Housing loan with the FNA: how to register step by step

Last updated: June 2026

Marisol had been paying rent for years, believing that a home loan was only available to those with a high salary and a friendly bank. A neighbor told her about the National Savings Fund, she enrolled using her severance pay, and today she pays the mortgage on her own house. Her story is not unusual: FNA housing loan It is one of the most accessible paths available to a working family in Colombia, and it begins with a simple step: becoming a member.

In short: to access the FNA housing loan First, you need to be a member, and there are two ways to become one. One is to transfer your severance pay to the Fund; the other is to open a Contractual Voluntary Savings (AVC) account if you are self-employed or don't have severance pay. Once you are a member and have a savings history, you can apply for a loan to buy a new or used home, build or improve your house, or pay off a mortgage. Here we explain the process step by step, without any fine print.

What is the National Savings Fund and why is it beneficial to join?

The National Savings Fund is a state-run entity designed to help working people save for and finance their homes under more favorable conditions than those offered by commercial banks. The underlying idea is simple: the government helps you save and borrow money so you can stop paying rent and build equity. That's why many low- and middle-income families find in it an option that traditional banks cannot provide.

Before taking the step, it's important that you understand How mortgage loans work In general, because the FNA loan follows the same quota and term logic, only with a more social focus. Knowing this prevents you from borrowing more than your budget can handle.

What are the two ways to join the FNA?

There isn't just one entry point, and that's good news: the Fund considered both the employee with a contract and the self-employed. These are the two routes.

• Due to severance pay. If you have formal employment, you can transfer your severance pay to the FNA (National Savings Fund). The Fund will use these accumulated savings to evaluate your loan application. This is the most common option for those with formal employment contracts.
• Through Contractual Voluntary Savings (AVC). If you're self-employed, paid for services, or simply don't have severance pay, you open a savings plan. You commit to saving a certain amount each month for a set period, and that responsible saving is what unlocks your credit.

Either one works. Which one you get depends on your employment situation, not on how much money you have saved today.

How to join the FNA step by step?

The process can be done online or in person, and it's shorter than people think. These are the basic steps to become a member.

• Gather your document. You need to be over 18 years old and have a valid ID card. For foreigners, a valid identification document in the country is required.
• Fill out the single membership form. You can find it on the Fund's digital channels or at its service points.
• Choose your route. Mark whether you are joining through unemployment insurance (and authorize the transfer from your current administrator) or through AVC (and define the monthly amount you will save).
• Start building a history. The Fund reviews your savings history before approving a loan. It's not an overnight process; it's about sowing seeds to reap the rewards.

If you choose the AVC, keep in mind that the plan has a minimum term of twelve months and a monthly payment that the Fund sets according to current regulations. That's why it's crucial to review your borrowing capacity and commit only to savings that you can truly sustain month after month.

What is the FNA housing loan used for?

The loan isn't just for buying things. The Fund finances various purposes, making it useful for families at different times.

• Buy a new or used home. The most sought-after use, for those who are finally going to own their own home.
• Build on your own lot. If you already own the land, the loan helps you build the house.
• Improve or expand your home. For major renovations that make your home more dignified and secure.
• Release a mortgage. To transfer to FNA a loan that you already have with another entity under more burdensome conditions.

And importantly: FNA loans can be combined with government subsidies. If you have a low-income household, it's worth checking the housing subsidy from compensation fund before finalizing the numbers, because that contribution can lower your initial payment.

How much do you need to get started and how do you save on the entrance fee?

Many people believe they need to have the full down payment to even join, but that's not the case. What the Fund looks at is your consistency: that you save regularly and that your income covers a monthly payment. You build up the down payment as you go.

Even so, it's helpful to know what to aim for. That's why we recommend reading about how much you need of down payment to buy a home And plan your savings in advance. Arriving with a comfortable income, rather than just a very small amount, opens up better conditions and reduces the risk of your application being denied.

Where can I verify official FNA information?

The Fund's terms, rates, and amounts change with the regulations, so never rely on what an advertisement or intermediary says. Consult the section directly. savings and membership of the National Savings Fund, where you'll find the current forms and requirements. And if you're going to transfer your severance pay, check the official website of FNA severance pay To understand the transfer timeline, deciding with the official source in hand is the best way to avoid wasting time and money.

Comparative table: the two ways to join the FNA

There isn't just one way in. The path you take depends on your employment situation, not how much money you have saved today.

Affiliation route	For whom	How does saving demonstrate?	Condition to take into account
Transfer of severance pay	Those who have formal employment	With the severance pay accumulated in the Fund	Authorize the transfer from your current administrator
Contractual Voluntary Savings (AVC)	Self-employed or without unemployment benefits	With a monthly savings plan agreed upon and fulfilled	Plan with a minimum term of twelve months

This is a guideline. The terms, fees, and deadlines for the AVC (Additional Savings Account) are set by current regulations. Check the current requirements in the savings and membership section of the National Savings Fund.

Common mistakes when completing this procedure

• Believing that you need the full initial fee to join. The Fund checks your savings record; the entry is arranged along the way.
• Committing to savings you can't sustain. In the AVC, a monthly payment that is too high becomes difficult to meet; adjust it to your actual capacity.
• Do not review subsidies in parallel. The loan can be combined with government subsidies, which lowers the monthly payment; check these before finalizing the figures.

Frequently asked questions about FNA housing loans

Do I need to have formal employment to join the FNA?

No. If you have formal employment, you can enroll by transferring your severance pay, but if you're self-employed or don't manage severance pay, you enroll through the Contractual Voluntary Savings program. That second option exists specifically for self-employed workers.

How long should I save before applying for the loan?

The Fund evaluates your savings history and consistency, so it's not immediate. In the case of the AVC (Voluntary Savings Account), the plan has a minimum term of twelve months. The important thing is to save consistently, because that discipline is what sustains your application.

Can an FNA loan be used for construction if I already own the land?

Yes. The Fund's housing loan finances the purchase of new or used homes, construction on your own lot, home improvements, and mortgage payoffs. Owning the land is a good starting point for applying for a loan for construction.

Can I combine a government subsidy with an FNA loan?

Yes, and it's a good idea. The loan can be combined with housing subsidies, which reduces the amount you have to finance and lowers your monthly payment. Check your eligibility with your compensation fund or through current national programs.

How Hepacom accompanies you

At the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation, we've seen many families dismiss the dream of homeownership because they believe loans aren't for people like them. The truth is, options like the National Savings Fund exist precisely for the average worker, and all it takes is someone to calmly explain where to begin.

We help you understand which membership path is right for you, organize your savings before applying for a loan, and identify which subsidies you could qualify for to lower your monthly payment. Find more guides on housing and your rights in our blog, Discover all our work in the Hepacom homepage And if you need guidance, write to us at donaciones@hepacom.org.

Information guide. The process is handled by the official entity. Verify the current conditions, fees, and requirements through the official channel before making any decisions. Hepacom does not collect or process payments or loans.