Visa for Minor Foreign Children in Colombia

Read: 9 min

When a foreign family decides to start their immigration process in Colombia, one frequent question is how to handle the situation of minor children who are part of the family unit. In most cases, minors need their own visa, independent of their parents', although the process is usually closely tied to the immigration category of the parent or legal guardian.

The minor's visa follows the parent's category

Generally, the minor can access a visa under the same category supporting their parents' stay in Colombia, through a direct family tie. This means that, if one parent processes a Migrant Visa for employment, investment, or other reasons, the minor child can apply for a visa associated with that family tie, as long as the relationship is properly documented.

Required documentation

Documentation for this type of process usually includes the minor's birth certificate, apostilled or legalized if issued abroad, the minor's valid passport, and in many cases, a travel or representation authorization when not both parents are directly involved in the process. When parents are separated or divorced, additional documentation may be needed proving the other parent's authorization for the minor's immigration process.

Legal representation throughout the process

An aspect deserving special attention is the minor's legal representation throughout the process, since, lacking full legal capacity, all steps must be carried out by their duly accredited parent or legal guardian, who takes responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.

The minor's foreigner ID card

Additionally, once the visa is approved, minors must also apply for their foreigner ID card, a document that allows them to access services like education and health in Colombia under the same conditions regarding the corresponding administrative processes.

Single parent with custody: what additional documentation is required

A scenario deserving particular attention is that of families where only one parent has legal custody of the minor, or where the other parent doesn't participate in the immigration process. In these cases, additional documentation is usually required proving the custody situation, such as a court ruling or a formal custody agreement, so the immigration authority has clarity on who holds legal representation for the minor during the process.

What happens when the minor reaches adulthood

Another aspect to consider is what happens when a minor holding a visa associated with their parents' reaches adulthood while that visa is still valid. At that point, it's generally necessary to assess whether a renewal under their own, independent category applies, since the "minor dependent on their parents" logic that supported the original visa no longer applies once adulthood is reached.

Applicable legal framework

This situation is governed by Decree 1067 of 2015 and Resolutions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs related to family-tie visas, in line with Colombian family law rules on legal representation of minors.

Planning the documentation for minor children in advance, alongside that of the parent leading the immigration process, avoids delays and ensures the whole family can settle in Colombia under a regular, coherent immigration status.

Case study

A father with a resident status wants his two children to join him. He obtains their birth certificates, apostilles and translates them, receives notarized authorization from the mother, secures school places and prepares proof of his status. By keeping each child's file separate and consistent, he avoids mixing documents and presents a clear case.

Key takeaways on minors' visas

• Focus on the essentials: the points that most affect minors' visas are parental authorization, birth certificates and school records.
• Plan early: most delays come from documents or deadlines handled at the last minute, so build a calendar from the start.
• Keep proof: save receipts, confirmations and copies of everything you file or receive.
• Stay consistent: names, dates and numbers must match across every document and form.
• Verify the current rules: requirements and procedures can change, so confirm them on official sources before acting.
• Ask when in doubt: a short consultation before acting costs far less than correcting a mistake afterwards.

A last practical tip

Keep one folder per child with originals, apostilles and translations side by side. Because every situation is different, treat this guide as general orientation and not as a substitute for advice on your specific case. Keeping a clear, chronological record of what you do and when you do it will help you respond quickly to any question and will make later procedures easier. If something in your file does not seem to fit the standard pattern, explain it in a short note and support it with documents instead of leaving it unexplained. Transparency, organization and anticipation are the habits that most often separate a smooth process from a complicated one.

Visas for foreign minors

Children who are foreign nationals and want to live, study or stay with their families in Colombia need an appropriate immigration status. In many situations, the minor's status is connected to a parent's status, but the details differ by case. This guide explains the general logic and the points families should verify.

Common situations

• Children accompanying a parent who holds a visa.
• Children joining a parent who already lives in Colombia.
• Children who will attend school in Colombia.
• Children born abroad to a Colombian parent, or with other family ties.

Documents often involved

• The child's valid passport.
• The birth certificate, apostilled and translated where required.
• The parent's visa and identification documents.
• Proof of the family relationship.
• When only one parent travels, authorization from the other parent, in the form required.
• School enrollment documents, where relevant.

Parental authorization

When a minor travels or relocates with only one parent, authorization from the other parent is often an important element. Check the format required, whether it needs notarization or apostille and how recent it must be. Missing or incomplete authorization is a common cause of delays.

Schooling

If the child will attend school, find out what documents the school requires and whether the immigration status affects enrollment. Keep copies of academic records from the previous school, with the formalities that apply.

Health coverage

Plan the child's health coverage from the start. Ask which options apply to minors according to the parent's status, and keep proof of coverage.

A scenario

A mother with a work visa wants her ten-year-old son to join her. She gathers his birth certificate, apostilles and translates it, obtains authorization from the father, prepares proof of her visa and secures a school place. She submits a coherent set of documents showing the family tie and the child's plans.

Planning for the child's validity

The child's visa may depend on the parent's. If the parent's visa changes or expires, review the effect on the child and plan renewals together to avoid mismatches.

Common mistakes

• Missing or incorrect parental authorization.
• Misspelled names between birth certificate and passport.
• Not apostilling or translating the birth certificate.
• Not synchronizing the child's and parent's renewals.
• Delaying school enrollment paperwork.

Glossary

• Minor: a person under the legal age of majority.
• Parental authorization: consent from a parent for a child's travel or relocation.
• Birth certificate: proof of birth and parentage.
• Dependent: a person whose status is tied to another's.

Quick answers

Does my child need their own visa? Often yes, or an appropriate status; verify your case.

Do I need the other parent's consent? Frequently, when only one parent is involved.

Can my child attend school? Check the school's requirements and your child's status.

A planning calendar for families

Families often have to coordinate school calendars, work schedules and immigration deadlines. A planning calendar can help.

• Three to six months before moving: check requirements, request birth certificates and parental authorizations, and begin apostilles and translations.
• Two to three months before: confirm school options and gather academic records.
• One to two months before: prepare the application and verify names across documents.
• After arrival: complete enrollments, health coverage and any procedure for identification documents.

Custody and parental rights

In cases of separated parents, documents showing custody or authorization are important. Gather court orders or agreements, with apostille and translation if they come from abroad. Clarity about who has authority to decide on the child's residence prevents later problems.

Frequently asked questions

Does the minor need a medical certificate? Some processes may request health-related documents; check the requirements.

Can the minor attend school while the visa is processed? Ask the school and the education authority about their policies.

What if the child turns 18 soon? Adulthood changes the legal situation; plan the transition in advance.

What if my child has a different nationality from mine? Verify each person's requirements separately.

What if one parent is Colombian? Different options may apply; verify the child's rights under nationality rules.

School-related documents

Collect report cards, transfer certificates and any records the school requests. Foreign academic documents may need apostille and translation. Start early, as institutions may take time to issue them.

Emotional and practical adaptation

Beyond paperwork, moving a child requires attention to adaptation. Visit schools, consider language support and keep routines stable. A well-organized immigration process frees your energy for this transition.

Keeping the family file organized

Maintain a family folder with sub-sections for each member: passports, visas, birth certificates, school records and health records. Update it each time you renew or receive a new document.

When parents have different statuses

If one parent has a different visa or nationality, the child's options may vary. Evaluate which parent's status offers the best basis and check how to document the family tie.

Written and immigration-reviewed by: María Fernanda Rodríguez · Updated: 25 Oct 2026

Notice: this content is general information and not individual legal advice, nor does it guarantee visa approval. Every case depends on its category and circumstances.

Back to blog