Colombian and U.S. Marriages on the Rise: What You Need to Know About Getting an Apostille
In recent years, marriages between Colombian and U.S. citizens have been steadily increasing. With greater global connectivity, more cultural exchanges, and a growing Colombian-American community, love stories between the two countries are flourishing. Whether couples meet through travel, work, or social media, many are choosing to make their unions official, creating beautiful, multicultural families.
However, when love crosses borders, paperwork often follows closely behind. One critical step for international marriages is securing an apostille — a specialized certification that authenticates documents for use abroad. If you’re marrying across U.S. and Colombian lines, understanding the apostille process can save you time, stress, and potential delays.
Why You Might Need an Apostille
When a U.S. citizen marries a Colombian citizen, certain documents need to be recognized in both countries — such as a birth certificate, single status affidavit, or marriage certificate. Since the United States and Colombia are both members of the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille process streamlines document legalization. Instead of going through a lengthy embassy certification, an apostille validates your U.S. documents for official use in Colombia, and vice versa.
Common documents that may require an apostille include:
Birth certificates
Divorce decrees (if previously married)
Marriage certificates
Background checks (for visa or residency purposes)
Power of attorney forms
Affidavits of eligibility to marry
How to Get an Apostille in the U.S.
Identify the Correct Authority:
In the United States, apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State office in the state where the document was issued. For federal documents, the U.S. Department of State handles apostilles.Prepare Your Document:
Make sure you have the original or a certified copy of the document. Photocopies usually won’t qualify unless properly notarized.Notarize if Necessary:
Some documents (like affidavits or translations) must be notarized first before you can request an apostille.Submit Your Request:
You can usually apply for an apostille by mail or in person. Most state websites have clear instructions and application forms. Be ready to pay a small fee.Receive Your Apostille:
Processing times vary. Some states offer same-day services for walk-ins, while mail-in requests may take a few days to a few weeks.
How to Get an Apostille in Colombia
If you’re on the Colombian side needing to apostille documents, the process is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores). Colombian citizens can submit a request online through the ministry’s website or visit designated offices in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali.
Final Tips for Cross-Border Couples
Plan ahead: Apostille services can take time, especially if additional notarizations are needed.
Double-check requirements: Marriage procedures can vary slightly depending on the Colombian region or U.S. state.
Use a professional service if needed: Apostille agencies can speed things up if you’re short on time or unsure about the paperwork.
Stay organized: Keep multiple copies of all apostilled documents—you’ll often need them for immigration, residency, or visa processes later.
Love knows no borders — but bureaucracy certainly does! With a little preparation, you and your partner can focus less on paperwork and more on celebrating your new life together.
