The Cédula de Extranjería is your official ID as a foreigner living in Colombia — mandatory within 15 days of your visa. Bank accounts, leases, work contracts, healthcare: none of it works without it.
The Cédula de Extranjería is Colombia's official identification card for foreigners. Issued by Migración Colombia, it serves as your legal proof of identity and immigration status — the equivalent of a national ID card for Colombian citizens.
It's a laser-engraved, polymer card built to ICAO Document 9303 standards (the same as international passports), with biometric data integration. There is no digital version — you must carry the physical card.
Once you have your Cédula, you'll use it for almost everything in daily life: banking, renting an apartment, signing contracts, getting a phone plan, accessing healthcare, and more. Without it, life in Colombia is significantly more complicated.
Follow these steps in order. The process takes place entirely in Colombia and must be done in person at a Migración Colombia office.
You need a valid Colombian visa as the prerequisite. Apply through the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Cancillería) online portal. The Cédula cannot be obtained without an approved visa.
Via: cancilleria.gov.coIf this is your first Cédula de Extranjería, you need an official document confirming your blood type. Any clinic or lab in Colombia provides this quickly — simply walk in and ask for a "prueba de tipo sanguíneo para cédula de extranjería." Cost is approximately 35,000–50,000 COP (~$10 USD). If you've had a previous Colombian Cédula, skip this — they already have it on record.
First-time applicants onlyFill out the Single Procedure Form (Formulario Único de Trámites — FUT) on the official Migración Colombia website. You'll need to upload your visa approval and passport data page as a single PDF. After submitting, save your FUT number — you'll need it at your appointment.
Via: migracion.gov.coBook your in-person appointment at any Migración Colombia office through their online portal. Select the "Cédula de Extranjería" option. Appointments book out quickly — plan ahead. You can attend any office in Colombia, but your Cédula will only be available for pickup at the office where you applied.
⏰ Must book within 15 days of visa issuanceArrive with all documents (see checklist below). An immigration agent will review your papers, take your fingerprints, photograph you digitally, and record your signature. This biometric data becomes embedded in your Cédula. No one else can complete this step on your behalf — it must be you in person.
In-person · Bring all original documentsThe 2026 fee is 294,000 COP (approximately $79 USD). Pay by credit or debit card at the Migración office — they do not accept cash. Keep your payment receipt.
294,000 COP · Card only · No cashOfficial processing time is approximately 10 business days. However, delays are common — in some cities it can take 3 to 4 months due to backlogs. Check your status online at the Migración Colombia website using your FUT number. Pick up your Cédula at the same office where you applied — it cannot be transferred to another city's office.
Check status: migracion.gov.coBring originals and copies of everything. Missing a single document means rescheduling your appointment.
Your physical passport with at least 3 months of validity remaining. Bring the original plus a photocopy of the main information page.
RequiredA printed copy of your approved electronic visa. For the FUT form, your visa and passport data page must be combined into a single PDF before uploading.
RequiredPrinted confirmation of your completed Formulario Único de Trámites (FUT), including your assigned FUT number. Complete this at migracion.gov.co before your appointment.
RequiredAn official document confirming your blood type from any clinic or lab in Colombia. Costs approximately 35,000–50,000 COP. Only required for first-time applicants.
First-time onlyTo pay the 294,000 COP government fee at the Migración office. Migración Colombia does not accept cash — card payment only.
RequiredA photocopy of the most recent entry stamp in your passport, if applicable. Some Migración offices may request this, particularly if your visa was issued abroad.
May be requestedImmigration paperwork in a new country can be stressful. Connect with a specialist who handles Cédulas and Colombian visas daily — fluent in English.