Preparing Your Cédula de Extranjería Photo
If you need a photo for your Colombian foreign resident identity card, you can use the tool above to prepare a practice copy. Migración Colombia actually takes your photo and fingerprints in person at your appointment[1].
Official Size and Requirements
Migración Colombia does not publish a photo size on the application page[1]. A 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) crop is a common practice size for an identity-card portrait. Check with the office if you need to know what it expects.
The authority does not set a head-height measurement[1]. You can use the tool above to crop a practice image to 35 × 45 mm.
Where the Photo Is Taken
It is important to know how the agency handles your picture creation. Migración Colombia takes the applicant's photograph and fingerprints in person at the appointment[1]. The Cédula de extranjería is a physical document, and the official agency captures your image directly during your scheduled visit[1].
Because the official agency captures the image during your appointment, you do not need to bring a printed photo for your final submission. However, preparing ahead helps you check your framing and practice your posture before you go.
Background and Image Details
The application page does not specify a photo background color or crop dimensions[1]. A 35 × 45 mm crop is a common practice size for an identity-card portrait.
When taking a practice photo at home, face a natural light source like a window for even lighting. Keep the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away to keep your facial features clear and realistic. Ask someone else to take the picture for you to avoid awkward angles.
Rules for Glasses, Expression and Headwear
Official guidance leaves several personal appearance details open. The rules for glasses and headwear are unspecified by the authority[1]. It is safest to keep your face fully visible and maintain a neutral expression if you take a practice photo to see how you look.
For a practice photo, you can look directly at the camera with your eyes open.
Age Limits and Child Rules
The residency card has specific rules regarding the age of applicants. The card is issued to foreign nationals age seven and older who hold an eligible Colombian visa[1]. No separate child photo guidance is published by the authority[1] for younger applicants.
If you are applying for a child who meets the age requirement, you can still practice taking a picture at home. While the agency will take the final photo in person[1], a practice run can help your child feel more comfortable with the process.
Preparing Your Copy with the Tool
You can use the tool above to crop your image to 35x45 mm for your own records or other personal uses. The tool runs right in your browser so your photo never leaves your device and stays completely private.
Remember that the official agency captures the final picture during your visit[1], but preparing a draft helps you get ready. Never rely on the tool as a guarantee of official acceptance, but use it to rehearse and prepare your digital files safely.
Submitting Your Application
Submitting your application requires following the steps outlined by the migration agency. You must attend your scheduled appointment in person to complete the process.
Bring all required identification and visa documents with you to the office. Since the staff takes your photo and fingerprints on-site[1], you can relax knowing they handle the official capture directly.
Frequently asked questions
Does Migración Colombia require a printed photo?
No, Migración Colombia takes the applicant's photograph and fingerprints in person at the appointment[1].
What is the official photo size for the card?
The authority publishes no single official size, but 35x45 mm is a commonly used practice crop size[1].
Who can get a Cédula de Extranjería?
It is issued to foreign nationals age seven and older who hold an eligible Colombian visa[1].
Can I use the tool above for my application?
Migración Colombia takes the photo in person[1], but you can use the tool above to prepare a copy for other uses or to rehearse.
Are there specific rules for children's photos?
No separate child photo guidance is published by the authority[1].