To open a business account in Colombia you normally need a registered entity with a RUT from the DIAN that shows the company NIT, a recent Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation from the Chamber of Commerce, and the legal representative identity document. Banks also check the activity and the source of funds. A foreign legal representative is usually expected to hold a Colombian visa and a Cedula de Extranjeria. Confirm the exact list with the provider.
- Core tax document
- RUT from the DIAN, showing the company NIT.
- Company proof
- Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation from the Chamber of Commerce, usually recent.
- Person check
- Legal representative identity document; foreigners normally need a visa and Cedula de Extranjeria.
- Online opening
- Varies; many banks still require in person signing. Verify with the provider.
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
What banks in Colombia ask for
As of 14 December 2025, the documents are built around proving the company exists, identifying who controls it, and meeting know your customer and anti money laundering rules. The single most important item is the RUT, the Registro Unico Tributario issued by the DIAN, because it carries the NIT that banks use to identify the entity. Alongside it, banks ask for a Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation from the relevant Chamber of Commerce, which most expect to be recent, often issued within the last 30 days. The legal representative provides an identity document, and the bank reviews the business activity and the source of funds.
The pre-RUT step for new companies
New companies can face a sequence where the final RUT and the bank account each seem to depend on the other. The common path is to obtain a provisional registration, sometimes called a pre-RUT, from the DIAN, use it to open the account, and then finalise the RUT once the bank confirms the relationship. As of 14 December 2025, the exact steps vary by bank and by Chamber of Commerce, so confirm the order with both before you start.
Foreign owners and representatives
A foreign owned company can open an account, but banks normally expect the legal representative to hold a valid Colombian visa and a Cedula de Extranjeria, the foreigner identity card. As of 14 December 2025, without these many banks will not proceed, and some apply extra checks on foreign ownership. Confirm the current policy with the provider.
Requirements and documents
A typical document set looks like this. Verify with the provider as of 14 December 2025
- RUT from the DIAN that shows the company NIT, plus the company bylaws or incorporation document.
- Certificate of Existence and Legal Representation from the Chamber of Commerce, usually recent, and the identity document of the legal representative.
- Information on the business activity and the source of funds, and in some cases financial statements or a tax return from the last year.
How to prepare
- Register the company and obtain the RUT and NIT from the DIAN, and a current Chamber of Commerce certificate.
- Gather the legal representative identity document, and for a foreign representative the visa and Cedula de Extranjeria.
- Ask your chosen bank for its full checklist and whether opening is in person or online, then confirm the current fees before you apply.
Questions about requirements in Colombia
What documents do I need to open a business account in Colombia?
What is the RUT and NIT in Colombia?
Can a foreigner be the legal representative for a Colombian business account?
Can I open a Colombian business account online?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 14 December 2025. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.