MARRIAGE TO A COLOMBIAN NATIONAL

The following documentary requirements must be completed to satisfy the Civil Law regarding marriage in Colombia. Please note that even if a religious ceremony is planned, the civil requirements must also be completed. A foreigner with a tourist visa CANNOT get married in Colombia. Decree No.2668/88 and 1556/89.

Requirements:

  1. Valid Passport with at least 3 available pages and good for a minimum of 6 months.
  2. Two (2) passport copies. plain copies please.
  3. Visa application form duly signed and filled out in duplicate.
  4. Three (3) colored passport-type pictures (2"x2").
  5. Letter from the applicant stating the purpose of the trip, name and “cedula number” (Colombian citizenship ID number) of the future spouse, and possible date of marriage.
  6. Notarized letter from the Colombian citizen requesting visa for future spouse.
  7. Notarized copy of the “Cedula de Ciudadania” belonging to the Colombian Citizen. This is a copy of the Colombian Citizenship ID Card duly authenticated as a true copy of the original.
  8. Police criminal records, issued within the last six months, translated into Spanish and both versions (English and Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE from the secretary of state of the State where it was issued. This certificate is required ONLY if you do not hold a current Colombian visa.
  9. Consular Fee: US$ 175.00 (Exempt for US Citizens), plus US$28.00 for the legalization of documents supporting the application.

REQUIREMENTS NEEDED IN COLOMBIA FOR MARRIAGE

  1. Birth Certificate. If born outside of Colombia, applicant must obtain a certified copy of his/her birth certificate issued within three months prior to the wedding. This document must be certified with an APOSTILLE from the Secretary of State of the state where it was issued.
  2. “Certificado de Solteria”: The foreigner must present a written statement, executed by two family members or close friends who have known him/her for more than ten years, stating that he/she is not married at the moment, This document must be notarized by a Notary Public in the city of issuance, and certified with an APOSTILLE from the Secretary of State of the state where it was issued.
  3. Divorce decree. If the foreigner had previously been married, a certified copy by the court of the divorce decree must be presented. This document must be certified with an APOSTILLE from the Secretary of State of the state where it was issued.

APOSTILLE:

The Hague Convention abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign documents dated October 5, 1961 entered into force for the United States on October 156, 1981. The Convention entered into force for Colombia on January 30, 2001. Documents originating in the United States require for recognition in Colombia an Apostille issued by competent U.S. authorities.