Question 1

Where is the Marriage Certificate update in Bogotá performed?

Accepted Answer

Our marriage certificate update service is performed exclusively at the Notaría Primera of Bogotá for marriages that were celebrated in Colombian Consulates abroad or at the same notary.

Question 2

What is the cost and processing time?

Accepted Answer

The Marriage Certificate Update service in Bogotá costs $100 USD. Once payment is made, the update process with the Notaría Primera de Bogotá takes approximately 5 days.

Question 3

What documents do I need to update my Marriage Certificate?

Accepted Answer

You will need scanned valid identification documents (ID cards or passports) for both spouses, and if applicable, clear and precise information about the exact data that needs to be modified.

Question 4

When should I update my Marriage Certificate in Bogotá?

Accepted Answer

It's essential to update your marriage certificate if you need a certified copy issued less than 90 days ago to comply with document validity required by authorities, if you will use the document internationally (for apostille or official translation), or if you need to correct errors in names or dates registered in the original certificate.

Question 5

What is a Marriage Certificate?

Accepted Answer

A Marriage Certificate is the legal document that certifies the conjugal union of two people, recording key information such as the date and place of the marriage, and the details of the spouses. It is the official proof of your civil status.

Question 6

Where is the Marriage Certificate update in Medellín performed?

Accepted Answer

Our marriage certificate update service is performed exclusively at the Notaría Quinta of Medellín for marriages that were registered there.

Question 7

What is the cost and processing time for the Marriage Certificate Update in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

The Marriage Certificate Update service in Medellín costs $40 USD. Once payment is made, the update process with the corresponding notary takes approximately between 5 to 8 days.

Question 8

What documents do I need to update my Marriage Certificate in Medellín with expatgroup.co?

Accepted Answer

You will need scanned, valid identification documents (ID cards or passports) for both spouses, and, if applicable, clear and precise information about the exact data that needs to be modified.

Question 9

When should I update my Marriage Certificate in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

It's essential to update your marriage certificate if you need a certified copy issued less than 90 days ago to comply with document validity required by authorities, if you will use the document internationally (for apostille or official translation), or if you need to correct errors in names or dates registered in the original certificate issued by a notary in Medellín.

Question 10

What is a Marriage Certificate?

Accepted Answer

A Marriage Certificate is the official record that legally validates the union of two people, containing fundamental details such as the date, place of celebration, and identification of the contracting parties. It is the legal proof that your marriage has been recognized.

Question 11

What is the cost and processing time to update the UMH Certificate?

Accepted Answer

The cost to update the Common-Law Marriage Certificate is $40 USD. Once payment is made, the update process takes between 2 and 3 business days.

Question 12

Who can use expatgroup.co&#8217;s Common-Law Marriage Certificate Update service?

Accepted Answer

This service is exclusively available for users who have processed their Common-Law Marriage with expatgroup.co.

Question 13

When should I update my Common-Law Marriage Certificate?

Accepted Answer

You should update your certificate if the issue date is older than 90 days, especially if you plan to use it for visa applications. It's also essential if there are changes in your information or typographical errors in the original document.

Question 14

What is a Common-Law Marriage Certificate (UMH)?

Accepted Answer

The Common-Law Marriage Certificate is a legal document that recognizes the existence of a stable and monogamous relationship between two people, without requiring a formal marriage. This certificate grants rights and duties similar to those of marriage in Colombia.

Question 15

What if my documents are not in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

If your original documents are not in Spanish, an official translation will be required. Expatgroup.co can provide this service for translations from English to Spanish.

Question 16

What is the estimated time to complete the process?

Accepted Answer

The total time for completion may vary, but our process is designed to be efficient. After you submit your marriage certificate for review, you will receive confirmation within 2-3 days. Once the physical documents are submitted and payment is made, the notary process will be handled promptly in approximately 2-4 weeks.

Question 17

What is the cost of the Foreign Marriage Registration service with expatgroup.co?

Accepted Answer

The initial fee for the notarial registration service is $150. Additionally, a $150 fee applies for the apostille of documents. Official translations from English to Spanish are charged at a rate of $150 per page.

Question 18

What documents are necessary for the process?

Accepted Answer

The initial fee for the notary registration service is $150 USD. Additionally, apostille handling costs $150 USD, and official translations from English to Spanish are $15 USD per page.

Question 19

What is Foreign Marriage Registration in Colombia?

Accepted Answer

Foreign Marriage Registration is the legal process that allows a marriage celebrated outside of Colombia to be officially recognized and have legal validity within Colombian territory. This registration is essential for various immigration and legal procedures.

Question 20

Can I request the apostille and official translation of the FBI criminal record with expatgroup.co?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer the complete process of obtaining an FBI Criminal Record, along with the apostille from the Department of State in Washington, D.C., and an official translation into Spanish. If you purchase the package, once you obtain your FBI certificate, we will handle these procedures to ensure your document has international validity and is comprehensible in Colombia. You can initiate your full-service process here.

Question 21

What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?

Accepted Answer

Our service utilizes an FBI-certified digital scanner that significantly reduces the risk of rejection, thanks to its high accuracy and real-time quality checks. If there are any issues with illegible fingerprints due to age, wounds, or skin conditions that affect the quality of the fingerprint, you will need to undergo the fingerprinting process again.

Question 22

How long does it take to get the FBI Criminal Background Certificate?

Accepted Answer

The turnaround time for obtaining the FBI Criminal History Certificate is generally between 10 and 15 business days once your biometric information has been submitted to the FBI.

Question 23

Will my biometric data be safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your security and privacy are our priority. Fingerprints are deleted from our system once they have been submitted to the FBI and have served their purpose, ensuring that your biometric information is not stored unnecessarily.

Question 24

What should I bring to my fingerprinting appointment in Bogotá?

Accepted Answer

On the day of your appointment, please bring an original identification document (such as a cédula, passport, driver’s license, student card, or other valid identification) to gain access to the building and proceed with the fingerprinting process. It is also recommended to have clean and moisturized hands to ensure the quality of the prints.

Question 25

How long does the fingerprinting process take in your Bogota office?

Accepted Answer

The fingerprinting procedure using our FBI-certified scanner takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes in the office and is a fast and efficient process. It is a fast and efficient process.

Question 26

What is the FD-258 form, and why is it so important?

Accepted Answer

The FD-258 form is the standard fingerprint card used by the FBI and other U.S. agencies, which is crucial for various procedures, including obtaining FBI criminal records, immigration processes, visa applications, naturalization of foreign spouses, and professional certifications.

Question 27

Can I reapply for the Digital Nomad Visa if my application is &#8220;UNADMITTED&#8221; (Inadmitida)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an "Inadmitida" status (meaning your application was unadmitted) generally allows you to reapply immediately. However, it's crucial to thoroughly re-evaluate your application and documentation to improve your next submission.

Question 28

What does &#8220;Discretionary Power&#8221; mean in the context of visa inadmissibility?

Accepted Answer

It's the legal authority of the Colombian government to approve or reject a visa even if all stated requirements are met. It often results in applications being unadmitted based on subjective interpretations of your profile, work link "officiality," or perceived "interest to the country."

Question 29

What is the key difference between an application being &#8220;UNADMITTED&#8221; (Inadmitida) and a &#8220;DENIAL&#8221; (Negación)?

Accepted Answer

An unadmitted (Inadmitida) application means it was not processed to a final decision, often due to discretionary reasons or initial non-compliance. It generally allows immediate reapplication without a waiting period. A denial (Negación), however, is a final rejection after a substantive review, indicating the applicant does not meet core eligibility criteria. If denied, applicants typically cannot submit a new application within six (6) months and must process it from their country of nationality or permanent legal residence.

Question 30

What&#8217;s the difference between a visa &#8220;REQUIRED&#8221; (Requerida) and &#8220;UNADMITTED&#8221; (Inadmitida)?

Accepted Answer

A "Requerida" means there's missing or fixable information, offering a chance to correct and resubmit the Colombian visa application. "Inadmitida" means the application is unadmitted, a final decision, often for discretionary reasons, with no direct recourse.

Question 31

What is the main issue affecting Digital Nomad Visa applications in 2025?

Accepted Answer

The primary issue is a rise in inadmissibility, often due to authorities' discretionary power, leading to applications being unadmitted without clear, explicit reasons, even for seemingly compliant submissions.

Question 32

Will I receive a physical or digital copy of my apostilled and translated documents?

Accepted Answer

The FBI report, apostille, and translations are sent digitally as PDFs to the registered email. Physical copies of these documents are not provided.

Question 33

Can I obtain my FBI Background Check if I am already in Colombia and cannot travel to the U.S. for fingerprinting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you are already in Colombia, you do not need to travel to the United States for fingerprinting. At expatgroup.co, we can perform fingerprinting in Medellín and Bogotá using an FBI-certified scanner.

Question 34

What are the costs to apply for an FBI Background Check from the United States?

Accepted Answer

The costs include an approximate USPS fee of $50 USD, paid at the time of the fingerprinting process , and a service fee of $250 USD, which includes the apostille and official translations.

Question 35

How to Request my FBI Background Check From the U.S. with Expatgroup.co?

Accepted Answer

We will coordinate registration on the FBI EDO platform and the USPS website, pay the corresponding fees, provide accompaniment by mail or WhatsApp, and manage everything else, including shipping to the FBI, obtaining an apostille in Washington, D.C., and final translation.

Question 36

What are the Requirements to Apply for the FBI Background Check from the United States?

Accepted Answer

Applying for your FBI Background Check from the United States is a simple process if you meet certain basic requirements. These include being physically present in the U.S. for the in-person fingerprinting appointment and having the FBI Form (Identity History Summary Request Form) completed.

Question 37

Why must the FBI Background Check apostille be from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.?

Accepted Answer

The apostille for a federal document, such as the FBI Background Check Certificate, can only be issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.. This is the only authority authorized to authenticate federal documents for use outside the USA. Attempting to obtain a state apostille for a federal document will render it invalid and cause significant delays in your paperwork.

Question 38

What additional benefits does EG Insurance provide?

Accepted Answer

Beyond medical coverage, our policies include legal assistance, travel support, compensation for flight delays, baggage loss, and emergency funds transfer.

Question 39

How does EG Insurance handle emergencies abroad?

Accepted Answer

We offer 24/7 global assistance with multilingual support, ensuring that travelers receive immediate help in case of medical emergencies, lost documents, or trip disruptions.

Question 40

What is the maximum medical coverage offered?

Accepted Answer

Our plans provide up to $150,000 USD in medical expenses, including hospitalization, emergency treatments, and repatriation services.

Question 41

Does EG Insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, depending on the selected policy, some plans include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, providing continued protection during your stay.

Question 42

Does EG Insurance policies meet the requirements for Colombian visas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our plans comply with the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ requirements for visa applications, ensuring a smooth approval process.

Question 43

Can I buy health insurance with a term of more than one year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at EG Insurance, we offer policies with coverage periods of up to 2 years, which comply with immigration requirements.

Question 44

What type of Colombian visa requires health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Any type of Colombian visa, without exception, requires mandatory international health insurance. In this case, those that involve a long stay, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, Retirement Visa, and some Migrant Visas, have been emphasized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to include international health insurance as part of the application requirements.

Question 45

What coverage must a medical insurance plan have for a Colombian visa?

Accepted Answer

A health insurance policy for a Colombian visa must include: coverage for repatriation, coverage in case of death, coverage for pre-existing conditions, maternity, disability, and general medical care during the stay in Colombia. Additionally, it must offer international coverage, as Colombian EPS do not provide it.

Question 46

How long must the health insurance be valid for a Colombian visa?

Accepted Answer

Medical insurance for Colombian visas must be valid for at least one year to ensure coverage for the applicant throughout their stay in the country. Additionally, it must meet all coverage requirements established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Question 47

What happens if I don&#8217;t have adequate health insurance for a Colombian visa?

Accepted Answer

If you do not present adequate health insurance for a Colombian visa, your application may be rejected or denied. It is crucial to have an international policy that covers all medical needs and complies with the legal requirements of Resolution 5477 of 2022.

Question 48

What is the best health insurance for a Colombian visa?

Accepted Answer

The best health insurance for a Colombian visa must be international and meet all legal requirements. EG Insurance is one of the best options, as it offers global coverage, medical assistance, repatriation, and other benefits that fulfill the conditions for obtaining the Colombian visa.

Question 49

What should a health insurance policy for a Colombian visa include?

Accepted Answer

Medical insurance for a Colombian visa must offer international coverage, medical repatriation, and death benefits and be valid for at least one year. Additionally, it must cover pre-existing conditions and other aspects such as maternity, disability, and pre-existing medical conditions, as required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Question 50

Why is EPS not accepted as medical insurance for a Colombian visa?

Accepted Answer

The Colombian EPS are not valid as medical insurance for a Colombian visa, as they do not meet the specific requirements established in Resolution 5477 of 2022. These policies do not offer international coverage, repatriation, or other necessary services for foreigners without permanent residency in Colombia.

Question 51

Is health insurance polcy necessary for a Colombian visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, medical insurance for a Colombian visa is a mandatory requirement for any Colombian visa application. The coverage must meet the requirements established by Resolution 5477 of 2022, which are not provided by Colombian EPS.

Question 52

What size is the FD-258 fingerprint card?

Accepted Answer

The FD-258 card is printed on standard letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches) and follows a strict format established by the FBI. The fingerprints must be captured clearly and accurately to meet the official requirements.

Question 53

Is the FD-258 fingerprint card accepted outside the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

While many countries have biometric verification processes, the FD-258 fingerprint card is accepted for specific procedures in some foreign jurisdictions. This includes professional licensing and visa applications requiring an FBI Background Check. If you need this document for an international process, expatgroup.co can help ensure it meets the requirements.

Question 54

Where can I get my fingerprints taken for the FD-258 card in Colombia?

Accepted Answer

At expatgroup.co, we offer professional fingerprinting services in Medellín using a high-precision scanner. If you are outside Medellín, we also provide traditional ink and paper fingerprinting services in cities such as Bogotá, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Cali, and several others. Our experts ensure the prints meet official standards to avoid rejections or delays in your application.

Question 55

Can I use the FD-258 fingerprint card for visa applications in Colombia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the FD-258 card is a mandatory requirement to obtain the FBI Background Check, an essential document for U.S. citizens and residents applying for visas in Colombia.

Question 56

What is the FD-258 fingerprint card used for?

Accepted Answer

The FD-258 fingerprint card is primarily used for obtaining an FBI Background Check. However, it is also accepted for other legal and administrative processes. At expatgroup.co, we provide a fingerprinting service that ensures the correct capture and printing of fingerprints on the FD-258 card, making it valid for multiple international procedures.

Question 57

What is an FD-258 fingerprint card?

Accepted Answer

The FD-258 fingerprint card is the official form used by the FBI to collect and record fingerprints for criminal background checks. It is commonly required for various legal and administrative procedures, such as immigration processes, professional licenses, and other identity verification purposes.

Question 58

Where can I get a health policy for my visa in Colombia?

Accepted Answer

You can obtain a policy with adequate coverage through EG Insurance, guaranteeing compliance with immigration requirements.

Question 59

What happens if I do not have a health policy when I apply for my visa?

Accepted Answer

If the category you have applied for requires a health policy, your application will be required for incomplete information and you must provide the insurance certificate.

Question 60

Does health insurance cover pre-existing illnesses for visas in Colombia?

Accepted Answer

Some policies include coverage for pre-existing illnesses, which is advisable as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reinforced this requirement for certain visas.

Question 61

What if my health policy does not cover the maximum visa period?

Accepted Answer

If the policy has a shorter validity, your visa could be approved for a shorter period, implying more frequent subsequent applications (renewals).

Question 62

Is EPS in Colombia valid as a health policy for the visa?

Accepted Answer

No, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not accept EPS (Empresas Promotoras de Salud) as a valid insurance for visa application. Read more in our dedicated blog.

Question 63

How long must the health policy for a visa in Colombia last?

Accepted Answer

The health policy must cover the entire period requested for the visa. According to Resolution 5477 of 2022, the policy must be valid from the date of entry and throughout the duration of the visa.

Question 64

Is it mandatory to have a health policy to obtain a visa in Colombia?

Accepted Answer

Not all visas require it, but most do. Digital nomads, students, retirees, investors, and many others require a health policy with coverage in Colombia.

Fingerprinting in Bogotá

Expert Guidance Blog for Expats Living in Colombia

Fingerprinting in Bogotá

Expert Guidance Blog for Expats Living in Colombia

Expert Guidance Blog for Expats Living in Colombia