Sisbén IV in Colombia: what it is, how to check your group, and update your data

Sisbén IV is the official system that classifies the population in Colombia based on their living conditions and income. If you need to know which group you are in (A, B, C, or D) or need to update your information after a move, here we explain the exact and free process, without falling for intermediaries.

What Sisbén IV really is (and what it is not)

There is a lot of confusion about this topic. The System for Identification of Potential Beneficiaries of Social Programs (Sisbén) is not a program that provides money, nor is it an EPS that provides health services. It is, quite simply, a massive database that the government and local mayors' offices use to target social investment. If you want to see real options right now, you can post your services for free on Colombia Move — posting is completely free.

With the Sisbén IV methodology, there is no longer talk of a score from 0 to 100, but rather four large groups:

• Group A: Extreme poverty.
• Group B: Moderate poverty.
• Group C: Vulnerable population.
• Group D: Population that is neither poor nor vulnerable.

Being registered in this database is the first step for other entities to evaluate if you meet the profile for their programs.

How to check your group in Sisbén (Step by step)

Checking your classification is a completely free process. You do not need to pay any "fixer" or buy "pins" on the internet. To do it, follow these steps:

1. Go to the official DNP consultation page (sisben.gov.co).
2. Select your type of document (citizenship card, identity card, foreigner's ID, etc.).
3. Enter your identification number without dots or commas.
4. Click the search button.

The system will show you your group and subgroup (for example, B4 or C1). This result validates that your information is in the Certified National Database. If you need it for any procedure, you can print that certificate directly from the page.

When and how to update your data or request a new survey?

Your information does not update itself. You must request an update or a new survey at the Sisbén office of the municipality where you currently reside if you have changed your address, if there are new members in your household, or if you detect errors in your current information.

Although the Sisbén Citizen Portal exists (which is free), you must keep a key detail in mind: registering on that portal does not mean that you are already in the official database. Furthermore, as of June 27, 2026, the portal reports that the procedures for inclusion and modification of people are temporarily suspended through that digital channel.

Therefore, today the safest way is to go in person to the Sisbén office of your local mayor's office. The scheduling of the visit to your home will depend on your municipality's agenda, and once the mayor's office sends the information to the DNP, the publication of your new group can take a maximum of six days.

Resident foreigners: Can they register for Sisbén?

Yes, foreigners residing in Colombia can request the survey. The essential requirement is to have a valid and current identity document in the country, such as the Foreigner's ID (CE), the Temporary Protection Permit (PPT), or the Safe-conduct, depending on age and immigration status.

The process is the same: the head of the household must go to the municipal office with the original documents of all family members. If you are a foreigner and are evaluating insurance options, remember that Sisbén is different from joining an EPS for foreigners in Colombia, although it is a preliminary step if you are looking to apply to the subsidized regime.

Relationship of Sisbén with health, housing, and other programs

One of the most common mistakes is believing that being in a low group ensures immediate benefits. In the Colombia Move community (June 2026), it is common to see user questions about whether being in group B automatically guarantees a subsidy to pay rent or buy a house. The reality is that no: each entity defines its own rules.

For example, if you are planning your housing future and check our guide on renting vs buying a home, you will notice that Ministry of Housing programs like the Mi Casa Ya subsidy use Sisbén IV as an initial filter, but require additional income and credit requirements.

The same happens with health. The subsidized regime uses Sisbén to target those who cannot pay, but medical administration is handled by the EPS, not Sisbén. And if your income improves and you move to the contributory regime, you might prefer to explore options for prepaid medicine in Colombia to complement your coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How do I check my Sisbén group in 2026?

You must go to the official Sisbén page, select your document type, enter your identification number, and click search. From there, you will be able to see your group and print the official certificate.

❓ What do the Sisbén IV groups A, B, C, and D mean?

They are categories that measure living conditions: group A corresponds to extreme poverty, B to moderate poverty, C to vulnerable population, and D to population that is neither poor nor vulnerable.

❓ Does updating Sisbén cost money?

No. All procedures, including requesting a new survey or updating data at your municipality's office, are completely free. Avoid paying intermediaries.

❓ Can I update data online?

As of June 27, 2026, the Citizen Portal has suspended the procedures for inclusion and modification of people online. For now, the safest path is to go in person to the Sisbén office of your local mayor's office to manage any changes.

❓ When should I request a new survey or update?

You must request it when you change your place of residence, move to a different municipality, people enter or leave your household, or if you find errors in your currently registered information.

❓ Does being in Sisbén guarantee subsidies?

No. Sisbén only classifies you. Each government entity or social program (such as Renta Ciudadana or Mi Casa Ya) defines its own requirements for entry, stay, and exit.

❓ Can a foreigner be in Sisbén?

Yes. Resident foreigners can request the survey as long as they present a valid and current identity document in Colombia, such as the Foreigner's ID or the Temporary Protection Permit (PPT).