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Big Help for Those Wanting to Change Visas

el Decreto 2622 de 2009 is now effective. The changes, and I am sure my translation is accurate, allow the following (pay particular attention to 4, 6,7,8,9 and 10:

el Decreto 2622 de 2009:

1.Citizens of countries with a treaty/agreement in effect with Colombia may obtain business visas to enter Colombia to explore investment opportunities; promote a company’s services; establish a new entity; or promote the sale of goods and services pursuant to one of the treaties in effect. Business visas will also be granted to foreign company executives who are coming to Colombia to promote economic and commercial exchange between the foreign company and Colombia pursuant to an active treaty/agreement. In all cases, such visas will be granted for a maximum validity of four years.
2.The length of stay granted for all business visitors was changed. Individuals will be admitted in business visitor status for up to one year (applicable to most foreign nationals) or up to two years (applicable to individuals entering Colombia pursuant to a free trade agreement or other international treaty of which Colombia may be part).
3.If a visa is canceled in error by the authorities, individuals are now granted a two-month grace period to submit the necessary documentation to extend their status accordingly. If this deadline is missed, the government will proceed with canceling the visa, but it will automatically grant a period of 30 calendar days during which time the individual may submit a new in-country visa application.
4.The temporary visa category of “Father or Mother of a Colombian National” has been eliminated and replaced with the category of “Qualified Resident” (Visa de Residente Calificado).
5.The courtesy visa category (Visa de Cortesia) has been expanded to permit foreign professionals or graduates to enter Colombia to carry out practical, hands-on employment. Previously, this category only applied to students who were in their authorized periods of practical training.
6.Business visas will be granted to accompanying dependent family members of the principal applicant.
7.Temporary visa holders may now request in-country changes of status without having to depart Colombia, provided they have not violated the terms and conditions of their status.
8.Applicants now have the option of submitting first-time visa applications either at the Consulate abroad or directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombia. However, the latter option requires demonstrating that the application is in Colombia’s national interest or that Colombians receive a reciprocal benefit in the applicant’s home country.
9.Temporary work visas granted to teachers will be valid for the terms of the labor contract plus three months. (The total period granted should not exceed two years.)
10.Individuals holding the status of visitor, tourist or technical visitor will be granted up to 180 days (per calendar year) of stay in Colombia.

New so solid details are still lacking-best bet for clarification is to contact MRE Bogotá

By Gator on Sep 8, 2009, 19:03 in Friendly Talkzone.

theflatline says on Sep 8, 2009, 19:15:

Gator,

How bout that Gator game?

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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elchoco (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 8, 2009, 19:19:

hi gator!

thanks for the excellent post. What's the best phone number for MRE? I remember readin gon ethat you posted one which worked great. Of course now I can't find it. I have tried every other one on their website and either get passed around or it just goes dead.

The websites are also rubbish. I'm still looking for concrete info on the business requirements and none of the links work. This was the visa i went to venezuela for last week.

Perhaps I'll just go to bogota with my papers and talk to them direct. it's crazy trying to get any info out of them at all.

Patrick

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mikeinpuerto says on Sep 8, 2009, 19:49:

thanks for the great post ..........

Smile and everyone will wonder what they are missing.

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callejero says on Sep 8, 2009, 21:13:

Thanks Gator.
Regarding item 10, my understanding was that tourist visa holders were limited to both - 180 contiguous days from date of entry, and 180 total days within a calendar year. Just wondering - what is your take on this now? Do you think this eliminates the limitation of 180 days from date of entry -- or is that a provision delineated elsewhere that remains unchanged?

"I'm no f****ing implicator."

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span_colombia says on Sep 8, 2009, 21:23:

so...this means, people can enter colombia on a tourist visa, then change it to a work visa without having to leave the country?? if that's the case, that's a big deal.

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kenziejones says on Sep 9, 2009, 05:18:

Yeah, can anyone clarify this point just made by SC: is it true that one can switch from a tourist visa to a work visa without having to leave Colombia? Thanks to anyone who can comment on this!

Tasting the world one hot pepper at a time!

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Aji1 says on Sep 9, 2009, 05:25:

Great Post Gator, always helpful.

I for one do not really understand the second part of #8. Does anyone have take on this?

"However, the latter option requires demonstrating that the application is in Colombia’s national interest or that Colombians receive a reciprocal benefit in the applicant’s home country."

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 9, 2009, 07:16:

I think it means that if a Colombian can change from a tourist visa to a resident visa in the US, then it's possible for a US citizen to enter as a tourist and change their status to resident in Colombia.

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Aji1 says on Sep 9, 2009, 07:30:

Humm, ok.

If that is the case then it would exclude us US Gringos I guess. My understanding was that a foreign national has to return to their own country and file in the US consulate there to change status from tourist to any visa including if a foreign national here on a tourist visa married a US citizen.

Any other take on that? I bet the Gator know, he is like the Royal Library of Alexandria.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

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elchoco (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 9, 2009, 07:33:

Well, I'll find out next week when I attempt to do exactly that. According to the consulate in Venezuela it's completely possible. However when I phoned MRE a couple of weeks ago they said I DID have to leave the country.

I think it really depends on who you speak to.

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Aji1 says on Sep 9, 2009, 07:42:

Good luck, keep us posted.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

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Gator says on Sep 9, 2009, 08:34:

Gentlemen, if you read the new decreto closely is says, in most cases, VISA HOLDERS-too many think entering on a passport is being in Colombia on a visa-IT IS NOT!

This change is so new I STRONGLY recommend prior contact with MRE BEFORE an in person visit.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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davidyamiga says on Sep 9, 2009, 09:18:

Gator...tomorrow is the day for me. Will sign half of my aSSets away.

Otra vez en casa...Cali!

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Loggi says on Sep 9, 2009, 09:39:

Gator for president

Live for the moments you can't put into words

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kat1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 9, 2009, 09:45:

I will make it sticky, I think it is a good post

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span_colombia says on Sep 9, 2009, 19:06:

well those on students visas would be on visa, so the better question would be if they can change to work visa in country.

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Gator says on Sep 10, 2009, 07:58:

Span Colombia read #7
MES but not really true but to each his own.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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wellcch says on Sep 10, 2009, 09:00:

Z visa is possible, however you need to pay much for that.

Lily Cao from shenzhen, China

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kenblanquito says on Sep 10, 2009, 09:04:

Thanks for the post; useful to many without doubt!

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span_colombia says on Sep 10, 2009, 09:40:

okay, that sounds good. should help out new English teachers A LOT.

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Gator says on Sep 10, 2009, 09:42:

wellcch posted : Z visa is possible,China here can change L visa to F visa
Yeah! But who wantgs to work in China? Go hijack your own post

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Aji1 says on Sep 10, 2009, 10:21:

JAJA, the Gator growls

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

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Aji1 says on Sep 10, 2009, 10:36:

I agree with that entirely Ken. The food alone is worth trying it for a while.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

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ddluzdelsol says on Sep 12, 2009, 07:53:

Gator... could you post the link where you found your info... if it is from an official gov't site or something similar, people could print off the info before heading to the consulate, MRE, or wherever they go.

Christmas and New Years in Ibague!!

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Gator says on Sep 12, 2009, 08:24:

No problem:

http://www.cntv.org.co/cntv_bop/basedoc/decreto/2009/decreto_2622_2009...

I made an attempt to open the decreto on MRE's site (http://www.cancilleria.gov.co) but, as usual, it refuses to cooperate.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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mcheasley says on Sep 12, 2009, 19:42:

Gator, I went to the website link and was wondering if you can tell me what Article # and sub # , that you have as # 7 on your list please??? much appreciated sir... thank you...............

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Gator says on Sep 12, 2009, 20:43:

PARÁGRAFO 1o. El titular de Visa de Negocios podrá hacer el cambio a cualquier categoría de Visa Temporal en el territorio nacional, con el lleno de los requisitos para tal fin.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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mcheasley says on Sep 14, 2009, 16:49:

thank you Gator................

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Gator says on Sep 14, 2009, 18:13:

a la orden

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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youngman says on Sep 15, 2009, 00:29:

I just got my Investment Visa. It took me three months. Many forms and lots of hoops to jump thru...but I got it.

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Gator says on Sep 15, 2009, 08:11:

great-it will be worth the effort-BTY keep track of that expiration date-you must renew a minimum of thirty days before it expires.

Was it straight forward as long as you followed the requiréments and obtained the proper paperwork?

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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corporalgator (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 22, 2009, 16:09:

7 and 8 say you can change and submit first time applications in country, so it doesn't even matter if you're on another visa or not. You can be on the tourist pass and submit the application.

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btwells72 says on Sep 22, 2009, 17:14:

hey corporalgator, where are you at these days?

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Gator says on Sep 23, 2009, 07:58:

Please! Before you go stampeding off to MRE -WAIT; The protocols are NOT out yet.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Miguel_Clavo says on Sep 23, 2009, 08:15:

MRE has not a clue how to implement the new changes, and that will take months. Then the Consulados need to be educated.

Here is one for you, Gator:

Under the new changes, can a holder of a Business Visa (NE) apply for a Qualified Resident as the Father of a Colombian National, and can it be inititiated within Colombia? (The Padre/Madre Visa has been eliminated and is now included within the QR Visa). Part of the new change says a NE Visa can be changed to any Temporal Visa within Colombia, but the QR Visa is not a Temporal Visa. The old law says that a NE visa specifically cannot be replaced with a QR visa. Your thoughts?

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Gator says on Sep 23, 2009, 13:50:

¿Según mi leal saber y entender quién sabe?

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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guacharaca says on Sep 24, 2009, 06:53:

"Under the new changes, can a holder of a Business Visa (NE) apply for a Qualified Resident as the Father of a Colombian National, and can it be inititiated within Colombia? (The Padre/Madre Visa has been eliminated and is now included within the QR Visa). Part of the new change says a NE Visa can be changed to any Temporal Visa within Colombia, but the QR Visa is not a Temporal Visa. The old law says that a NE visa specifically cannot be replaced with a QR visa."

The way I see it is:
Before, fathers could walk into the MRE with only the tourist stamp in their passport and obtain the temporary father visa. They would have that visa for three years and then could convert it to a permanent visa. Now the first step has been eliminated. They now will be able to walk into the MRE with that tourist stamp and obtain the permanent visa directly. It does not matter what you had before in your passport. It seems that the Colombian government realized that you will probably be a better father if you are instantly given the legal right to earn a living in Colombia.

I suspect that more foreigners will now fess up to being the father of a Colombian child.

Colombianos: Las armas os han dado independencia, las leyes os daran libertad. (Santander)

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Gator says on Sep 24, 2009, 09:08:

Part of message sent to Embassies and Consulates dealing with spouse/companion visas. Will now be valid for three years (but I would still call first to make sure everyone is on the same track-remember this IS Colombia!!!) and you still must apply for residency-it is not automatic at the end of three years:

"Se amplía la vigencia de la Visa Temporal Cónyuge o Compañero de nacional colombiano a tres años, con lo cual al final de este término el extranjero puede hacer uso del derecho de solicitar directamente la Visa Residente Indefinido. De dos trámites, se pasa a uno."

It extends the duration of the temporary visa spouse or partner of a Colombian national to three years, which at the end of this term abroad can make use of the right to apply directly for Resident Visa Indefinite.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Cali2005 says on Sep 25, 2009, 09:17:

Great post!

Medellin Apartments and Tours http://www.ParadiseRealtyMedellin.com

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Cali2005 says on Sep 25, 2009, 21:38:

I was trying to help a couple friends with the companero permanente visa but because of the new law it appears that this process is more complicated. They wont go for a companero certificate from the notary, apperently now a visa guy in bogota is telling me that people have to do the common law marriage, which requires the certificate that your not married or soltero, and the birth certificate.

Probably due to this new law being passed we were unable to get through on the phones for a week. A couple months ago we could get through to the Ministerior of Exteriores (MRE) just fine. Im hoping that the lines will start working again, and that the law changes were causing the phone problems. Its hard to get answers from Bogota if you dont live there.

Cheers

Medellin Apartments and Tours http://www.ParadiseRealtyMedellin.com

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adrienne79 says on Sep 26, 2009, 05:04:

Cali,

When I was at the MRE two weeks ago, I asked them for a phone number that they actually answer. She said not to ever count on them answering. :o She said IF they ever answer it will be in the afternoons. Email is the best way to contact them supposedly but I find that they don't answer those either.

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Cali2005 says on Sep 26, 2009, 06:59:

Tipical government response. There are similarities with the USA in this respect :)

Medellin Apartments and Tours http://www.ParadiseRealtyMedellin.com

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Alidad says on Oct 2, 2009, 14:35:

Why can't they just give you a six-month tourist visa every time you enter if you're from EU or United States, like they do in Mexico, then I'd move from Mexico, buy a small flat (they're so cheap) and spend most of the year here. I don't see how my crate-scale wine shopping, incurable restaurant habit and generous tipping can endanger Colombian sovereignty..

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Gator says on Oct 5, 2009, 08:55:

They do, for no more than 180 days if your request for renewal is granted.. Why don't YOU apply for a Colombian business visa-if you have a business, amigo, you are not a tourist. If not, then you can say, " Hola, y bienvenidos a Mexico lindo."

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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emerson_wylde says on Oct 5, 2009, 18:44:

guys - this is an important sticky that helps alot of folks - somebody start a new thread for this stuff - pleeeez

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Gator says on Oct 5, 2009, 18:49:

Last time I waste my time doing something like this.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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emerson_wylde says on Oct 5, 2009, 18:56:

Don't give up Gator - hopefully the mods will delete these last posts off. Your info helps a TON of folks - don't let this silly crap ruin something so helpful.

MichaelR - you've been going all over the board leaving empty little posts so you can spread your little sig line around - we're not as stupid as we seem.

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Cali2005 says on Oct 13, 2009, 15:50:

Yes i have to say Gator has been giving out good advice on visas and living in Colombia for the almost 4.5 years i have been a member of this board!

Cheers for the Gator!

Medellin Apartments and Tours http://www.ParadiseRealtyMedellin.com

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Gator says on Oct 13, 2009, 18:42:

SXince the Gators beat LSU the Gator is back to normal- thanks for your support.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Philly says on Oct 14, 2009, 12:32:

Okay, Gator I have spoken with you before. I have a padre de hija Colombiana visa with the right to work. Now, It expires in Feb. 2010. Supposedly, I could get this visa for 3 years, but they only gave me 2. They told me at that time they were only giving out 2 years. So, when I go get my visa renewed, I will get a residence visa instead with the privilage to work? I do not have to go through all the paperwork with my employer. I can work just like any other Colombian? This will be great if it is so. Please, get back to me as soon as possible.

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Gator says on Oct 14, 2009, 14:46:

What ever MRE says, YOU DO!!!!

BTW a residence visa means (just like a USA Green Card) you have a right to work no other visa needed

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 14, 2009, 20:14:

The padre de hija colombiana visa has been eliminated with the new law changes. It has been moved to the Qualified Resident Visa. So my guess is you would be given the resident visa, so you dont have to mess with obtaining work priviledges, etc. BUT, everything is in a state of flux at the MRE, so hopefully for you they will have their act together by Feb 2010.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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guacharaca says on Oct 15, 2009, 21:42:

Philly, I would not wait for your visa to expire. As soon as the MRE gets organized and those resident visas are available for you, get one.

Colombianos: Las armas os han dado independencia, las leyes os daran libertad. (Santander)

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 15, 2009, 21:49:

Yes, the Qualified Resident Visa is the Cadillac of Visas..........

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 18, 2009, 07:15:

Hi I got about 6 different options for my future and my window is getting smaller due to job decisions for next year.
Here is one. Im on a temporary work visa that expires June 6. Since my contract expires June 28th my work needs to get some sort of an extention. I have no idea what they will do but they will do something. Im thinking I leave Colombia the 29th go the states for a week or so and return on a tourist visa. Could I stay six months till late December leave the country and return the first week of January and stay till June and see where Im at? I have a sweet apartment,GF, moto here dont want to leave, but Im sick of working for da man.Want to chill for a year.Is this possible??? would prefer my biz idea but still working on that. adios gracias

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Gator says on Oct 18, 2009, 10:05:

Is that June 28th of NEXT year????

Since my contract expires June 28th --you visa expires on June 6th, no extension you apply for a new visa.

Im thinking I leave Colombia the 29th go the states for a week or so and return on a tourist visa-Yes but that time expires midnight December 31. 180 days per calendar year,

Could I stay six months till late December leave the country and return the first week of January and stay till June and see where Im at?--Possibly

.Want to chill for a year.Is this possible???;---not without a visa

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 18, 2009, 10:17:

yes next year. My field hires for jobs now for August of 2010. I want a year off of real work.

I thought u could stay for 180 days calender year with a tourist visa. If I came back in July that would bring to late me to late December. I leave and return in January for the new calender year...thats a no go?

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 18, 2009, 10:19:

and when my visa expires on June 6th my work must provide me with some sort of way to stay until the 28th. I work one of the biggest companies in Colombia. Maybe they will send somewhere and back, but they have to take care of it.

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kenziejones says on Oct 29, 2009, 12:41:

Hi all, thanks for the excellent info, especially from Gator!

I've had a lot of mixed information regarding visas, both here on PBH and from people I've spoken to in person. I am reaching out again here for any insight regarding my situation. PLEASE let me know if you have any *concrete* info that I should explore, especially in light of these purported new laws. Thanks in advance!

I'm currently here on my 2nd 60-day passport stamp. On my first stamp I only used one month before leaving Colombia and returning. So I have several questions that I would appreciate any insight about:

1. Since I only spent 1 month on my first 60-day stamp, does that mean I forfeited an entire month?

2. How many times is it possible to get a 1-month extension on a 60-day stamp? E.g. say I get three separate 60-day stamps, can I get a 1-month extension each time for a total of 9 actual months in Colombia?

3. Many people on this board have said that the 180-day rule is within a calendar year, i.e. January to December. Is this for certain or can it be any 365 day period, e.g. May to May?

4. Someone mentioned that I need to have at least 30-days left on my stamp when I apply for the month extension. Is this true or can I do it, say 2 weeks before my stamp expires?

5. Someone told me that I can leave and return to Colombia a dozen times within the same 60-day stamp and I will always be given a new stamp upon re-entry; in this sense, it seems as though I get to stay an actual total of 180 days (minimum, without extensions); is this true or can I only use the time specified on my stamps?

6. I was told that I can pose most of these questions to the local DOS here in Medellin. Is this true or do I really need to make a trip to Bogota and contact MRE?

7. Does anyone know if either or both the local DOS and MRE have competent English speakers or do I need to bring a translator?

8. What happens if I over-stay my 60-day stamp?

9. Lastly, is there really a difference between a "tourist visa" and a simple passport stamp upon entry as a tourist? Same thing or completely different documents?

Thanks for any insight here!

Tasting the world one hot pepper at a time!

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Gator says on Oct 29, 2009, 15:00:

1. No- just what you used
2. No-at the end of the original period you can get thirty days at a time so if you had sixty days to start then you can extend four more times.
3. By Decree(law) it is a calendar year.
4. You can get extended as long as your time has not expired-to be prudent I would allow seven working days,
5. You can use the amount of time indicated on the stamp.
6. Handle all extensions through you local DAS office(i.e.whererever you are at renewal time)
7. If you are not comfortable in Spanish bring a friend who is.
8. You get fined and will not be allowed to depart until it is paid.
9. No really though the tourist visa is placed into you passport just like a work visa. The entry on your passport is, for lack of a better word, a quasi visa. With both you would get no more than 180 days in a calendar year

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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kenziejones says on Nov 1, 2009, 06:26:

Gator, a million thanks. This is very helpful. Take care!

Tasting the world one hot pepper at a time!

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kenziejones says on Nov 5, 2009, 09:44:

Gator, once again, thank you for your recent answers to my questions
regarding visas.

I have one more clarification question if you don't mind. Since the
180-day law applies to a calendar year, and since it is now November
and we are approaching the new year of 2010, does that mean that
starting on January 1st I can completely disregard the time I've been
here in 2009 and begin a new 180-day period? (As long as I exit and
re-enter Colombia in order to get the three 60-day stamps.)

And this causes me to wonder about something else: suppose I have
inadvertently used all of my allotted tourist time here in Colombia
and I try to enter from, say, Peru or the US. What happens when I get
to the airport and they will not issue me another 60-day stamp? Do
they simply deport me to my home country or the place I just came
from? Is there any way that I would be able to still enter Colombia?

Thanks a million for your insight. It is much appreciated.

Tasting the world one hot pepper at a time!

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AESA says on Nov 6, 2009, 08:55:

Gator... Question is... They are not very clear on the TC Spouse. My visa is for 2 years... We have been married for more than 7 years. I got my last visa in 2008 at the LA Office. I would prefer to have the Resident Visa as we have children of dual nationality and I have had business in Colombia for more than 7 years. This would make the second TC that I have had in so many years. Is it my understanding that the MRE will likely change it to a Resident Visa? If so, will it affect business negatively?
Thanks

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dtbrooklyn says on Nov 6, 2009, 15:11:

First off, thanks for a great thread Gator. This is one of the few reason i keep coming back to PBH despite the idiots. You're doing a lot of us a great service here. If you're in Medellín I'd be happy to buy you a beer or three.

Regarding changing visa status: I have a work visa that expires Dec. 20. I'm currently looking for another job, but I doubt I'll find one and get all the paperwork ready by that date.

According to point 7, I can change my visa status in country. Does that mean that a) I can change back to a tourist visa?
b) if I switch jobs can I switch to a separate work visa?

If I miss the deadline, I'm trying to figure out my options, which obviously include a "quick" border run to Ecuador. But, if I do miss the deadline and the visa expires, do I then have to request my work visa out of country?

I am a teacher, but I assume that point 9 won't apply to me since i have already been issued my current visa.

thanks in advance,

dt

porque no te callas?

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guacharaca says on Nov 7, 2009, 12:56:

AESA says: "I would prefer to have the Resident Visa as we have children of dual nationality".

If you are the parent to a Colombian child, you can get the Qualified Resident Visa under the new rules. Skip the the TC spousal renewal.

Colombianos: Las armas os han dado independencia, las leyes os daran libertad. (Santander)

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ronmoore4 says on Nov 14, 2009, 17:18:

Renewing Spouse Visa
I lost half a day trying to find out how to renew my spouse visa which was coming to the end of its 2 year life. Colombians do not have the concept of renewing, to them you are applying for a new visa and the same rules apply as for a new visa. I registered my marriage in England before coming to live here in Bogota and presented a copy of the registration document that they gave me in London 2 years ago. However this was refused as it was more than 90 days old so I lost another half a day going to Notary 1 to obtain a copy of the registration of my marriage for 5,000 pesos. This was a piece of paper identical to the one I had but they stamped it with that days date. This was acceptable and I have my visa.

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Gator says on Nov 15, 2009, 09:48:

Perhaps it would be best to contact Darloup. He posted unless you have walked the walk and talked the talk you should stay clear of posting bad info. Yep, I am one of those misinformed, know nothing expats he slammed.

BTW, when you apply for renewal of a visa you are, in-fact, applying for a new visa. Your old spouse visa should have an expiration date in the upper corner.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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jimmymcc says on Nov 18, 2009, 08:44:

I can’t find the right answers; a friend who is here on a tourist visa wants to change it to a Conyugue visa, he was told here in Armenia that he can’t get this done until he leaves the country, but Bogota says yes he can, but he needs a letter saying he has a partner,
Does this letter have to be stamped by DAS here in Armenia, or can anyone do this letter, if so I think the DAS here will refuse,
I can’t understand as the same man did everything for me and I didn’t leave the country, it’s very much the case, if your face fits,
I know its asking for a lot but it would be so much easier if all these departments were working from the same sheet,

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Noelito40 says on Nov 18, 2009, 14:54:

Jimmymcc, as far as I know, he can have the visa changed (I did exactly that 2 years ago). He needs a copy of his marriage cert, not more than 90 days old, also needs a letter from his spouse supporting his marriage visa request. Finally, a notarised copy of his wife's cedula. NB: Have all documents notarised and dated.

Also, the MRE is responsible for his visa, so do the above, then contact the DAS within 15 dsays for his cedula. Note I'm on Bogotá so process may be different for Armenia, but the documents requred are the same

Noelito

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La_Huella says on Nov 18, 2009, 15:02:

Ronmoore if you would have called the MRE ahead of time you would have avoided all that... they just told me ALL that you mentioned.... the registro de matrimonio has to be less than 90 days old...

And for general info, the old 2 year visas are still good only for 2 years, the renewal will be for 3 years....

DO NOT forget to renew your visa 30 days before the old one expires or you WILL have problems.

Like Uncle Gator says follow the Ministry's instructions to the last stroke of a letter and you will be fine.

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jimmymcc says on Nov 18, 2009, 15:15:

Thanks noelito40 I will let them know, They will go to Bogota for this as they don't trust the Chap here, he is playing some sort of power game,

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Noelito40 says on Nov 18, 2009, 15:26:

jimmy, also tell him that the cost is $160USD payable only in pesos so changes daily but about 320k pesos. He also needs 3 photos on a white backgound (3x3).

He also needs to fill out a form, but this form is due to be updated soon, and is not downloadable. so just fill it out on the day (doesn't need notarising)

finally, get there early, there is a queue from 7:30am.

I'm pretty familiar with what's required as I visited the MRE 4 times in the past week to renew my visa conjugal, and everytime there was a problem (some of it my fault, some the MRE!) To cut a long story short in the I didn't renew my visa as my wife will be having out baby next week, so as he (my son) will be economically dependent on me, I no longer need the 2 yearly renewable marriage visa, I can get the "indefinite" residency visa...

Go raibh míle maith agat...

Noelito

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jimmymcc says on Nov 18, 2009, 15:41:

Be Jeasus now, thanks again, and sad about today, if you know what I mean France..and good luck with the new arrival.

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