Colombia - family
Marriage / Partner VisaM-1
The M-1 Migrant visa is for foreign spouses or registered permanent partners (union marital de hecho) of Colombian citizens. Colombia recognizes same-sex marriages and common-law partnerships documented through notarial declaration. This visa has the fastest path to permanent residency of all M-categories - 2 years instead of the standard 5.
Who this visa is for
- Foreign spouses of Colombian citizens (civil marriage)
- Registered common-law partners (union marital de hecho)
- Same-sex spouses of Colombian citizens (recognized since 2016)
Requirements
- Marriage certificate OR partnership declaration
Civil marriage certificate apostilled if foreign, or Colombian notarial declaration of union marital de hecho not older than 3 months.
- Colombian partner documents
Copy of Colombian citizen's cedula and registro civil de nacimiento.
- Sponsorship letter
Signed letter from Colombian partner requesting the visa and confirming relationship.
- Proof of economic solvency
Combined household income of at least the Colombian minimum wage, shown via bank statements or payslips.
- Valid passport
Minimum 6 months validity.
- Photo
3x4 cm white background.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Study fee | USD 54 | |
| Issuance fee | USD 230 |
Application steps
- 1. Register relationship
Marriage: obtain apostilled certificate from country of marriage. Common-law: go to any Colombian notaria with your partner and sign a declaracion de union marital de hecho.
- 2. Gather partner documents
Colombian partner provides cedula and civil birth certificate.
- 3. Apply on SITAC
Submit M-1 application online.
- 4. Pay fees
USD 54 study fee, then USD 230 issuance fee upon approval.
- 5. Register with Migracion Colombia
Within 15 days of arrival.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Marriage VisaM-1
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does Colombia recognize common-law partnership for the Marriage Visa?
Yes. Colombia recognizes union marital de hecho (common-law partnership) registered at any Colombian notaria. Both partners must appear in person and sign a declaration. The declaration must be less than 3 months old at the time of visa application.
Does Colombia recognize same-sex marriage for immigration?
Yes. Colombia has recognized same-sex marriage since 2016 and same-sex partnerships for immigration purposes. Foreign same-sex marriages must be apostilled and translated, the same as heterosexual marriages.
How long until I can get permanent residency as a spouse of a Colombian citizen?
Two years of continuous residence on the M-1 visa qualifies you for the R (Resident) visa, which is permanent residency. This is the fastest M-track in Colombia.