Visa Requirements, Costs & FAQ
Main Requirements for the M-Type Spouse Visa
To apply for the Spouse/Partner Visa, you must provide the following documentation:
Your valid passport, a copy of your Colombian spouse's ID (Cédula de Ciudadanía), and the official Certificate of Migratory Movements for both spouses issued by Migración Colombia.
An authentic, true copy of the Civil Marriage Certificate (both sides) or the Public Deed (for Common-Law Unions). Note: It must have been issued no more than 3 months prior to the application.
The government requires proof that your relationship is real. You must provide: 4 to 8 dated photos of the couple on different occasions, airline tickets/hotel reservations from trips together, and proof of shared life (e.g., bank transfers, joint accounts, shared contracts, or chat screenshots).
A Motivation Letter based on the facts of your relationship, and a duly authenticated Special Power of Attorney authorizing the visa application. Both must be signed by the Colombian spouse.
Does marrying a Colombian grant me citizenship automatically?
No, Colombian citizenship by marriage is not automatic. However, marriage significantly accelerates the process. The M-Type Spouse Visa is your first mandatory step. After holding this visa for 2 to 3 years, you can apply for a Resident Visa (R-Type). Once you are a resident, you will be eligible to apply for a Colombian passport much faster than standard applicants.
What is the difference between a Spouse and a Permanent Partner?
Both categories grant the exact same visa rights under the M-Type visa. "Spouse" (Cónyuge) applies to couples who are legally married (Civil Marriage). "Permanent Partner" (Compañero Permanente) applies to couples who have officially declared a Common-Law Union (Unión Marital de Hecho) before a notary or judge.
Do same-sex couples qualify for the Colombian Spouse Visa?
Yes, absolutely. Colombia fully recognizes same-sex civil marriages and common-law unions. You have the exact same legal rights and follow the same procedures to apply for the M-Type Partner Visa.
What is the "Relationship Request Letter" or "Poder Especial"?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires a formal, notarized letter signed by the Colombian partner requesting the visa for the foreign spouse. If applying from abroad, a specific "Poder Especial" (Special Power of Attorney) must be authenticated before a Colombian Consul.
Can I apply if we got married outside of Colombia?
Yes. However, getting married abroad requires an extra step. Your foreign marriage certificate must be apostilled, officially translated into Spanish by a certified Colombian translator, and formally registered in a Colombian consulate or notary before you can apply for the spouse visa.
Does Colombia offer a Fiancé Visa?
Colombia does not have a specific "Fiancé" visa category. To apply for a partner visa, you must either be legally married or have a legally declared Common-Law Union. During our $80 Strategy Call, we can advise you on the fastest route to formalize your relationship in Colombia.
What is the overall legal process?
We begin by creating a robust legal strategy for your specific case. We then provide expert review of all your documents. Once perfect, we handle the official submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SITAC platform), monitor the case, and manage any additional requirements.
How long does the entire process take?
Once all documents are gathered and the application is submitted, the review period by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is typically 3 to 5 weeks. Document collection (apostilles, translations, registrations) can add additional time to this timeline.
Check Eligibility & Requirements
Answer these quick questions for a preliminary assessment of your case.
Real Success Stories
"I truly appreciate everything Camila and her team have done for my family. They were always there to answer my questions, no matter how small, and made a complicated process so much easier to understand. Their kindness and support meant the world to us during this stressful time. Thank you for helping us get through it!"
"Camila Ocampo is excellent in her knowledge of immigration law and in the workings of the Colombian Cancillería immigration system. Her communication with clients is superior. My Visa was difficult and she guided me to success. Thank you Camila!"
"My experience with Colombian Passport, specifically with Camila Ocampo Matiz, Esq. and Mariangela Colmenares Esq., was exceptional. I cannot recall the last time I received such outstanding service from a company. The communication, efficiency, and responsiveness were truly first-class.
I highly recommend this organization. Thank you both for ensuring such a smooth process. I was especially impressed by your attention to detail and the clarity with which you explained each step in obtaining my Visa."
Your Trusted Legal Partner
Meet Camila Ocampo: Your Dedicated Strategist
When navigating Colombia's complex immigration landscape, you need more than just a lawyer—you need an expert guide. As the founder of Colombian Passport, Camila represents a new generation of legal leadership.
- ✓ Elite Education: Graduate and Specialist in Immigration Law from the prestigious Universidad de los Andes.
- ✓ Proven Track Record: Over 15 years of legal practice, successfully leading the immigration strategy for hundreds of foreign nationals.
- ✓ Direct Access: Your case is not passed off to a junior assistant. You deal directly with the expert at every critical stage.
Our Commitment to Success
We only represent cases that meet legal requirements. If your visa is inadmitted, Essential does not include the re-application ($80 per re-filing), Protected includes 1 re-application at no extra legal cost, and Turnkey covers all re-applications including government fees — not even the $54 study fee. Under Essential and Protected you only cover each new $54 USD government study fee. Protected also covers up to 2 requirements and the cédula registration/appointment (up to 2x).
Investment in Your Future Together
One number per plan, confirmed on your $80 consultation — credited in full when you hire. Government fees always separate, except in Turnkey, where everything is included.
Not sure which plan fits your case?
Book a 1-on-1 consultation and Camila will validate your marriage certificates and help you choose the right plan — before you pay a single dollar more.
Book Your $80 ConsultationCredited in full when you hire any plan.
All prices in USD. Cédula government fee in COP.
| Spouse service | Essential $450 |
Protected $650 ★ |
Turnkey $2,900 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategy consultation ($80, credited on hire) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Document Review & Building | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Legal guidance until file complete | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Final file prep, SITAC filing, daily tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Official Spanish translations (per page) | $20 | Up to 2 pages included | All included |
| Cancillería requirements + response | $80 each | Up to 2 included | All included |
| Inadmission & re-application | $80 | 1 included, no legal fees | All needed |
| Criminal records procurement (US/CA) | $150 | $150 | ✓ |
| Records apostille (US/CA, each) | $140 | $140 | ✓ |
| State/provincial apostilles (US/CA, each) | $160 | $160 | ✓ |
| Police fingerprinting in Colombia (FBI/RCMP) | $320 | $320 | ✓ |
| Visa registration in Migración Colombia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cédula de Extranjería appointment | $60 | Up to 2x included | All needed |
| Cédula pickup with POA | $95 | $95 | ✓ |
| Beneficiary visa legal fee | $350 | $200 | $100 |
| Government fees (Study $54 USD + Issuance M $270 USD + Cédula $294,000 COP) | Separate | Separate | Included |
| Price | $450 | $650 ★ | $2,900 |
Government Costs (Third-Party Payments)
Visa Study Fee
$54 USD
Paid to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon application submission.
Visa Issuance Fee
$270 USD
Paid to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once the visa is approved.
Foreigner's ID (Cédula)
$294.000 COP
Paid to Migración Colombia on the day of your ID appointment.