How much does the police background certificate cost?

Nothing. Checking and downloading it on the Policía Nacional portal is free.

Can a foreigner get a police background check in Colombia?

Yes. The portal lets you search with a cédula de extranjería, passport or home-country document.

Does the police certificate expire?

The certificate shows the date and time of the check, and whoever asks for it usually wants a recent one. Download it right before you submit it.

What other background certificates might I be asked for?

Usually also the Procuraduría (disciplinary), Contraloría (fiscal) and the Police corrective-measures register (RNMC).

Background certificates

How do I get my Colombian police background certificate?

The police background check (antecedentes judiciales) is free on the Policía Nacional website and takes a few minutes. You only need your ID number, which can be a cédula de ciudadanía, cédula de extranjería or passport. You save the result as a PDF or print it.

Go to the official Policía Nacional de Colombia site ↗

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

Cost: Free
How long: Immediate: the result appears on screen when you search.
Where: Policía Nacional de Colombia · Online
Last checked: October 1, 2026

Who needs it

Anyone asked for it by an employer, landlord, consulate (visa) or for a procedure abroad. Both Colombians and foreigners can check it.

What you need

Your ID document number.
Document type: cédula de ciudadanía, cédula de extranjería, passport, or home-country document.
An internet connection and a browser to save or print the result.

Step by step

1Go to antecedentes.policia.gov.co:7005/WebJudicial/ (or from policia.gov.co, option Antecedentes judiciales).
2Read the terms of use, tick Acepto and click Enviar.
3Type your document number without dots and choose the document type.
4Tick 'No soy un robot' and click Consultar.
5Print the page or choose Save as PDF to keep your certificate.

Tips and common mistakes

Beware of look-alike sites that charge for the certificate. The only official portal ends in policia.gov.co and the check is free.
Under Decree 019 of 2012, no entity can require a judicial certificate for procedures in Colombia; even so, many employers and consulates ask for it.
If you'll use it abroad, apostille it online with the Cancillería and, if the destination requires it, get an official translation.
If your data is wrong or your document isn't found, email [email protected] attaching a copy of your ID.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the police background certificate cost?: Nothing. Checking and downloading it on the Policía Nacional portal is free.
Can a foreigner get a police background check in Colombia?: Yes. The portal lets you search with a cédula de extranjería, passport or home-country document.
Does the police certificate expire?: The certificate shows the date and time of the check, and whoever asks for it usually wants a recent one. Download it right before you submit it.
What other background certificates might I be asked for?: Usually also the Procuraduría (disciplinary), Contraloría (fiscal) and the Police corrective-measures register (RNMC).

Official sources

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

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