Living Together Without Marriage: Colombia Has a Visa for That
Colombia is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America for recognizing unmarried couples. The unión marital de hecho — established under Law 54 of 1990 — gives cohabiting couples legal family rights, including immigration eligibility. The Migrante Compañero/a Permanente visa exists for foreign nationals in a genuine, long-term relationship with a Colombian citizen, who are not legally married.
The Notarized Declaration of Unión Marital de Hecho
Under Colombian Law 54 of 1990 as amended, couples who have cohabited for at least 2 years in a stable, exclusive partnership can formally declare their unión marital de hecho before a Colombian Notaría. This notarized declaration is your single strongest document — it signals to Cancillería that your relationship has been formally acknowledged under Colombian family law. If you have been together for less than 2 years, rely on sworn affidavits from both partners plus supporting evidence.
Proving Your Relationship Is Real
Since there is no marriage certificate, you build your case with: shared utility bills at a common address, rental contracts listing both partners, bank statements at the same address, travel records showing visits, photographs together over time, and testimonial letters from family, friends or employers. The more varied and consistent your evidence, the stronger your application.
Required Documents
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Unión marital de hecho declaration | Notarized before Colombian Notaría (if 2+ years together) OR sworn affidavit from both partners. |
| Proof of cohabitation | Shared address utility bills, rental contract, bank statements. |
| Colombian partner's cédula | Valid national ID. |
| Criminal background check | Country of origin + 3-year countries. Apostilled. Within 90 days. |
| Medical assistance plan | Resolution 5477-compliant, all 7 coverages, full visa duration. |
| Valid passport | Min 6 months validity. |
Same-Sex Couples
Colombia fully recognizes same-sex couples. Following the Constitutional Court ruling C-577 of 2011, the unión marital de hecho is available to same-sex partners and the Domestic Partner Visa applies equally. Same-sex couples follow the same documentation process.
Spouse Visa vs. Domestic Partner Visa
If simplicity is a priority and you are willing to marry civilly, the Spouse Visa (Migrante Cónyuge) is slightly simpler — a marriage certificate is a single clear document. The Domestic Partner Visa requires assembling evidence of a de facto union. Both grant work authorization and count equally toward the 5-year residency path.
Sources: Resolution 5477 of July 22, 2022. Law 54 of 1990 (Colombia). Cancillería Colombia — cancilleria.gov.co. Informational only.
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