Can a foreigner get Sisbén?

Yes, if they have a valid document in Colombia, such as a printed PPT or cédula de extranjería, and live in the country.

How do I check my Sisbén by ID number?

At reportes.sisben.gov.co/dnp_sisbenconsulta choose the document type, enter the number and see your group and survey date.

How much does the Sisbén survey cost?

Nothing. It is free online and at municipal offices.

Health & pension

How do I request the Sisbén survey and check my group?

Sisbén IV ranks households into groups A (extreme poverty), B (moderate poverty), C (vulnerable) and D (neither poor nor vulnerable) to decide access to subsidies and social programmes. You request the survey for free on the DNP Portal Ciudadano or at your municipality's Sisbén office, and check your group online with your ID. Foreigners with a PPT or cédula de extranjería can apply too.

Go to the official Departamento Nacional de Planeación (DNP) — Sisbén site ↗

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

Cost: Free. The survey and every Sisbén procedure cost nothing.
How long: It depends on each municipality's survey schedule. Document updates on the portal are processed in about six business days.
Where: Departamento Nacional de Planeación (DNP) — Sisbén · Online + in person
Last checked: October 1, 2026

Who needs it

Households seeking subsidies (subsidised health, housing such as Mi Casa Ya, Renta Ciudadana, scholarships). Colombians and foreigners with a valid document such as a PPT or cédula de extranjería can apply.

What you need

Valid ID for every household member (cédula, tarjeta de identidad, registro civil; foreigners: PPT, cédula de extranjería or another valid document).
The PPT must be the printed card; the approval certificate is not accepted.
Exact home address and a recent utility bill (electricity or water).
An email address and contact phone number.
The head of household (14 or older) applies, once per household.

Step by step

1Go to portalciudadano.sisben.gov.co, register and choose to request a survey, or visit your city hall's Sisbén office.
2Enter the exact address and the documents of every household member.
3Wait for the surveyor's home visit and answer truthfully.
4After validation, check your group at reportes.sisben.gov.co/dnp_sisbenconsulta with document type and number.
5To update data or add members (up to 3) use the Portal Ciudadano; if you moved, you must request a new survey.

Tips and common mistakes

Nobody may charge you for the survey or promise you a lower group. Report anyone who offers that.
If your document changes (for example from PEP to PPT or cédula de extranjería), update it on the Portal Ciudadano so you don't lose benefits.
If you move, even within the same municipality, you have to request a new survey.
Each programme sets its own group cut-off: being in C doesn't guarantee a given subsidy.

Frequently asked questions

What do Sisbén groups A, B, C and D mean?: A is extreme poverty, B moderate poverty, C vulnerable and D neither poor nor vulnerable. Each group has subgroups (A1 to D21).
Can a foreigner get Sisbén?: Yes, if they have a valid document in Colombia, such as a printed PPT or cédula de extranjería, and live in the country.
How do I check my Sisbén by ID number?: At reportes.sisben.gov.co/dnp_sisbenconsulta choose the document type, enter the number and see your group and survey date.
How much does the Sisbén survey cost?: Nothing. It is free online and at municipal offices.

Official sources

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

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