The foreign ID (cédula de extranjería) application process can take between two and four months, but that does not mean you have to go without being able to receive money.

Here we tell you which document works in the meantime, what to say to the person sending you money, and what real alternatives exist for newly arrived migrants.

Download the belo app and check how to receive money while your document is being processed according to your account and current conditions.

Receiving money without an ID in Colombia when you have just arrived

Migración Colombia gave you your entry permit, you already have a place to stay, and your family or clients need to send you money.

But when opening an account or trying to verify yourself on any financial platform, the same obstacle appears: they ask for your foreign ID, and the process can take between two and four months. This wait does not mean you have to stop operating.

Receiving money without an ID in Colombia is possible if you use the correct document from the very first step, which in most cases is your valid passport.

The most common mistake among new arrivals is assuming that they need a Colombian document for everything.

Several digital financial platforms and remittance services accept passports as a verification document, as long as they are valid and the details match what you declare on the form.

What document works when your ID is being processed

Your passport is the document that opens the door for you.

When verifying your identity on a digital platform or money transfer service, you need to upload clear photos of the data page (the one with your photo, full name, document number, and expiration date) and in many cases a real-time selfie for biometric validation.

There is a detail that blocks many people and has an immediate solution: the exact match of the name on the form.

If your passport says "María del Carmen Rodríguez López" and on the form you write "María Rodríguez", the system may reject the verification.

Check that every first and last name matches exactly, including middle names and compound last names. Some forms have separate fields for first name, middle name, paternal last name, and maternal last name, so it is best to fill them all out.

Documents that do not enable financial accounts

• A proof of a process in progress from Migración Colombia does not appear on the official lists of documents accepted by the platforms, because it does not have the security elements or biometric data that they need to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

• A proof of appointment proves that you started a process, but it does not replace a valid identity document before financial systems.

• A safe conduct (salvoconducto) also does not enable financial accounts for the same reasons as the previous ones.

• The national identity card of your country of origin is generally not accepted by Colombian platforms, because it does not have standardized international recognition like a passport.

If you are Venezuelan and your passport is expired, you should check if the specific platform accepts the PEP or PPT, as some services recognize them as valid documents for newly arrived migrants.

What to say to the sender with a document in progress

Once your verification is complete, you need to give the person sending you money the correct information, because a misspelled piece of data can delay the transfer for days or cause it to bounce.

If you are receiving from a family member, the most practical thing is to send them a message with all the details ready. An example you can copy and adapt: "Here are my details for the transfer. Full name exactly as it appears on my account: [name].

Document number: [passport number]. Document country: [country]. Platform where I receive: [app or service name]. If it asks for a code or reference, it is [code].

" This level of detail prevents your relative from having to contact you multiple times while completing the form or standing at the counter.

If you receive money from a client for freelance services, the dynamics change. Many international clients prefer transfers to virtual wallets or services that accept multiple currencies, because it simplifies the process on their end.

When sharing your billing details, include the specific transfer method and the currency you expect to receive. The clearer these details are from the start, the less likely the transfer is to be delayed.

For family remittances from countries like Venezuela, Ecuador, or Peru, services like Western Union or MoneyGram allow you to receive cash without needing a bank account in Colombia.

Your family member needs your exact full name and your passport number, and you withdraw with that same document at a local branch. The advantage is speed, although it is advisable to compare the exchange rate they apply because it usually includes an additional margin.

Real alternatives for the newly arrived migrant

If you are looking for a digital account without a Colombian document, there are virtual wallets with multi-currency accounts that allow you to verify your identity with your passport and operate in multiple currencies.

At belo we designed exactly that type of solution, an international virtual wallet that already operates in Colombia and allows you to receive and send money without relying on a local banking system, with identity verification that accepts documents from different countries.

Meanwhile, the most functional combination for a newly arrived migrant is to have at least two active channels.

One digital, verified with your passport, for transfers from clients or incoming transfers from international platforms. And one for cash withdrawals, such as a remittance agency, for urgent transfers from family members who do not use apps.

The foreign ID application process with Migración Colombia takes time and you cannot speed it up.

With a valid passport, correctly written details, and the right channels, you can receive money from day one. What matters is verifying yourself with what you already have, not with what has not arrived yet.

Download the belo app and check the current conditions according to your account.

Frequently asked questions on how to receive money in Colombia while your document is being processed

Can I open a bank account in Colombia only with a passport?

Most traditional banks in Colombia require a foreign ID to open accounts. However, several digital financial platforms do accept a valid passport as the sole verification document, making them the most accessible option while your immigration process moves forward.

How long does the foreign ID application process take on average?

The process with Migración Colombia can take between two and four months, depending on the volume of applications and the type of permit you have. During that period, your valid passport is the document that allows you to operate on platforms that recognize it as valid.

What happens if my Venezuelan passport is expired?

Some services accept the Special Permit of Permanence (PEP) or the Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) as alternative documents for Venezuelan migrants. It is worth checking directly with each platform before starting the verification process.

Can I receive cash remittances without having a bank account?

Yes. Services like Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to withdraw cash at local branches just by presenting your valid passport and full name exactly as it appears registered in the transfer. The money is usually available in minutes.

Is it safe to give my passport details to a digital platform?

Regulated platforms that request identity verification are required to comply with data protection and anti-money laundering regulations. Verify that the platform you use is registered and supervised by financial authorities before sharing your information.