The Cédula de Extranjería (Foreigner Identification Card) is mandatory for all citizens of legal age and minors over 7 years old holding a valid visa for more than three months. It is issued by Migración Colombia and distinguishes foreigners from citizens. The visa registration process is a prerequisite for obtaining the Cédula de Extranjería, symbolizing the formal recognition of one’s status within the Colombian territory.
Acquiring the Cédula de Extranjería is a straightforward process that requires presenting specific documents.
Passport and Copy
Provide the original passport and copy of the main page with the personal data.
Approved Visa
You'll need a print of the approved electronic visa. It must exceed three months of validity.
FUT and Payment
Provide the confirmation of the Formulario Único de Trámites and the receipt of payment.
The Cédula de Extranjería costs 267.000 colombian pesos (approximately 66 USD). This fees can be paid througth the Migración Colombia payment platform with Credit Card or PSE.
What are the benefits of adquire a Cédula de Extranjería?
Possessing the Cédula de Extranjería provides numerous benefits to foreigners, like exclusive access to a wide range of services, such as opening a bank account, engaging in banking procedures like loans or mortgages, obtaining a driver’s license, enrolling in educational institutions, and making processes such as renting a property or contracting public services easier. Having a cédula in Colombia has other benefits, such as working for a Colombian company or enrolling in the national health system (EPS). However, these benefits depend on the visa type, as some visas may not permit affiliating in EPS or employment. The foreign identity card’s validity lasts as long as the validity of the Colombian Visa.
This procedure must be carried out within 15 calendar days following the visa issuance. However, if the visa is issued at a consulate abroad, the 15 days will be counted from the country’s entry date. The issuance of the Cédula de Extranjería takes approximately 10 business days after the visa has been registered and the corresponding fee has been paid. This efficiency is crucial given the series of advantages offered by the Cédula de Extranjería. As the main identification document for foreigners in Colombia, it is more than just a convenience; it becomes a necessity and an obligation. Therefore, applying for it immediately after the approval and issuance of the visa by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is indispensable.
How to apply for a Cédula de Extranjería for the first time?
Step 1: Go to Migración Colombia Website
As the first step, you should complete the Migración Colombia’s Single Procedures Form, known as the «FUT» (Formulario Único de Trámites). This form is an essential step for requesting the Cédula de Extranjería.
Step 2: Select the type of process
After accessing the previous link, you will be redirected to Migración Colombia’s website, where you should click on the button «Continue.»
Choose your language and select «Cédula de Extranjería» (Foreign ID). You have to choose the nearest Migratory Services Facilitation Center to your residence and the form will be available.
Step 3: Provide your personal information
1. Enter the name and last names of your identification document.
2. Select the document type from the dropdown list and enter the ID number and the country, department, and city of its issuance.
3. Choose your gender, date, and place of birth, including country, department, and city. Also, select your nationality.
4. Authorize sending emails to receive Migración Colombia’s messages in an email address you can access.
Step 4: Information in case of emergency
First, select the blood type that will appear on the cédula.
Provides the primary contact information to contact in any emergency situation.
Step 5: Registration of foreigners
1. In this section, it is necessary to enter information about the visa that has been approved. The category, the number, the country of issuance, and the address data. Finally, you must select whether you are the applicant is the bearer or beneficiary of the visa.
2. Secondly, you must provide the details of the organization you are related. These fields must be completed as long as your visa applies to this information (work, study, etc).
3. Finally, provide other information such as your language, profession, address, and phone number.
Step 6: Add the passport in a PDF file and submit the form
The «Files» section will automatically sync the ID you selected in the form. Please click the «Add File» button to attach the corresponding identification document in PDF format.
The enabled identification types in the form include Citizen ID (Colombian Cédula), Foreigner ID (Cédula de Extranjería), Travel Documents, Foreign Documents or Andean Card, NUIP, Passport, Service Passport, Diplomatic Passport, Emergency Passport, Official Passport, Regular Passport, Provisional Passport, and Birth Certificate.
Once you have uploaded the document, complete the displayed captcha and click the «Accept» button.
The platform will generate a reference number, which we recommend saving. Click on «Download» and then on «Pay online» buttons.
How to pay the fees of my Cédula de Extranjería?
After filling out the Migración Colombia’s Form and clicking the Payment button, the web will prompt you to choose your preferred payment method. You can select PSE (Colombian Payment System) or Credit Card payment.
Pay your Cédula de Extranjería with PSE
Choose the option to pay with PSE and click on «Pagar Ahora» (Pay Now) button.
Enter your personal information. Select the customer type and the bank details to proceed with the payment.
Save and print your PSE payment receipt.
Pay your Cédula de Extranjería with Credit Card
When you choose «Credit Card,» the payment platform will be activated. Click on the «Continuar con Wallet» (Continuar con Wallet) button. Then, you will receive a code in your email, which you should enter in the corresponding field on the website. Fill in the card information you wish to use for the payment.
Save and print your Credit Card payment receipt.
How to claim my Cédula de Extranjería?
For the final step, you must schedule an appointment to claim your cédula de extranjería at the migration office in the city you selected in the form. When you select the «Agenda una cita» (Schedule an appoiment) option to schedule, a pop-up window will ask you for consent to redirect you to the appointment window. Then, you must click on «Aceptar» (Accept) button.
You will be redirected to the scheduling form, where you should enter information regarding the appointment location and the migration office where you will claim the Cédula de Extranjería. This will allow the system to display available dates.
1. Choose the Colombian department where you will request the appointment.
2. Select the corresponding city.
3. Click on the enable office for your selected city.
4. In the option «Trámite» (Process), select «Cédula de Extranjería.»
When you select the corresponding process, the calendar will be active, displaying the available dates.
After selecting the date, click on «Buscar» (Search) to open the appointment schedule.
Select «Agendar» (Schedule) button, and then click on «Aceptar» (Accept) to go to the appointment window.
Fill out the form with your personal information, type and document number, email, and phone. Once completed, check the acceptance box, solve the Captcha, and click «Guardar» (Save). An alert window will appear with your reference number. We recommend taking note of it.
You will receive an official communication from Migración Colombia in your email, confirming the date, time, and location of your appointment to claim your Cédula de Extranjería.
Save the transaction code for the appointment. This allows you to check, edit, or cancel it. Remember to bring your passport with you.
Migración Colombia will provide you with a new ID Card with your personal data.
What is happening in Migración Colombia with the scheduling appointments for Cédula de Extranjería?
In many of the Centros Facilitadores de Servicios Migratorios (CFSM), that is, the Immigration offices around the country, and for different procedures, especially for the visa registration process and the Cédula de Extranjería application, Migración Colombia’s website enables scheduling appointments only on Sundays from 5 p.m. onwards.
Suppose you enter another day of the week, especially when looking for an appointment in Medellin and Bogota. In that case, the system shows all empty dates when you try to schedule appointments for Cédula de Extranjería, as you can see in the image attached for reference.
At expatgroup.co, we receive frequent queries and complaints from foreigners who seek our help because they have not completed their immigration procedures. In most cases, it is because they definitely do not find available appointments, or some foreigners have managed to make their schedules but have subsequently received notifications of arbitrary cancellations from Migration Colombia, thus losing time and money and causing inconvenience to users. Read more information about this specific topic on Migración Colombia: No appointments for Cédula de Extranjería.
FAQs about Cédula de Extranjería
The Cédula de Extranjería is a vital legal document in Colombia, serving as the official identification for foreigners. Issued by the Special Administrative Unit of Migración Colombia, this identification card is mandatory for all foreign citizens of legal age and minors over 7 years old with a valid visa for more than three months. The foreigner obtains legal recognition and access to services in Colombia; obtaining the Cédula de Extranjería is a pivotal step in ensuring a smooth and compliant stay in the country.
To request your Cédula de Extranjería, please bring your original passport and a copy of the main page that displays your personal information. Additionally, you’ll need a printed copy of the approved electronic visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months. You must also show confirmation of the Formulario Único de Trámites and your payment receipt.
Minors (between 7 and 17 years old) who are visa beneficiaries must accompany the minor’s father, mother, or legal representative.
The fees of the Cédula de Extranjería have a general rate of 246,000 Colombian pesos (50 USD approximately).
Please keep in mind the following steps if you need to request a duplicate of your document from Migración Colombia:
– You should only request a duplicate if you have lost your document. However, if your document was stolen, you must first file a report at the nearest police station, prosecutor’s office, or SIJIN.
– Visit Migración Colombia’s website to schedule an appointment for the duplicate process. During the process, select the Sub-procedure ‘Duplicate.’
– Remember to fill out the Single Form of Procedures (FUT).
– Attend the scheduled appointment at the Colombian Migration office, and bring your original passport, a copy of the visa, and the printed FUT.
– Make the payment of 246,000 Colombian pesos.
Typically, it may take up to 10 business days from the payment date for the process to be completed. However, the duration may be influenced by the city and other specific factors of Migración Colombia.
When there are no appointments available on the scheduling platform, or they deliberately cancel your appointment and you cannot reschedule. We recommend you to go directly and without an appointment to the nearest Migration Colombia office. In this blog we detailed all the steps to follow and recommendations in these extraordinary cases.
Why should I use expatgroup.co services?
expatgroup.co visa service
- Includes migratory advisory
- Visa submit and registration
- Registering visa / requesting “Cédula de Extranjería”
Contact us
Thank you for sending this but I don’t need information for a beginning cedula. I need an appointment for my second 5 year resident cedula. I’ve done the online thing including indicating today at 11-11:15 but heard nothing from migracion. I’m obviously doing something wrong AND NEED HELP GETTING THAT CITA. Thank you for your assistance.
Hello David, I hope you are doing well.
The process to renew the cédula is the same as it was for the first time. Only to schedule an appointment, you must select
Type of procedure (tipo de trámite) > Immigration ID (Cédula de extranjería)
In Sub-procedure (sub-trámite) > Renewal of foreign identity card (renovación cédula de extranjería)
You can follow the rest of the process as the blog indicates. However, if you did so and did not have a response, you should contact migration.
Greetings
-What do I need to change my migrant visa to a residential visa after 2-years (marital)?
-I legally changed my name in my country of origin, what is the process for realising this name change in Colombia on my visa and Cedula?
Hi, Christopher, I hope you are doing well.
Indeed you can change a migrant visa to a resident, but this is a specialized process. To give the best advice on both of your questions, please get in touch with us at (+1)8507714928.
Hi, I am a US citizen that
entered Colombia on May 10th 2022 on a tourist visa but would like to obtain a «jubilado» visa. Can you process this for me, if so how much is your fee and about how long will it take?
Hi, Victor! Thank you so much for contacting expatgroup, the agency with more than ten years of experience processing Colombian Visas.
Absolutely, we can help you to get the Colombia Retirement Visa, to give more accurate information please contact us at +1 (954) 799-3692
looking forward to helping you!
If while holding an M visa, I stay out of the country for more than six months would that also render my cédula de extranjería invalid?
Hi, Andrea. According to Colombian law, if you have been abroad for more than 180 days, your visa is no longer valid, therefore your cédula is not valid either. The next step is to contact us when you return and start your Colombian visa process
https://wa.me/19547993692
Hello, so I was given a volunteer visa with the condition that I can’t apply for another visa from within Colombia. If I married a Colombian, would this change things? Like would I still have to leave the country to apply for any kind of Colombian residence or permanence?
Thanks so much.
The visa restrictions do not change because you are married to a Colombian, in this case, to qualify for a Colombian Marriage Visa you must apply through the consulate of your country of origin or residence.
To achieve greater success in your application or if you have doubts about how to start a new visa application, please do not hesitate to contact us at +19547993692
Hello, thank you for your useful blog post. I have a Colombia M Visa and CE for one year, I am coming up to the expiration date and need to renew the visa and CE. Do you have to renew them separately? Does renewing your CE automatically renew your visa? After how many years with an M visa should I switch to a R visa?
Thank you!
Hi, Jenna,
Thank you very much for your comment, the process to follow would be to apply about 45 days before your visa expires, first go through the visa renewal process, and once approved you go through the CE renewal process.
To apply for an R visa for accumulated time with an M visa depends on the type, for example: with an M Retirement visa you can apply after 5 years, with an M Marriage Visa after two years.
Write to us and we will help you to have a successful process in the renewal of your visa +19547993692
Can you give an overview of all the benefits of having cedilla de extranjeria other than traveling within Colombia and not needing a visa? I have one and I am not sure, can I travel to countries that Colombians can enter visa free also or am I not eligible for that? Thanks
Hey, Saul, I hope you are doing great!
Among the benefits of having a CE:
-Open a bank account
-Affiliation to the EPS
-Obtaining a driver’s license
-Contract other essential services
To be able to travel to countries where Colombians do not need a visa is with a Colombian passport, not with a CE.
Thank you for being a great resource. I have a question, 4 years ago, I did the paperwork to get my cedula de extranjeria. My son was born in Medellin. Due to a family emergency, I had to go back to the states. Because it was an immediate decision, I wasn’t able to obtain my actual cedula de extranjeria card. Then the pandemic happened and I didnt come back until 1 month ago. Almost 4 years later, I’m back in Colombia, but in Cali, and my R Visa doesn’t expire until next year. It has been well over 180 days out of the country, where do I obtain my card and do I need to restart the process all over again? Any insight is greatly appreciated!
Hello, Michelle, we recommend you go to a Migration office and explain your case since it was a long time and it is up to migration to indicate the steps to follow. https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/atencion-al-ciudadano
Can we pay a service to do this part for us? Or do we need to go in person ourselves? I need to travel after getting my visa.
Hey there, no, to issue the foreigner’s identification card (Cédula de extranjería) you must go directly to Migration Colombia since there they take your fingerprints and photo. Once the visa is granted and if you are in Colombia you have 15 days to issue it.
Can I get the CE in an embassy/consulate in my country, or online, before i travel to Colombia?
Hi, Brian. I hope you are doing well. The Cédula de extranjería can only be obtained at a Migration facilitator center in Colombia, and remember that in order to obtain a C.E. you must have first a visa valid for more than three months. Regards
Thank you for this post. Will I receive an email to tell me the card is ready? I took the pictures and finger prints and made my payment December 21st and it is now January 9th. I did the procedure in Bogota and asked that the card be picked up in Cartagena. Any advice? I have not heard any news.
Hi, Michelle, I hope you are doing great. Normally, the issue of the Cédula de Extranjería takes 10 days, so you can go to the selected office to check if it is ready.
Hello, I am currently in Colombia on a volunteer visa that expires on June 30th. Do you know if I can re-enter Colombia as a tourist in July and stay till the end of the year? My cédula would be expired.