How to register with Sisbén for the first time in Colombia

Last updated: June 2026

Almost all government assistance programs in Colombia begin with the same question: "Are you registered in the Sisbén system?" And many families are left out of a subsidy not because they don't deserve it, but because they never took the first step. That's why understanding How to register in Sisbén For the first time, this is the foundation of everything: without this registration, programs like Citizen's Income, My Home Now, or the subsidized health insurance system won't even see you. Here we explain the complete process, free of charge and without intermediaries.

In short: registering with Sisbén means requesting the socioeconomic survey at your local Sisbén office. It's free, you request it yourself, and after the visit, your household is classified into a group that qualifies you for subsidies. You don't have to pay anyone or wait for a "call.".

What is Sisbén and what is it for?

The Sisbén is the System for Identifying Potential Beneficiaries of Social Programs. Simply put, it's the tool the government uses to measure the living conditions of each household to determine who needs the most support. It's administered by the National Planning Department and implemented by the municipalities themselves.

It's not a subsidy in itself, but rather the key that unlocks other subsidies. Being registered and properly classified is what allows you to apply for housing, healthcare, education, and cash transfers. That's why we say it's the first step every low-income family should take care of.

How to register in Sisbén for the first time?

Registration begins in your municipality. To find out more How to register in Sisbén Without further ado, I followed these steps:

• Look for the Sisbén office in your municipality. Almost all municipalities have a Sisbén office or service point; ask at the mayor's office or on your municipality's website.
• Request the survey. I requested that the socioeconomic survey be scheduled for your household. This is the core of the registration process.
• I received the visit or attended the point. A surveyor collects data from your home and from each member of the household.
• Wait for your group's post. After processing the information, the system classifies your home and you can check it.

The entire process is free. If someone offers to "get you into" the Sisbén system or "boost your score" in exchange for money, stay away: that's a scam and could exclude you from the programs.

What documents do I need to register?

Your municipality will confirm the exact requirements, but generally they will ask for:

• Identity document of the head of the household and of each member (identity card, identity card or civil registry according to age).
• Housing details where the household lives (address and, sometimes, a utility bill).
• Home Information: how many people live there, their relationship to each person, their occupation and their situation.

Answer truthfully. The survey assesses your actual living conditions, and providing false information is not only illegal, but it can also disqualify you from receiving subsidies when the system cross-references the information with other government databases.

How do I check my Sisbén group after registering?

Once the survey has been processed, you can check your ranking on the official portal of Sisbén with your document number. The current system, Sisbén IV, no longer uses a score from 0 to 100, but rather groups (A, B, C and D) with subgroups that order households from lowest to highest resources.

Understanding which group you're in is key, because each program requires a different group. It helps to review how the groups work. Sisbén groups for subsidies And, if your financial situation has changed, find out How to update the Sisbén survey so that your rating reflects the reality of your home.

What benefits do I get from being registered in Sisbén?

Being registered and well-ranked enables you to apply for a large part of the country's social programs: housing subsidies such as Mi Casa Ya requirements, The subsidized health insurance system, cash transfer programs, and educational support. Each has its own rules, but all start from the same registry.

That's why we insist: Sisbén doesn't provide direct cash assistance, but without it, almost no help reaches anyone. It's the first link in the chain. You can see the full picture of social services in our guide on [the relevant section]. State aid and subsidies in Colombia, where we explain how programs connect to each other.

How to register in Sisbén for the first time

Registering with Sisbén isn't done through an online form: it starts with an application at your municipality and ends with a survey at your home. Knowing the order will save you time and hassle. Here's the general process.

General registration process. The procedure may vary by municipality; confirm the steps with your local mayor's office or on the official Sisbén website.

Passed	What does it consist of?
1	Go to the Sisbén office in your mayor's office or municipality and request the survey.
2	Schedule the surveyor's visit to your home.
3	Answer the survey with real household data (members, income, conditions).
4	Wait for the information to be processed.
5	Check your classification on the official Sisbén portal with your document.

Common mistakes when registering for the first time

• Believing that everything can be done online: Initial registration requires an application in your municipality and an in-person survey at home.
• Providing inaccurate information in the survey: The information is cross-referenced with other databases; the actual data prevents future problems and misclassification.
• Do not update after a change: If you change your address, members, or income, request an update so that your rating reflects your current situation.

Frequently asked questions about registering with Sisbén

How much does it cost to register with Sisbén?

Nothing. Registration and the survey are completely free and are handled by your local mayor's office. No official Sisbén procedure charges for registration or for assigning you to a group.

How long does it take for my ranking to be released?

After the survey, processing may take a few weeks. Once that time has passed, check your group on the official Sisbén website using your ID number.

Can I register online?

The registration process begins with requesting the survey in your municipality; a surveyor will conduct the visit. You can check your status and group on the official website, but the initial registration is handled through your local mayor's office.

What happens if I move to another municipality?

You need to report the change to the Sisbén office in your new municipality so that your registration remains valid where you actually live. Keeping your information up-to-date prevents you from losing access to the programs.

How Hepacom accompanies you

At the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation, we know that paperwork can be daunting and that many families abandon the process for fear of making a mistake. Our job is to demystify it: explaining which office to request the survey from, what documents to bring, and how to read your group when it appears, so that you don't miss out on any assistance because you didn't understand the first step.

We support families so that the Sisbén system stops being an obstacle and becomes the gateway to decent housing and the subsidies they are entitled to. Find more guides on aid and rights in our blog, Discover all our work in the Hepacom homepage And if you need support, write to us at donaciones@hepacom.org.

Information guide. The process is handled by the Sisbén office in your municipality and the National Planning Department. Verify the current offices, documents, and requirements through official channels before starting the process. Hepacom does not charge fees or manage payments or registrations.