Processing of Alien Registration Cards in Colombia

(Updated June 2025)

Foreigner's Identity Card in Colombia: A Complete Guide

Who Needs a Foreigner's Identity Card in Colombia?

According to article 44 of Decree 1743 of 2015, adults and minors over 7 years old must apply for a Foreigner's Identity Card if they hold a visa (principal holder or beneficiary) valid for more than three (3) months. Learn more about the Types of Visas in Colombia. Understanding What is Immigration Law? can help clarify these requirements.

Article 54 of the same Decree establishes that those with visas valid for less than 3 months, or who are exempt from requesting it, may apply voluntarily.

Prior Requirements for Application:

According to article 52 of Decree 1743 of 2015, before applying for the Foreigner's Identity Card, you must process the Registry of Foreigners with Migración Colombia. This applies to principal holders and beneficiaries of a visa valid for more than three (3) months, within fifteen (15) calendar days of entering the country or the visa issuance date (if obtained in Colombia).

To apply for the Foreigner's Identity Card, two prior steps are required:

1. A Colombian visa with validity superior to three months.
2. Registration in the Registry of Foreigners of Migración Colombia. If you don't meet these requirements, you could face Penalties and Fines for Undocumented Foreigners.

Exceptions to Registration and Card Application:

Article 90 of Resolution 6045 of 2017 establishes exceptions for foreigners with a tourist visa for the activities described in sections 2, 3, and 8 of article 10 of the same resolution:

1. Visits for leisure, tourism, or cultural interest.
2. Business dealings, market research, investment plans or procedures, company formation, negotiation, contract execution, or commercial representation.
3. Participation in events as a speaker, exhibitor, artist, athlete, judge, contestant, or logistical staff.

Exception to the Prior Visa Requirement:

Decree 1814 of 2015, article 2.2.6.1.4, establishes an exception for Venezuelan nationals who are spouses or permanent partners of deported, expelled, or returned Colombian nationals, holding a Special Entry and Stay Permit or a Special Temporary Stay Permit. They will be issued the Foreigner's Identity Card free of charge.

Types of Foreigner's Identity Cards in Colombia

According to article 54 of Decree 1743 of 2015, there are two types of Foreigner's Identity Cards:

• Foreigner's Identity Card for adults.
• Foreigner's Identity Card for minors (over 7 years old).

Children under 7 years old must identify themselves with their passport or national identity document, according to current international instruments. See also information on Foreigner registration for children under 7.

When foreign minors reach the age of majority in Colombia, they must process the Foreigner's Identity Card for adults. This must be done within fifteen (15) calendar days.

Validity of Foreigner's Identity Cards

According to article 55 of Decree 1743 of 2015, the validity of the Foreigner's Identity Card is equal to the validity period of the holder's or beneficiary's visa.

However, the Foreigner's Identity Card issued to those granted an indefinite visa before April 24, 2013, must be renewed every five (5) years; foreigners who, from that date onwards, are issued a resident visa must process the Foreigner's Identity Card with Migración Colombia, which will have a validity of five (5) years. For more details on visa renewal, visit our article on Colombian visa renewal.

Requirements for Processing the Foreigner's Identity Card

The website of Migración Colombia lists the following requirements to apply for a Foreigner's Identity Card:

1. Original passport.
2. Photocopy of the passport's biographical data page.
3. Original valid visa.
4. Complete the Single Processing Form on the Migración Colombia website.
5. Payment receipt for the issuance of the Foreigner's Identity Card.

*Minors aged 7-17 who are visa beneficiaries must go to a Migration Services Facilitator Center or Migration Control Post with Foreigner functions accompanied by their father, mother, or legal guardian.

Procedure for Applying for the Foreigner's Identity Card

After being a principal holder or beneficiary of a visa for more than three months and being registered in the Registry of Foreigners of Migración Colombia, gather the required documents; it is very important to have completed the single processing form.

Then, go to the nearest Migration Services Facilitator Center (CFSM), corresponding to the Migración Colombia regional office in your area of residence.

To check the exact address, opening hours, and schedule an appointment, go to the official Migración Colombia website, in the regional section, via the following link.

This page provides detailed information about regional offices and locations nationwide, and instructions to continue your Foreigner's Identity Card process.

Submit the required documents and pay the fee for the Foreigner's Identity Card (debit/credit cards or payment receipt at authorized points).

The delivery time, according to the Migración Colombia website, is (3) business days after payment; however, this may increase for Arauca, Yopal, Riohacha, Maicao, Leticia, and San Andrés. The Foreigner's Identity Card will be delivered at the same CFSM where it was requested.

The application process is personal and only carried out within Colombia. Stay informed about Important Changes in Colombia's Visa Policy that might affect this process.

Source: https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/normatividad/resolucion-0633-del-25-de-febrero-de-2025

Cost of Processing the Foreigner's Identity Card

According to the official Migración Colombia website, the costs are:

1. General Fee: 280,000.00 Pesos ($). (Updated to 2025).
2. Ecuadorians – Foreigner's Identity Card (First time): 5.00 Dollars (US$). The dollar value will be adjusted to the exchange rate at the time of processing.
3. Ecuadorians – Foreigner's Identity Card (Renewal): 16.00 Dollars (US$). The dollar value will be adjusted to the exchange rate at the time of processing.
4. Ecuadorians – Foreigner's Identity Card (Duplicate due to loss): 16.00 Dollars (US$). The dollar value will be adjusted to the exchange rate at the time of processing.

Foreigner's Identity Card Renewal Process

The validity of the Foreigner's Identity Card matches the visa validity, except for the Resident visa, renewed every five (5) years.

Renewal applies only to Resident Foreigner's Identity Cards (indefinite visas). Resident status must be verified by a Migration Officer at the CFSM. For renewal you need:

1. Complete the application form (CFSM or migracioncolombia.gov.co).
2. Original, valid passport and visa.
3. Photocopy of the passport's biographical data page and visa.
4. Payment of $203,000 pesos (or USD 10 for Ecuadorians).

Need Help?

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