Colombia continues to position itself as the favorite destination among expats, whether with intentions of tourism, business or because they see the country as a way to develop their personal and professional projects. To achieve these objectives and access all the benefits the country gives you, it is necessary to carry out legal processes such as obtaining a visa and, subsequently, the foreigner’s identity card.
The foreigner identification card is the main identification document of a foreigner in Colombia, which opens the doors to different benefits that can significantly facilitate your passage through the country. In this article, we tell you how to apply for your foreigner’s identification card, how much it costs, its benefits, and everything you should know about this legal document.
Download the OFFICIAL guide to request your Cédula de Extranjería
What is the Cédula de Extranjería?
The foreigner’s identification card is the legal document that identifies foreigners in Colombian territory. The Special Administrative Unit of Migration Colombia issues it. All citizens of legal age and minors over 7 years old with a valid visa for more than 3 months must complete the visa registration process and request a foreigner’s identification card.
What are the benefits of the Cédula de Extranjería in Colombia?
As a foreigner, you will be able to have several benefits and services that you will be able to acquire only with your foreigner identification card since, in some cases, such as opening a bank account, it is not possible with a passport.
Some of the benefits that you will have with your foreign identification card are:
The possibility of opening a bank account in Colombia.
Access to banking procedures (loans or mortgages)
Possibility of affiliating with the Colombian health system (EPS).
Obtain a driver's license with your cédula de extranjería
Enroll in academies, schools, and educational institutions of different levels
Work in legally constituted companies (if the visa authorizes it)
Greater facilities at the moment of renting a property and contracting public services
You can create companies and do business in the national territory.
How to obtain the Cédula de Extranjería in Colombia?
Obtaining the Cédula de Extranjería is simple; here we tell you the documents you need to apply for this document:
- To have a valid visa for more than three months.
- Valid passport (original and copy of the main page).
- Know your HR or have a photocopy of your blood test (this is only necessary if it is the first time you apply for a cédula de extranjería).
- Photocopy of the electronic visa.
- Confirmation of the Single Form of Formalities ‘Formulario Único de Trámites’.
- Receipt of payment (it is possible to make the payment at the Immigration office in cash or by credit card, according to the indication provided by the officer attending your case).
We explain all the details and the step-by-step instructions on acquiring a foreigner’s identification card in the following link: Cédula de Extranjería: Step by Step.
Quote your Visa and Cédula de Extranjería Now!
How much does it cost to issue my Cédula de Extranjería?
As of today, the cost to apply for a foreigner’s identification card is approximately $267.000 (COP) or 66 dollars (USD).
How long does it take to complete this process?
Once the registration and payment of the process have been made at the Immigration office, the term to obtain the physical foreigner’s identification card (ID) is approximately 10 working days.
Carry out your processes with experts
As you can see, the foreigner’s identification card is a document that grants several benefits. As the primary identification document of a foreigner in Colombia, it becomes a necessity and an obligation. That is why you must apply for a foreigner’s identification card before Migración Colombia, immediately after your visa has been approved and issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Contact us, and we will guide you in the best way to achieve a legal and safe stay in Colombia.
Why should I use expatgroup.co services?
EXPATGROUP.CO VISA SERVICE
- Includes migratory advisory
- Visa submit and registration
- Registering visa / requesting “Cédula de Extranjería”
Do you want to get the step-by-step guide to apply for your Cédula de Extranjería?
At expatgroup.co, we know that it is essential to have everything in order so that you can access all the benefits as a foreigner in Colombia. Therefore, we invite you to fill in your information to obtain the step-by-step guide to apply for your Cédula de Extranjería.
Contact us
