Spouse of a Colombian national
The spouse category depends on a legally recognized marriage and supporting documentation under current Cancillería rules. For R by accumulated time, the published minimum as an M spouse is three years, assuming the necessary conditions are met.
Permanent partner of a Colombian national
A permanent partnership has its own recognition and documentary requirements. The published R-by-time threshold for the M permanent partner category is five years; it must not be described as the same three-year marriage path.
What to check before applying
Confirm the relationship category, validity of the registration or civil documents, whether foreign documents need apostille and translation, and continuing relationship evidence. The current visa directory provides the controlling category-specific checklist.
Time does not guarantee an R visa
A clock reaching three or five years does not itself confer residence. Applicants need qualifying status and must satisfy the current application requirements at the time of filing.
Official sources
Linked directly to Colombian government pages; check for later changes before applying. Reviewed October 29, 2026.
https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/atencion-y-servicio-al-ciudadano/tramites-y-servicios/visa/necesito-un-visa ↗https://cancilleria.gov.co/normograma/compilacion/docs/resolucion_minrelaciones_9316_2024.htm ↗Keep exploring
Independent editorial guide, not legal advice. Government rules and fees may change; verify your situation with the authorities.