persevering, and stable cohabitation, and committing to inform the Visa and Immigration Authority of any changes in the circumstances of the cohabitation. The letter must include a simple copy of the Colombian cédula de ciudadanía and provide the contact address, email, and phone number of the Colombian partner.

3. Special power of representation

You must submit a power of attorney signed and notarized by your Colombian partner, granting you the authorization to apply for the visa.

4. Certificate of migratory movements

You will need to present the certificate of migratory movements of both you and your spouse. This certificate is issued by Migración Colombia. You can request it by filing this form and paying a government fee of $75,000 COP each (2024).

FAQ

1. How long does this visa last?

This visa is granted for one (1) year. You will have to renew it every year, meaning you will need to get your partner’s Certificate of Migratory Movements, special power of representation and notarized request letter every year, as the documents can’t be more than 3 months old at the time of the new application submission.

2. What happens if we break-up/separate?

According to the Visas norm, your Colombian partner will have to report that within 30 days after the breakup to Cancillería and your visa will get cancelled.

3. Does it accrue time towards residency?

Yes, after 5 years.

4. Can we get a prenup and still be elligible for this visa?

That doesn’t affect visa eligibility, however, keep in mind that the authorities will review the reality of the relationship through any legal way.