Colombian Residency

crazyforcolombia says on Jun 10, 2004, 01:15:

Similar situation Hi Lukis,
I was just reading about your situation,I am also an Australian who has just married a beautiful Colombian women,we have not sent our application yet for her residency,but I would like to know if you could tell me what problems you have had with this,I am too have considered living in colombia.
I would appreciate if you could email me tiger88 at iprimus.com.au

Crazy For Colombia

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombiaBoard says on Jun 10, 2004, 07:26:

Residency Go with your wife to the colombian consulate in Australia and inquire about a resident´s visa as spouse, you may need a lawyer (as usual). The important thing is to obtain the Cedula de Extranjeria which is the document that lets you stay in the country.
Once you get it you can work in Colombia.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Gator says on Jun 10, 2004, 07:48:

Fairly Complicated but You Can Do It. 1. You are eligible to apply for Colombian citizenship after living in the country two years, if that is what you want. If not, go this route:

TEMPORARY COLOMBIAN NATIONAL SPOUSE VISA called a TC Visa

A TC Visa is issued to individuals who wish to live temporarily in Colombia and who are married (common law included) to a Colombian national. This visa allows multiple entrances and it may be issued for up to two years. This visa will expire if the holder leaves Colombia for more than 90 calendar days.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Valid Passport with at least 3 available pages and valid for a minimum of 6 months.
2. Two (2) passport copies, including the information pages as well as all used pages.
3. Two (2) original (not photo copies) Visa Application Forms forms signed and completely filled out in duplicate.
4. Three (3) color passport-type photograph (1.5”x1.5”).
5. Letter from the Colombian citizen, your wife, requesting the visa for the family member. This letter must be translated into Spanish if originally issued in a language other than Spanish. Both versions (English & Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE from the secretary of state of the State where it was issued. If issued in Colombia, a Colombian Public Notary must notarize it.
6. Certificate of Record Search. This is a police clearance certificate showing applicant's criminal record or lack of a record and is known as a "Certificate of Record Search." This certificate must be issued within the last six months, translated into Spanish and both versions (English and Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE. In the USA this is obtained from a state office where the ORIGINAL document is housed.
7. Certified copy of the marriage license or certificate. This if you were married in Colombia the certificate must be from the Registro Civil de Matrimonio. The certificate must be translated into Spanish if originally issued in a language other than Spanish. Both versions (English & Spanish) must be notarized and certified with an APOSTILLE. If issued in Colombia, a Colombian Public Notary must notarize it.

There is a fee but you will need to find that out from the Embassy of Colombia in Canberra,Australia or a consulate if there are some.

If you are planning on living in Colombia, bring all the documents that demonstrate future activity in Colombia with you-better to have too much than too little. Tou will be required to appear in person with your wife.

After you enter Colombia you need to apple for a citizentship car (cedula) you rally can hardly go to the bathroom without one.
You can get this from DAS (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad0 offices in all major cities in Colombia. Be prepared for the usual time consuming process.

Good luck,

A la orden,

Gator

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

0 funny, 0 helpful.

vicshere says on Jun 10, 2004, 11:02:

HOT TIP for Visa Hot tip
if you are immigrating to Colombian via the route suggested by Gator above please take note of my situation.
Gator's info is correct but I think you need to live here 3 years before you can get your Colombian citizenship.
When you go to the Colombian embassy in your country to get your TEMPORARY COLOMBIAN NATIONAL SPOUSE VISA make sure you take your resume and all supporting documents that qualify your current or pass jobs. Say for example you are school teacher in Canada and your occupation is Teacher on your TEMPORARY COLOMBIAN NATIONAL SPOUSE VISA then you can easily work as a teacher here in Colombia.
Here is my case:
when I was in the Toronto embassy I told the lady I wanted to teach English or start my own business. Well the lady there put HOGAR on my TEMPORARY COLOMBIAN NATIONAL SPOUSE VISA. I ask what that meant and she said it meant I could do any kind of work that I wished or start a business.. I left pretty happy think I could work.....well in fact the work HOGAR means housewife believe it or not. so when I got to Colombia I got a job at an English school. then when I went to the DAS to get a permit they told I couldn't work as a teach as my occupation on my TEMPORARY COLOMBIAN NATIONAL SPOUSE VISA was HOGAR.... man was I pissed. well according to the DAS I am only able to cook and clean house and not allowed to work...... don't let this happen to you .....be careful what they put down on your TEMPORARY COLOMBIAN NATIONAL SPOUSE VISA
By the way you don't need any stinking lawyer to get this visa it is a very simple form to fill out
Thanks Vic

listo

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Gator says on Jun 10, 2004, 12:58:

No attorney needed.. vicshere is right-no need to pay what you can do yourself. Form is simple just be SURE and supply exactly what is requested. Check and double check before submitting.

vicsure is right again, it is three years, the tempory spouce is for two years then renewed which is simple and easy to do.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dumbgringo says on Jun 10, 2004, 21:08:

Thankyou Excellent thanks very much a big help. That is easy compared to what we are being put through over here. Looks like we might just make Colombia home!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.