Colombia Expat Forum

cafetero
Joined 2015
Posts: 2328

7 years ago

Sequence to live here full time

7 years ago

You need two separate documents to live here full time.

First is the Temporary Visa, issued by Ministry of Foreign Relations in Bogota.

Second is the Cedula which is a national ID card issued by Migracion Colombia in the city where you live. Each Department (state) has a capital city with a Migracion Colombia office; Quindio-Armenia, Risaralda-Pereira, Antioquia-Medellin and so forth.

1. Arrive on a tourist stamp, not really a visa, good for 180 days but usually only issued for 90 days at a time. First 90 days is free.

2. Before the first 90 days is over, go to Migracion Colombia in your city and ask for a 90 day extension of the tourist stamp. Pay a fee of about 50,000 pesos.

3. Before the 2nd 90 days is over, go to Ministry of Foreign Relations in Bogota and apply for a temporary visa in the category for which you qualify.

4. The temporary visa is issued for one year. They will place a full page Visa in your passport.

5. Within 15 days take this Visa to the Migracion Colombia office in your city and apply for a Cedula, which is the national ID card.

6. Wait about 2 weeks and go back to Migracion Colombia to pick up your new Cedula.

In Step 3 and in Step 5 you have to complete an online application first before appearing in the office.

Here is the Visa information from Ministry of Foreign Relations:
http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visas

Here is the page for Cedulas at Migracion Colombia:
https://www.sivirtual.gov.co/memoficha-tramite/-/tramite/T703

If your Temporary Visa is issued by a Colombian Consulate in your home country you do not have to worry about the Cedula until you actually enter Colombia. You have 15 days from the date you enter Colombia to go to Migracion Colombia and apply for your Cedula.

The fifteen days includes weekends and holidays. If your 15th day is on a weekend or holiday and you appear the following Monday you will have to pay a very steep fine.

Good luck

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Colombia Guide

Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.

Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

Additional Information:

Visit our Colombia Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.