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Living in Colombia? Here’s what you need to know about the foreign ID card
If you’ve decided to live in Colombia—whether for work, business, studies, or because you’ve found a new home here—you’re probably wondering how to make your life easier in the country.
One of the first essential steps to fully integrate is obtaining the Cédula de Extranjería, a document that opens many doors and simplifies your daily life as a foreign resident.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the Cédula de Extranjería is, how to obtain it, and the benefits it offers—from opening a bank account to accessing the healthcare system.
What is the cédula de extranjería, and who needs to apply for it?
The Cédula de Extranjería is the official identification document for foreigners holding a visa in Colombia.
Issued by Migración Colombia, obtaining it is mandatory for all foreigners who have a visa valid for more than three months.
Additionally, minors aged 7 and older must also apply for it.
Beyond being a legal requirement, the Cédula de Extranjería allows you to access various services and benefits that are not available with just a passport.
Benefits of the cédula de extranjería in Colombia
Obtaining your Cédula de Extranjería is more than just a formality—it is a key tool that facilitates many aspects of life in Colombia.
Here are some of the most important benefits:
- Opening Bank Accounts: With the Cédula de Extranjería, foreigners can open accounts in Colombian financial institutions, making it easier to manage personal and professional finances.
- Access to Loans and Credit: The Cédula de Extranjería allows foreigners to apply for financial products such as personal loans, credit cards, and mortgage loans, facilitating their financial inclusion in Colombia.
- However, approval depends on each bank’s policies, and in most cases, a credit history in the country will be required.
- Obtaining a Driver’s License: The Cédula de Extranjería is a requirement to apply for a Colombian driver’s license, allowing foreigners to drive legally in the country.
- Healthcare System Enrollment: It enables foreigners to register with an EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud), ensuring access to healthcare and medical services in Colombia.
- Enrollment in Educational Institutions: With the Cédula de Extranjería, you can enroll in Colombian schools, academies, and universities, expanding your educational opportunities.
- Easier Rental Agreements and Utility Services: The Cédula de Extranjería simplifies processes such as renting a property and setting up utility services by serving as an official identification document.
- Starting a Business and Conducting Business Transactions: This document is essential for starting businesses and engaging in commercial activities in Colombia, providing legal support for foreign entrepreneurs.
Process to obtain the cédula de extranjería
To apply for the Cédula de Extranjería, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Hold a valid visa for more than three months: A visa valid for more than 90 days is required.
2️⃣ Complete the Single Procedure Form (FUT): This form must be completed online through Migración Colombia’s portal.
3️⃣ Schedule an appointment with Migración Colombia: After completing the FUT form, an appointment must be scheduled to submit the required documents.
4️⃣ Submit the required documents:
- Valid passport (original and copy of the main page).
- Copy of the electronic visa.
- Blood type and RH factor certification or a copy of a blood test (required only for first-time applicants).
5️⃣ Pay the applicable fee:
- Cost of the Cédula de Extranjería: $280,000 COP.
6️⃣ Pick up your Cédula: Once the process is completed, the Cédula de Extranjería will be ready for pickup in approximately 30 business days (processing times may vary).
Having the Cédula de Extranjería is essential for fully integrating into Colombia’s economic and social life.
At Nexo Legal, we are committed to making this process easier by offering legal, accounting, and immigration solutions tailored to your needs.
📩 Contact us today and let’s get started!
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Get started with a free case assessment
What will happen after you fill out this form?
After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.
Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.