Before applying: check your visa
Most eligible foreign visa holders aged seven or older with authorized stay over three months apply for the cédula. Under Resolution 9316/2024, V tourism, business, crew, events and certain courtesy categories are exempt, regardless of visa validity. Do not assume every V visa is exempt.
Filing deadline
The standard first-issue period is fifteen calendar days after arriving with a visa issued abroad, or fifteen calendar days after a visa is issued while you are in Colombia. Special circumstances can change what applies; verify your dates and category with the authority.
Fill in the FUT
Complete the official online Formulario Único de Trámites and upload one PDF containing your current passport and visa images. Keep the unique filing reference. The government form is free to submit.
Attend your appointment
Book a CFSM center through the official system, then attend with original valid passport, visa and FUT filing reference. Biometrics are recorded in person. Pay the applicable fee through authorized channels; a Migración Colombia official is not allowed to receive cash directly.
What happens while you wait
Migración Colombia describes a digital QR contraseña made available at the end of your appointment while the card is produced. The published reference is ten business days from payment, subject to variations. The QR confirmation is not a universal substitute for the physical card in every private transaction.
What is NOT on the official basic checklist
The current public government checklist does not list a mandatory paid blood-type test for every first-time applicant. Do not pay for extra tests based solely on a private blog. Ask the government center if your specific case needs any additional documentation.
Official sources
Linked directly to Colombian government pages; check for later changes before applying. Reviewed October 29, 2026.
https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/tramites-y-servicios/tramites-generales/cedula-de-extranjeria ↗https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/tramites-y-servicios/tarifas/tarifas-vigentes ↗https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/registro/public/formularioRegistro.jsf ↗https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/citas ↗https://cancilleria.gov.co/normograma/compilacion/docs/resolucion_minrelaciones_9316_2024.htm ↗Keep exploring
Independent editorial guide, not legal advice. Government rules and fees may change; verify your situation with the authorities.