Marriage in Colombia for Foreigners: Legal Guidelines and Requirements
Marriage is a significant legal and personal milestone for many couples, including those where one or both partners are foreign nationals. Colombia offers a straightforward legal framework for marriage, making it possible for foreigners to marry Colombian citizens or other foreign nationals within the country. However, the process requires compliance with specific legal requirements and documentation.
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At The Law Connection Group Colombia, we guide couples through the marriage process to ensure that all legal aspects are properly addressed.
Legal Requirements for Marriage in Colombia
If you are planning to get married in Colombia, you must meet specific legal requirements. Marriage in Colombia can be conducted as either a civil or religious ceremony. However, only civil marriages are automatically recognized by the Colombian government. Religious marriages, such as those performed in a church, must be registered with a notary to have full legal validity.
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Below are the key legal requirements to get married in Colombia:
Age Requirement
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Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions.
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Minors (those under 18) can marry only with parental consent. In addition, a judge may need to authorize the marriage depending on the circumstances.
Consent
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Both individuals must give their free, informed, and voluntary consent to marry.
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Any marriage entered into under duress, fraud, or coercion is legally invalid in Colombia.
Proof of Single Status
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Both individuals must be legally single at the time of marriage.
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If either party has been previously married, they must provide:
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A divorce decree if they are divorced.
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A death certificate if they are widowed.
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These documents must be notarized, apostilled, or legalized (if issued outside of Colombia) and officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
Required Documents
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To marry in Colombia, you must submit the following documents to a Colombian notary:
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Valid passport (for foreigners) or Cedula de Ciudadanía (Colombian national ID).
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Birth certificate, issued within the last three months, apostilled/legalized, and translated into Spanish if necessary.
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Proof of single status, which may be required in the form of a sworn statement or a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage from your home country.
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If applicable, divorce decree or death certificate of a previous spouse.
Notary Registration and Fees
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A civil marriage must be registered at a notary’s office to be legally recognized.
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The couple must file a marriage application, submit all necessary documents, and pay a notary fee, which varies by region.
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After processing, the notary issues a marriage certificate, which serves as official proof of marriage.
Religious Marriages
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Religious weddings (Catholic, Protestant, or other faiths) are not automatically recognized by Colombian law.
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To obtain legal status, the couple must register the religious marriage at a notary with the necessary documents.
Foreigners Getting Married in Colombia
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If one or both partners are foreigners, they must provide additional documentation, such as:
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Entry stamp or Colombian visa (if applicable).
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Sworn affidavit of single status, issued by their home country’s embassy or consulate in Colombia.
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All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish.
Special Considerations for Same-Sex Marriage
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Same-sex marriage is fully legal in Colombia.
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Same-sex couples follow the same legal requirements as opposite-sex couples.
Post-Marriage Registration for Foreigners
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If a foreigner plans to apply for a spousal visa (M-1 visa) after marriage, they must ensure that their Colombian marriage certificate is properly registered with the Civil Registry (Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil).
By ensuring compliance with these requirements, couples—whether Colombian nationals or foreigners—can legally marry in Colombia without complications.
Documents Required for Foreigners to Marry in Colombia
Foreign nationals who wish to get married in Colombia must provide specific legal documents. These documents must be translated into Spanish, apostilled (or legalized if the country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention), and in some cases, notarized in Colombia. Below is a detailed breakdown of the required documents and additional considerations.
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Valid Passport or National ID
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A copy of the passport’s bio page (the page with personal details).
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A copy of the Colombian entry stamp or visa, proving the individual's legal status in Colombia.
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If the foreign national is a legal resident of Colombia, a Cedula de Extranjería (foreigner’s ID card) may also be required.
Some notaries may require an officially notarized copy of the passport or ID.
Birth Certificate
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An original or certified copy of the birth certificate.
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Must be apostilled in the issuing country.
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Must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator (if not originally in Spanish).
The birth certificate must be issued within the last three months before submission, as older documents may not be accepted.
Single Status Affidavit (Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage)
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A legal document certifying that the foreign national is legally single and free to marry.
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Issued by the individual’s home country, usually through a government office or embassy.
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Must be apostilled or legalized.
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Must be translated into Spanish if originally in another language.
Some embassies in Colombia may issue this document, but if unavailable, the foreign national may need to obtain it before arriving in Colombia.
Proof of Divorce or Widowhood (if applicable)
If the foreign national was previously married, they must provide legal proof that the previous marriage has ended.
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Divorce Decree: A court-issued document proving the legal dissolution of a previous marriage.
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Death Certificate: If widowed, an official death certificate of the former spouse.
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Both documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish.
In some cases, the divorce decree may need to be recognized by a Colombian court if issued in another country, particularly if there are disputes over its validity.
Visa or Entry Permit
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A copy of the visa or entry stamp from Colombian immigration authorities, proving legal entry into the country.
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If the foreigner holds a Colombian visa (such as a work visa or resident visa), a copy of the Cedula de Extranjería may be required.
While most foreigners can get married in Colombia on a tourist visa, it is always advisable to check with the notary handling the marriage process to confirm local requirements.
Additional Considerations
Translation & Apostille Requirements
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Any document not in Spanish must be officially translated by a certified translator in Colombia.
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All foreign documents must be apostilled in the issuing country before submission.
Notary Fees & Processing Time
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Marriage applications must be processed at a Colombian notary’s office.
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Fees vary depending on the notary office and document certification requirements.
Registration of the Marriage
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Once the marriage is finalized, the couple will receive an official Colombian marriage certificate, which must be registered with the Civil Registry (Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil).
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If the foreigner plans to apply for a spousal visa (M-1 visa), they must ensure the marriage certificate is properly registered.
Marriage Registration Process
The process of registering a marriage in Colombia involves several legal and administrative steps to ensure the union is officially recognized. Both civil and religious marriages must be registered to have full legal validity. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
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1. Visit a Notary to Initiate the Process
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Couples must visit a local notary’s office (Notaría) to formally begin the marriage process.
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The notary will provide guidance on the required documents and ensure that both parties meet the legal criteria to marry.
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If one or both partners are foreigners, they should verify if additional requirements apply, such as document legalization or translations.
2. Submission and Verification of Documents
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The couple must submit all necessary legal documents, including passports, birth certificates, proof of single status, and if applicable, divorce decrees or death certificates of former spouses.
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The notary will carefully review, authenticate, and validate each document to confirm they meet Colombian legal standards.
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Any document issued outside of Colombia must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
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If there are any errors or missing documents, the notary will request corrections before proceeding.
3. Publication of Marriage Intent (Edicto)
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In some cases, the notary may publish a public notice (Edicto) announcing the couple’s intention to marry.
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This step allows third parties to raise objections if they have legal reasons to challenge the marriage (such as an existing marriage or fraud concerns).
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The notice period typically lasts for a few days, but the duration may vary depending on the notary office.
4. The Marriage Ceremony
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Once the documents are verified and any required waiting periods are completed, the couple can proceed with the marriage ceremony.
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Civil Marriage: Conducted at the notary’s office in the presence of the couple and witnesses. The notary officiates the ceremony and ensures compliance with legal requirements.
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Religious Marriage: If the couple opts for a religious ceremony (e.g., in a church), they must later register the marriage at a notary’s office to obtain legal recognition. Without this step, the marriage has no legal standing under Colombian law.
5. Issuance and Registration of the Marriage Certificate
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After the ceremony, the notary will issue a Colombian marriage certificate (Registro Civil de Matrimonio), which serves as the official legal proof of marriage.
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The marriage must be registered with the Civil Registry (Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil) for it to be fully recognized under Colombian law.
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If one or both spouses are foreigners, they may need to provide this certificate when applying for a spousal visa (M-1 visa) or updating marital status in their home country.
Legal Benefits of Marriage in Colombia
Marriage in Colombia provides several legal benefits, including:
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Spousal Visa: Foreign spouses of Colombian citizens can apply for a spousal visa, allowing them to live and work in Colombia.
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Property Rights: Marriage affects property rights in Colombia, particularly concerning jointly acquired assets.
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Inheritance Rights: Spouses have legal inheritance rights under Colombian law.
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Health and Social Security Benefits: Married couples may be eligible for shared health insurance and social security benefits.
Prenuptial Agreements
Couples planning to marry in Colombia may consider signing a prenuptial agreement to outline the distribution of assets and financial responsibilities. Prenuptial agreements are legally recognized in Colombia and can help protect individual assets in the event of divorce or separation.​
Common Law Marriage in Colombia
In addition to formal marriage, Colombia recognizes common law marriage, known as "unión marital de hecho." Couples who have lived together for more than two years can apply for legal recognition of their relationship, which grants them similar rights and obligations as a married couple.​
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can two foreigners get married in Colombia? Yes, two foreign nationals can marry in Colombia, provided they meet the legal requirements and submit the necessary documentation.
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2. Do I need to be a resident to get married in Colombia? No, you do not need to be a resident. However, you must have legal entry and status in Colombia at the time of marriage.
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3. How long does the marriage process take? The timeline varies depending on the notary and the completeness of the documents. Generally, it can take several weeks to complete the process.
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4. Is a Colombian marriage recognized internationally? Yes, a marriage conducted in Colombia is recognized internationally, provided it is registered with a notary and meets the legal requirements of the country where the couple resides.
Why Choose The Law Connection Group Colombia for Marriage Legal Services?
At The Law Connection Group Colombia, we provide personalized legal assistance for individuals navigating the marriage process in Colombia. Our services include:
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Document Preparation: Ensuring all required documents are accurate and properly notarized.
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Legal Guidance: Providing step-by-step guidance throughout the marriage process.
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Immigration Assistance: Helping foreign spouses apply for visas and residency permits.
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Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your marriage in Colombia and ensure a smooth legal process.