What is the Common Law Marriage Visa?
The Colombian Common-Law Marriage or Permanent Partner Visa (Type M) is designed for foreign nationals who maintain a stable and genuine relationship with a Colombian citizen through a recognized domestic partnership (“Unión Marital de Hecho” or “Unión Libre”). This legal union offers many of the same rights and protections as traditional marriage, while providing a reliable pathway toward residency in Colombia.
Valid for up to one year and renewable under current immigration regulations, this visa grants a full open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer or carry out independent professional activities in Colombia. Our team assists you throughout the process of formalizing and demonstrating your partnership—whether through a conciliation act, public deed, or judicial declaration—while ensuring all legal and immigration requirements are properly prepared. This category also allows beneficiaries, including dependent children, to be included in the application
Requirements: Common-Law Marriage
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Common-Law Marriage Declaration
Legal Criterion Common-Law Marriage, known in Colombia as “Unión Libre” or “Unión Marital de Hecho,” must reflect a stable, public and permanent relationship between the partners. Compliance Risks Informal relationships without clear coexistence, incomplete identification, or lack of a legally valid declaration may affect the process.★ USP ADVANTAGEOur lawyers help structure your declaration so the relationship is presented clearly and in line with Colombian legal standards. Start your legal review → -
Required Personal Information
Required Documents Valid passport for the foreign citizen, Colombian citizenship card for the Colombian partner, address of coexistence in Colombia, relationship starting date, and e-mail/internet access. Technical Risks Incorrect dates, incomplete identification, or inconsistencies in the declared address of coexistence may delay or weaken the application.★ USP ADVANTAGEWe verify the information before submission to reduce avoidable errors and ensure the file is ready for the selected legal procedure. Evaluate your documents →
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Public Deed
Crucial Detail The union can be formalized by mutual consent of the permanent partners before a Notary and elevated to Public Deed.★ USP ADVANTAGEOur legal team helps prepare the information and documentation needed for a smooth notarial procedure. Talk to an expert →
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Conciliation Act
Legal Procedure The process begins with a declaration of co-existence before a conciliation lawyer. The session includes confirmation questions, explanation of rights and responsibilities, and signing of the Conciliation Act.★ USP ADVANTAGEWe guide the couple through the conciliation hearing and help ensure the final act contains the necessary legal elements. Consult our lawyers →
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Judicial Judgment
Legal Procedure The common-law marriage can also be declared by Judicial Judgment before the competent Family Judges.★ USP ADVANTAGEWe help evaluate whether the court route is appropriate and assist in preparing the case for legal review. Get professional advice →
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Official Certificate & Visa Pathway
Processing Result After approval, the official certificate endorses the common-law marriage. This document may support Colombian visa processes, including beneficiary visa applications immediately, while partnership visa applications may require waiting one year from the declaration date.★ USP ADVANTAGEWe help you understand how the certificate can be used for future immigration steps and what timing applies to your case. Request visa guidance →
Transparent Pricing
Clarity is the foundation of our partnership. We provide a complete breakdown of official government fees and our professional consultancy honorariums.
Professional Fees
USP Consultancy Full Service
Need Help Choosing the Right Health Insurance
for Your Colombian Visa?
- Clear guidance on health insurance coverage required by Colombian immigration authorities.
- Comparison of international health insurance options with worldwide or regional coverage.
- Visa-compliant insurance solutions to reduce the risk of application delays or rejections.
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Your Journey to Colombia
A streamlined, step-by-step workflow designed to maximize approval probability and minimize your workload.
Assessment
We confirm eligibility and income criteria upfront, so you don’t waste time gathering documents unnecessarily.
Documents
We prepare your letters, verify formatting, and ensure Spanish-ready documentation aligned with visa standards.
Official Filing
We submit your application and manage follow-ups or additional requests from the Ministry on your behalf.
Approval & Next Steps
You receive the e-visa and we guide you through the cédula (Foreigner ID) registration process in Colombia.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
WE ALSO OFFER
Essential services required to complete your visa application process.
More Essential Services
Everything you need for your legal and expat life in Colombia
FBI Background Check from U.S.
FBI Check, Apostille & Translations
FBI Background Check
Fingerprinting
Salvoconducto Extension
Salvoconducto for Irregularity
U.S. Passport Renewal
Tourism Stamp Extension
Special Migratory Cert.
Migratory Mov. Correction
Migratory Mov. Certificate
Colombian Doc. Legalization
Washington D.C. Apostille
U.S. Apostille
Official Translations
Standard Paperwork Review
Basic Paperwork Review
Accountant Certificate
Real Property Record
National/Intl. Courier
Civil Marriage Celebration
Marriage Cert. Update (Med)
Foreign Marriage Registration
Prenuptial Agreement
Common-Law Marriage
Common-Law Cert. Update
Common-Law Marriage
Establish a legally recognized “Unión Libre” or “Unión Marital de Hecho” in Colombia. We help foreign citizens and Colombian nationals formalize a stable relationship through the correct legal procedure.
Recognized Legal Partnership
Common-Law Marriage is a recognized legal partnership in Colombia for couples who maintain a stable, public and permanent relationship without formal marriage.
Proof of Coexistence
To qualify, the couple must demonstrate coexistence under the same roof, showing a real and ongoing partnership between the foreign citizen and the Colombian national.
3 Legal Pathways
The union may be formalized through a Notary, Conciliation Center, or Family Court, depending on the couple’s situation and the type of legal declaration required.
Clear Documentation
The process requires the foreign citizen’s valid passport, the Colombian partner’s citizenship card, coexistence address, relationship starting date, and online access.
Official Certificate
After the procedure is approved, the couple receives an official certificate endorsing the Common-Law Marriage for legal and immigration-related purposes.
Visa Pathway Support
The certificate may support future Colombian visa processes, including beneficiary visa applications and partnership-based immigration options.
Is your union ready to be legally recognized in Colombia?
We review your coexistence history, personal documents, relationship timeline, and best legal pathway before moving forward with the declaration.
At USP Consultancy, with more than 4 years of experience, we are dedicated to empowering our clients through expert legal, financial, and inmigration consulting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work for Colombian companies with this visa?
Do I need to be in Colombia to apply?
Can I bring my family?
Will I have to pay taxes in Colombia?
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