Colombia Spouse Visa (marriage or partnership with a Colombian): 2026 Guide

I'm Margarita Sañudo, a Colombian immigration lawyer, and I work in both English and Spanish.

What it is and what it allows

It's a Migrant (Type M) visa for the spouse or permanent partner of a Colombian national. It's valid for up to 3 years, grants an open work permit (you can work in any lawful activity), and lets you apply for beneficiary visas for dependent children up to age 25.

Main requirements

• Authentic civil marriage registry (issued no more than 3 months before applying), or proof of the common-law partnership (unión marital de hecho).
• Application letter signed by your Colombian spouse, stating you genuinely live together and including their contact details.
• Special power of attorney granted by the Colombian spouse, with signature authenticated before a notary or consul.
• Certificate of migratory movements for the foreigner, issued by Migración Colombia.
• Valid passport, regulation photo and a health policy covering Colombia.

The interview: the key point

The bond must be real and effective. That's why the Cancillería may verify it through an interview — in person, virtual or by phone — when it sees fit. It's nothing to fear if your relationship is genuine; you simply want to arrive prepared, with consistent documentation (dates, details and supporting papers that tell the same story).

The path to residency and citizenship

Here's one of this visa's big advantages: the time counts toward the Resident Visa (Type R). As the spouse of a Colombian, you can generally apply for residency after 2 continuous years on this visa (a common-law partnership may have a different timeframe; we confirm it for your case).

And beyond that: residency is the gateway to Colombian citizenship by adoption, which — for those married to a Colombian or with Colombian children — can be requested after just 2 years of residency (instead of the usual 5). Colombia allows dual nationality.

Costs and validity

Official costs are similar to other Type M visas (study fee around USD $55 and issuance around USD $177), plus the foreigner ID card. I'll confirm current amounts in your consultation, as they change.

Frequently asked questions

Does a common-law partnership count, or does it have to be marriage?

Both work: marriage or a properly declared common-law partnership. The supporting documents and timeframes differ, and that's exactly what we review at the start.

Can I work on the spouse visa?

Yes. It grants an open work permit, not tied to a specific employer or role.

What happens if we divorce?

The relationship is the basis of the visa, so a change in it can affect your status. If you reach that point, it's wise to review your immigration situation early to explore alternatives.

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This guide is general information and not personalized legal, tax or immigration advice. Colombian rules and amounts change often; confirm current requirements with official sources (Cancillería, Migración Colombia, Banco de la República) or in a consultation. Information current as of 2026.