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.

What is the Cédula de Extranjería?

The Cédula de Extranjería is an official, high-security identification card issued by Migración Colombia, the national immigration authority. This document serves as the legal proof of your immigration status and identity while residing in Colombia.

More than just a procedural formality, the Cédula de Extranjería is essential for everyday activities such as banking, signing contracts, and accessing various services. Migración Colombia has designed this card to meet the highest standards of durability and security, protecting your identity with advanced security features and biometric data integration.

The current Cédula is a laser-engraved, polymer card crafted to meet stringent global standards, specifically those outlined in ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Document 9303, the same protocol governing international passports. This design guarantees that the document is both internationally recognized and resistant to tampering and fraud.

Does the Cédula de Extranjería Have a Digital Version?

As of the 2025 update, the Cédula de Extranjería remains exclusively a physical, polymer identification card with no official digital counterpart. This distinguishes it from the Colombian Cédula de Ciudadanía, which has a digital version accessible via a mobile application. Consequently, foreigners residing in Colombia must carry the physical card for identification at all times.

How Companies Verify

When dealing with high-value processes (signing a lease, starting a job, getting a loan), the receiving party must verify your Cédula’s status. Migración Colombia provides a free, public-facing service called Certificación del estado de Cédula de Extranjería” (Certification of the Cédula’s Status). They only need your Cédula number and the issue date printed on the card to confirm its validity instantly.

When Should I Get My Cédula de Extranjería?

The procedure to obtain your Cédula de Extranjería must be initiated within 15 calendar days following the electronic issuance of your visa. If your visa was issued at a Colombian consulate abroad, the 15-day countdown starts from the date of your entry into Colombia.

Once your visa is registered and you have paid the required fees, Migración Colombia typically takes around 10 business days to process and issue the Cédula.

Colombian immigration law is strict about this registration timeline. Failing to apply for your Cédula de Extranjería within the 15-day window can result in significant fines from Migración Colombia, which may amount to up to seven (7) Minimum Monthly Legal Wages (SMMLV) depending on the seriousness and recurrence of the infraction.

Given the importance of this compliance, expatgroup.co offers to streamline the appointment and registration process, ensuring you meet deadlines and avoid costly penalties.

When and How Do I Renew My Cédula de Extranjería?

While most visas tied to the Cédula de Extranjería, such as Visitor (V) and Migrant (M) categories, expire in line with their respective visa validity, the Resident (R) Visa grants indefinite residency rights in Colombia. However, the physical Cédula card itself requires periodic renewal.

  • 5-Year Validity Period: Holders of a Resident (R) Visa must renew their Cédula every five years. This renewal is a mandatory process designed to update biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints, as well as to incorporate enhanced security features onto the card.
  • Important Clarification: The renewal of the Cédula card is distinctly separate from visa renewal. Your R Visa status remains valid indefinitely, provided that legal residency conditions are maintained, such as not spending more than two consecutive years outside Colombia.
  • Renewal Procedure: The process mirrors the initial application. Applicants must complete the FUT (formulario único de tramites), schedule an appointment at a Migración Colombia office, provide biometric data, and pay the applicable fees.

What Legal Changes Must Cédula Holders Report to Migración Colombia?

Getting your Cédula is the start, not the end, of your compliance journey. Migración Colombia requires you to notify them of specific changes to your status, as this information is tied to your legal registration. Failure to report these changes can lead to fines.

NOTE: You must use the official Migración Colombia portal to submit these change notifications (Novedades). Keep the confirmation receipt as proof.

To Sum Up: What You Need to Know About the Cédula de Extranjería in 2025

The Cédula de Extranjería is your essential gateway to establishing a fully legal and functional life in Colombia. The 2025 process highlights a modern, secure identification system and emphasizes the importance of strict compliance with deadlines and ongoing responsibilities.

The important aspects that you should not forget from this guide are:

  • The Deadline Is Real: You must complete the initial application process within 15 calendar days of receiving your visa or entering Colombia. Failure to meet this deadline can result in significant fines and complications in future applications.
  • The ID Is High-Security: The Cédula is a physical, laser-engraved polymer card—the sole official form of foreign identification in Colombia. Currently, there is no digital version for the Cédula de Extranjería.
  • Your Duties Continue: As a Cédula holder, you are legally required to notify Migración Colombia of any changes to your address or civil status within 15 to 30 days, maintaining your compliance with Colombian regulations.

For a complete walkthrough of the application process, we encourage you to download our detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Cédula de Extranjería. This guide covers all essential steps, from initial documentation and online forms to scheduling appointments and collecting your card, helping to make your application process straightforward and hassle-free. Access this valuable resource to ensure successful navigation through Colombia’s migration procedures.