Can a foreigner join an EPS?

Yes, if you're a resident with a valid ID, such as a cédula de extranjería or a valid PPT. Tourists with only a passport cannot enroll.

How much do I pay for EPS as a freelancer?

12.5% of your IBC, which is 40% of your monthly income, with a floor of one minimum wage. Pension contributions are added on top.

How do I find out which EPS I'm enrolled in?

Use ADRES's free 'Consulte su EPS' service with your document type and number. It shows your EPS, regime, status and enrollment date.

When can I start using the EPS?

From the effective enrollment date you have full access to the benefits plan, not just emergencies. Enrollment is not retroactive.

Health & pension

How do I sign up for an EPS in Colombia?

If you're an employee, your employer enrolls you in the EPS you choose. If you're self-employed earning at least one minimum wage, you enroll yourself through the Transactional Affiliation System (SAT) at miseguridadsocial.gov.co or directly with the EPS, and pay your contributions monthly through PILA. Foreigners can enroll with a valid cédula de extranjería or PPT.

Go to the official Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social (SAT, Mi Seguridad Social) y ADRES site ↗

Independent guide by Colombia Move. Not a government website: the procedure itself is done on the official portal linked here.

Cost: Enrollment is free; what you pay are contributions. Self-employed: 12.5% of the contribution base (IBC), which is 40% of your monthly income and never less than one minimum wage. Employees: 4% of salary, with the employer covering the rest. 2026 figures.
How long: Enrollment is not retroactive, and full coverage under the benefits plan starts on the effective enrollment date. The ADRES lookup is updated monthly.
Where: Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social (SAT, Mi Seguridad Social) y ADRES · Online + in person
Last checked: October 1, 2026

Who needs it

Health system enrollment is mandatory for all residents of Colombia, Colombians or foreigners with a valid ID. The contributory regime covers employees, pensioners and self-employed people who can pay.

What you need

Valid ID: cédula de ciudadanía, cédula de extranjería or a valid Temporary Protection Permit (PPT). A tourist with only a passport doesn't qualify.
The Formulario Único de Afiliación y Registro de Novedades (if done at the EPS) or an active user on miseguridadsocial.gov.co (if done through SAT).
Self-employed: monthly income of at least one minimum wage and enrollment in a pension fund.
Employees: an employment contract; the employer does the enrollment and pays its share.
For dependents (spouse, children): proof of relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate.

Step by step

1Check on ADRES ('Consulte su EPS') whether you already have an active enrollment: you can only be in one EPS.
2Choose an EPS that operates in your municipality and compare its clinic network and services.
3Employee: give your employer the name of the chosen EPS and your ID; they file the enrollment.
4Self-employed: register at miseguridadsocial.gov.co and in SAT use 'Adquisición de condiciones para cotizar', or file the form at the EPS.
5Pay the PILA form (health, pension and ARL if applicable) through an operator such as Mi Planilla, Aportes en Línea, SOI, Simple, Asopagos or Enlace Operativo.
6Confirm on ADRES that you show as 'Activo' in the EPS and add your dependents.

Tips and common mistakes

The EPS cannot ask you for a health declaration to enroll you or to let you switch.
If your PPT or cédula de extranjería changes or expires, report the document update to your EPS so you don't lose your enrollment.
As a self-employed person, if you stop paying PILA your coverage is suspended for late payment. Schedule your monthly payment.
If you work under a service contract (prestación de servicios), the client checks that you paid health and pension before paying you.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner join an EPS?: Yes, if you're a resident with a valid ID, such as a cédula de extranjería or a valid PPT. Tourists with only a passport cannot enroll.
How much do I pay for EPS as a freelancer?: 12.5% of your IBC, which is 40% of your monthly income, with a floor of one minimum wage. Pension contributions are added on top.
How do I find out which EPS I'm enrolled in?: Use ADRES's free 'Consulte su EPS' service with your document type and number. It shows your EPS, regime, status and enrollment date.
When can I start using the EPS?: From the effective enrollment date you have full access to the benefits plan, not just emergencies. Enrollment is not retroactive.

Official sources

Checked on October 1, 2026. Fees and requirements can change; the official site always wins.

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