Foreigner Identity Card Password: New mechanism to access public and private benefits
In order to establish an agile and efficient alternative for foreigners to access the public and private services in Colombia, and due to the delays that sometimes arise from obtaining the Visa and the issuance of the foreign ID (Cédula de Extranjería), last November 21, the Colombian migration entity issued Resolution 4222 of 2024, which regulates the issuance of the “Foreigner Identity Card Password” as certification of the processing of the Foreigner Identity Card for expats in Colombia.
What is the “Foreigner Identity Card Password”?
This new document, intended for citizens holding a visa for more than three (3) months, as well as for their beneficiaries, certifies that the process to obtain the foreigner's identification card is in process. This password will be valid for the duration of the visa granted to the foreigner or until the physical delivery of the foreign ID.
The Foreigner Identity Card Password is issued in person, so the foreigner must go to the “Unidad Administrativa Especial Migración Colombia” in the city where he/she registered his/her visa in order to obtain it. This document will be generated based on the information registered in the Colombian immigration system, thus ensuring that the data is updated in the registry of foreigners.
Once the password has been issued, it can be verified on the Colombian migration website through the following link:
https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/consultaCedulas/pages/home.jsf
The purpose of the password is to facilitate foreigners' access to various public and private services, such as affiliation to the General Health Social Security System, banking services, access to the educational system, as well as any activity in accordance with the conditions of their visa, granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Resolution is not clear as to whether this password should be accepted by the various entities as a valid identity document for their internal procedures, because it indicates that the foreigner must, in any case, comply with the requirements established in the Colombian legal system, such as the presentation of the Foreigner's Identity Card for the purposes of affiliation and reporting of new developments to the General Health Social Security System (Art. 2.1.3.5., Decree 780 of 2016).
What is the “Foreigner Identity Card Password”?
The “Foreigner Identity Card Password” shall contain the following information:
a) Photo of the Document Holder.
b) Document Holder's Fingerprint.
c) Signature of the Document Holder.
d) Foreigner's Identity Card Number.
e) Category of the Foreigner's Identity Card (visitor, migrant, resident or preferential).
f) Names and surnames.
g) Date of birth.
h) Sex.
i) Blood type.
j) Expedition Date (Corresponds to the same date consigned in the Foreigner's Identity Card).
k) Expiration Date (Corresponds to the same date consigned in the Foreigner's Identity Card).
l) QR reading code for automatic validation of the password in the processes of migratory verification or before authorities or public or private entities of the biographical information of the holder of the document.
It is important to note that the issuance of the password for the Foreigner's Identity Card will not generate any additional costs, since it is included in the amounts paid by the foreigner at the initial time of processing his/her Foreigner's Identity Card.
The Colombian migration entity must inform private entities, such as banks and airlines, in order to allow foreigners to carry out procedures with the password, because, due to lack of knowledge of the norm, it may not be accepted as identification.
How we can help you?
At Forvis Mazars we have professionals who are experts in this and other immigration issues. If you require support with the information contained in this newsletter, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss the best way to assist you.
