Colombia

Issue invoices, credit notes, and debit notes through the Colombian DIAN system.

Description

Register suppliers

Supplier registration guide ›

Issue invoices

Invoicing guide ›

Developer	Invopop
Category	Government
Scope	B2B, B2C
Country	Colombia
System	DIAN

The DIAN in Colombia stands for Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (National Directorate of Taxes and Customs). It is the government agency responsible for managing and overseeing tax collection, customs operations, and facilitating international trade.

Electronic invoicing in Colombia is mandatory and operates on a real-time clearance model whereby every invoice must receive a unique identifier called a CUFE (Código Único de Factura Electrónica) issued by the DIAN; credit and debit notes receive the equivalent CUDE.

Invopop’s Colombia app has partnered with Alegra, an authorized technology provider for DIAN electronic invoicing, to onboard suppliers and issue documents on their behalf. The app handles the DIAN enablement (habilitación) through a hosted portal, keeps track of the supplier’s billing numbering resolutions, and clears invoices, credit notes, and debit notes in real time.

Key features

• Workflow automation: Automated workflows for registering suppliers and issuing invoices, credit notes, and debit notes through the DIAN system.
• Clearance: Every document is validated by the DIAN before it’s issued, receiving its unique CUFE or CUDE code as the dian-cude stamp on the envelope.
• Supplier onboarding: A hosted portal walks suppliers through the DIAN enablement test set, with the workflow resuming automatically once the DIAN accepts it. You can also submit the test set via the API.
• Resolution management: Billing numbering resolutions are fetched from the DIAN automatically and invoice numbers are validated against them before sending. You can also list them via the API.
• UBL 2.1 generation: The signed DIAN XML (AttachedDocument) is stored as a file on the silo entry.
• QR code: The DIAN QR code is added as the dian-qr stamp, ready for legally compliant PDF generation.
• Legally compliant PDF invoices: The send workflow renders a PDF with all mandatory fields, the CUFE or CUDE, and the DIAN QR code.

Check out the guides below to get started:

• Supplier registration · Invoicing

FAQ

Invoicing questions

My GOBL document for a Colombian invoice fails to build because of the postal code

The DIAN expects a 5-digit municipal code, not a 6-digit postal code, in the supplier’s co-dian-municipality extension.

How does Invopop issue invoices in Colombia?

Through Alegra, an authorized DIAN technology provider. The send workflow signs the GOBL envelope, clears it with the DIAN, stamps the CUFE and QR code, and generates a compliant PDF.

What does a GOBL invoice need to be accepted by the DIAN?

Set $schema to https://gobl.org/draft-0/bill/invoice, the supplier’s tax_id.country to CO, and include the supplier’s and customer’s DIAN municipality codes via the co-dian-municipality extension in each party’s ext. See the GOBL Colombia tax regime for the full field reference and examples.

Which taxes can appear on a Colombian invoice?

VAT (IVA, 19% standard or 5% reduced), consumption taxes (IC, INC), the industry and commerce tax (ICA), and the retained taxes ReteIVA, ReteICA, and Retefuente. A single invoice may need to combine up to three value added and retained taxes, all supported by the GOBL Colombia tax regime.

Which document types can I issue in Colombia?

Invoices, credit notes, and debit notes. Credit and debit notes reference the corrected invoice in the preceding array; debit notes require every preceding entry to carry the dian-cude stamp of the original invoice.

What are the sandbox limitations for Colombia?

Only Alegra’s NIT (9005590882) can be the supplier. Invoices use series SETP with codes 990000000–995000000 (shared across users, so avoid common codes) and today’s date in Colombia.

Why was my invoice rejected for its series or number?

The series, code, and issue date must fall within an active DIAN numbering resolution. Resolutions are refreshed automatically, so a rejection usually means it expired or ran out and the supplier needs a new one from the DIAN.

Registering supplier questions

What does a supplier need before issuing invoices in Colombia?

The supplier must be registered with the DIAN with an active RUT (Registro Único Tributario), complete the DIAN habilitación, and hold a valid billing numbering range authorization. The supplier registration guide walks through each step.

How do I register a supplier in Colombia?

Upload a GOBL party with the supplier’s name, NIT (with verification digit), and email, then run the registration workflow. It publishes an enablement portal link under registration-link in the entry’s meta; the supplier’s legal representative completes the DIAN enablement there, and the workflow finishes once the DIAN accepts it. See the supplier registration guide.

What is the DIAN habilitación?

A one-time DIAN certification required before issuing real invoices. The supplier submits a TestSetId from the DIAN portal through the hosted portal, Alegra sends the test documents, and the supplier is enabled once the DIAN accepts them.

Do I need to register suppliers in the sandbox?

Yes, but only Alegra’s NIT (9005590882) can be registered. The enablement is simulated: enter the TestSetId a70562e0-631e-4ceb-aa65-36887b57dc17 for an instant acceptance. Other outcomes are in the sandbox section of the guide.

Does the billing numbering range authorization expire?

Yes, both by number limit and by date. Before a range with unused numbers expires, the supplier can extend it (extension request); once it’s used up, they request a new one (new authorization). Updated resolutions are picked up automatically.

More answers in our Colombia FAQ section

Actions

The following workflow actions will be available once you install and enable this app:

Registration

Register supplier

Wait for DIAN enablement

Pauses the workflow until the DIAN accepts the enablement test set the supplier submits from the portal.

Unregister supplier

Removes the supplier’s registration. Registering the supplier again starts over with a new enablement.

Invoicing

Send to DIAN

Workflows

Registration

Colombia register supplier

Add to my workspace →

Colombia register supplier workflow

{
    "name": "Colombia register supplier",
    "description": "Register a supplier with the DIAN through Alegra",
    "schema": "org/party",
    "steps": [
        {
            "id": "9cb7f64d-95df-414d-9945-b204a1993d4b",
            "name": "Set state",
            "provider": "silo.state",
            "summary": "Set state to `processing`{.state .processing}",
            "config": {
                "state": "processing"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "19ad51e4-7277-4ce7-909d-30bd6aeca68d",
            "name": "Register supplier",
            "provider": "gov-co.register"
        },
        {
            "id": "8b9fd00a-fa37-466f-9c89-c44a4a680d39",
            "name": "Wait for DIAN enablement",
            "provider": "gov-co.wait.enablement"
        },
        {
            "id": "0f69cd97-bbc3-46e6-bd53-7ccd44945107",
            "name": "Set state",
            "provider": "silo.state",
            "summary": "Set state to `registered`{.state .registered}",
            "config": {
                "state": "registered"
            }
        }
    ],
    "rescue": [
        {
            "id": "65de083c-5053-4f87-b269-fc2028cd74f8",
            "name": "Set state",
            "provider": "silo.state",
            "summary": "Set state to `error`{.state .error}",
            "config": {
                "state": "error"
            }
        }
    ]
}

Invoicing

Colombia send invoice

Add to my workspace →

Colombia send invoice workflow

{
    "name": "Colombia send invoice",
    "description": "Issue an invoice through the DIAN and generate a PDF",
    "schema": "bill/invoice",
    "steps": [
        {
            "id": "4ede1ca2-7550-4ca9-b007-ebef2bd58dac",
            "name": "Set state",
            "provider": "silo.state",
            "summary": "Set state to `processing`{.state .processing}",
            "config": {
                "state": "processing"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "1e35463c-2fb3-4157-a589-4afbafe5fc5b",
            "name": "Add sequential code",
            "provider": "sequence.enumerate",
            "summary": "Dynamic · DIAN · 1",
            "config": {
                "name": "Colombia",
                "padding": 1,
                "prefix": "",
                "start": 1
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "ade3b20b-5d0c-4663-8907-b439f6e7baaa",
            "name": "Sign envelope",
            "provider": "silo.close"
        },
        {
            "id": "20d33e51-2086-4507-a170-946168ba14af",
            "name": "Send to DIAN",
            "provider": "gov-co.send"
        },
        {
            "id": "3cbd4b30-4259-46b4-9be1-ec7bad1d7cda",
            "name": "Generate PDF",
            "provider": "pdf",
            "summary": "Spanish · Letter",
            "config": {
                "date_format": "%Y-%m-%d",
                "layout": "Letter",
                "locale": "es",
                "logo_height": 40
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "871259a3-85f0-4066-b7cc-655f383ec66d",
            "name": "Set state",
            "provider": "silo.state",
            "summary": "Set state to `sent`{.state .sent}",
            "config": {
                "state": "sent"
            }
        }
    ],
    "rescue": [
        {
            "id": "58582217-f8c2-4b5f-8b1f-576b0680ad84",
            "name": "Set state",
            "provider": "silo.state",
            "summary": "Set state to `error`{.state .error}",
            "config": {
                "state": "error"
            }
        }
    ]
}

Documents

Colombia supplier

The name, NIT with the verification digit, and an email address are required for registration. The example also includes the address and the co-dian-municipality extension identifying where the supplier is registered, and uses Alegra’s sandbox NIT so it can be registered in the sandbox.

Colombia supplier example

{
    "$schema": "https://gobl.org/draft-0/org/party",
    "name": "EXAMPLE SUPPLIER S.A.S.",
    "tax_id": {
        "country": "CO",
        "type": "tin",
        "code": "9005590882"
    },
    "addresses": [
        {
            "street": "CRA 15 88 64 OF 502",
            "locality": "Bogotá, D.C.",
            "region": "Bogotá",
            "country": "CO"
        }
    ],
    "emails": [
        {
            "addr": "[e-mail]"
        }
    ],
    "ext": {
        "co-dian-municipality": "11001"
    }
}

If the supplier has special tax obligations, set them with the co-dian-fiscal-responsibility extension: O-13 Gran contribuyente, O-15 Autorretenedor, O-23 Agente de retención IVA, or O-47 Régimen simple de tributación. It defaults to R-99-PN when none apply.

Colombia customer

A business customer with name, NIT, and the co-dian-municipality extension, which invoices require, plus the address, email, and phone usually shown on the invoice.

Colombia customer example

{
    "$schema": "https://gobl.org/draft-0/org/party",
    "name": "EXAMPLE CUSTOMER S.A.S.",
    "tax_id": {
        "country": "CO",
        "type": "tin",
        "code": "9014514805"
    },
    "addresses": [
        {
            "street": "CRA 8 113 31 OF 703",
            "locality": "Bogotá, D.C.",
            "region": "Bogotá",
            "country": "CO"
        }
    ],
    "emails": [
        {
            "addr": "[e-mail]"
        }
    ],
    "telephones": [
        {
            "num": "3114131811"
        }
    ],
    "ext": {
        "co-dian-municipality": "11001"
    }
}

Example B2B invoice

In this example, we’re issuing a B2B invoice from a Colombian supplier to another Colombian business customer.

Notice:

• the $schema is set to https://gobl.org/draft-0/bill/invoice,
• the supplier uses Alegra’s sandbox NIT and the series is the SETP test series, so the example can be sent in the sandbox,
• both parties carry the DIAN municipality code in the co-dian-municipality extension,
• the invoice includes VAT at the standard Colombian rate of 19%,
• payment terms are specified with a due date and payment amount, and,
• there are no calculations in some fields; these will be made automatically when uploading.

Colombia B2B invoice

{
  "$schema": "https://gobl.org/draft-0/bill/invoice",
  "series": "SETP",
  "code": "990001001",
  "issue_date": "2026-10-13",
  "currency": "COP",
  "supplier": {
    "name": "EXAMPLE SUPPLIER S.A.S.",
    "tax_id": {
      "country": "CO",
      "type": "tin",
      "code": "9005590882"
    },
    "addresses": [
      {
        "street": "CRA 15 88 64 OF 502",
        "locality": "Bogotá, D.C.",
        "region": "Bogotá",
        "country": "CO"
      }
    ],
    "ext": {
      "co-dian-municipality": "11001"
    }
  },
  "customer": {
    "name": "EXAMPLE CUSTOMER S.A.S.",
    "tax_id": {
      "country": "CO",
      "type": "tin",
      "code": "9014514805"
    },
    "addresses": [
      {
        "street": "CRA 8 113 31 OF 703",
        "locality": "Bogotá, D.C.",
        "region": "Bogotá",
        "country": "CO"
      }
    ],
    "emails": [
      {
        "addr": "[e-mail]"
      }
    ],
    "telephones": [
      {
        "num": "3114131811"
      }
    ],
    "ext": {
      "co-dian-municipality": "11001"
    }
  },
  "lines": [
    {
      "quantity": "1",
      "item": {
        "name": "Servicios de consultoría",
        "price": "200000.00"
      },
      "taxes": [
        {
          "cat": "VAT",
          "percent": "19%"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "payment": {
    "terms": {
      "due_dates": [
        {
          "date": "2026-11-12",
          "percent": "100%"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

Example B2C invoice

In this example, we’re issuing a B2C simplified invoice from a Colombian supplier to a consumer.

Notice:

• we’ve set the simplified tag in the tax.tags field; this indicates the invoice is for a final consumer,
• the customer information is omitted, as it’s not required for B2C transactions; the DIAN receives it as Consumidor final,
• the invoice includes a prepayment advance of 100%, meaning the invoice has been fully paid,
• the totals section shows the advance and due amounts, with the latter being zero since the invoice is fully paid, and,
• there are no calculations in some fields; these will be made automatically when uploading.

Colombia B2C invoice

{
  "$schema": "https://gobl.org/draft-0/bill/invoice",
  "series": "SETP",
  "code": "990001002",
  "issue_date": "2026-10-13",
  "currency": "COP",
  "tax": {
    "tags": [
      "simplified"
    ]
  },
  "supplier": {
    "name": "EXAMPLE SUPPLIER S.A.S.",
    "tax_id": {
      "country": "CO",
      "type": "tin",
      "code": "9005590882"
    },
    "addresses": [
      {
        "street": "CRA 15 88 64 OF 502",
        "locality": "Bogotá, D.C.",
        "region": "Bogotá",
        "country": "CO"
      }
    ],
    "ext": {
      "co-dian-municipality": "11001"
    }
  },
  "lines": [
    {
      "quantity": "1",
      "item": {
        "name": "Servicios de consultoría",
        "price": "200000.00"
      },
      "taxes": [
        {
          "cat": "VAT",
          "percent": "19%"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "payment": {
    "advances": [
      {
        "description": "Prepaid",
        "percent": "100%"
      }
    ]
  }
}

Example credit note

In this example, we’re issuing a credit note (nota de crédito) that corrects a previously issued invoice.

Notice:

• the type is set to credit-note,
• the series is set to a dedicated credit note series, separate from the invoice series,
• the preceding array references the original invoice being corrected by its series, code, and issue_date, along with a reason for the correction,
• the correction concept is set with the co-dian-credit-code extension on the preceding entry,
• the lines describe the amounts being credited — a credit note can cover the full original invoice or just part of it, and,
• there are no calculations in some fields; these will be made automatically when uploading.

Colombia credit note

{
  "$schema": "https://gobl.org/draft-0/bill/invoice",
  "type": "credit-note",
  "series": "NCTP",
  "code": "1",
  "issue_date": "2026-10-13",
  "currency": "COP",
  "preceding": [
    {
      "type": "standard",
      "series": "SETP",
      "code": "990001001",
      "issue_date": "2026-10-13",
      "reason": "Servicios no prestados",
      "ext": {
        "co-dian-credit-code": "1"
      }
    }
  ],
  "supplier": {
    "name": "EXAMPLE SUPPLIER S.A.S.",
    "tax_id": {
      "country": "CO",
      "type": "tin",
      "code": "9005590882"
    },
    "addresses": [
      {
        "street": "CRA 15 88 64 OF 502",
        "locality": "Bogotá, D.C.",
        "region": "Bogotá",
        "country": "CO"
      }
    ],
    "ext": {
      "co-dian-municipality": "11001"
    }
  },
  "customer": {
    "name": "EXAMPLE CUSTOMER S.A.S.",
    "tax_id": {
      "country": "CO",
      "type": "tin",
      "code": "9014514805"
    },
    "addresses": [
      {
        "street": "CRA 8 113 31 OF 703",
        "locality": "Bogotá, D.C.",
        "region": "Bogotá",
        "country": "CO"
      }
    ],
    "emails": [
      {
        "addr": "[e-mail]"
      }
    ],
    "telephones": [
      {
        "num": "3114131811"
      }
    ],
    "ext": {
      "co-dian-municipality": "11001"
    }
  },
  "lines": [
    {
      "quantity": "1",
      "item": {
        "name": "Servicios de consultoría",
        "price": "200000.00"
      },
      "taxes": [
        {
          "cat": "VAT",
          "percent": "19%"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Example debit note

In this example, we’re issuing a debit note (nota de débito) that increases the amount of a previously cleared invoice.

Notice:

• the type is set to debit-note,
• the series is set to a dedicated debit note series, separate from the invoice series; notes don’t need a numbering resolution,
• the preceding array references the original invoice by its series, code, and issue_date, along with a reason for the adjustment,
• the preceding entry carries the dian-cude stamp of the original invoice, taken from its cleared envelope; the DIAN requires it for every debit note,
• the adjustment concept is set with the co-dian-debit-code extension on the preceding entry,
• the lines describe only the additional amount being charged, and,
• there are no calculations in some fields; these will be made automatically when uploading.

Colombia debit note

{
  "$schema": "https://gobl.org/draft-0/bill/invoice",
  "type": "debit-note",
  "series": "NDTP",
  "code": "1",
  "issue_date": "2026-10-13",
  "currency": "COP",
  "preceding": [
    {
      "type": "standard",
      "series": "SETP",
      "code": "990001001",
      "issue_date": "2026-10-13",
      "reason": "Ajuste del valor de los servicios",
      "stamps": [
        {
          "prv": "dian-cude",
          "val": "3f8c1c9b6e0a4f2d8b7a5c3e1d9f0a2b4c6e8d0f1a3b5c7d9e1f2a4b6c8d0e2f4a6b8c0d2e4f6a8b0c2d4e6f8a0b2c4d6e8"
        }
      ],
      "ext": {
        "co-dian-debit-code": "3"
      }
    }
  ],
  "supplier": {
    "name": "EXAMPLE SUPPLIER S.A.S.",
    "tax_id": {
      "country": "CO",
      "type": "tin",
      "code": "9005590882"
    },
    "addresses": [
      {
        "street": "CRA 15 88 64 OF 502",
        "locality": "Bogotá, D.C.",
        "region": "Bogotá",
        "country": "CO"
      }
    ],
    "ext": {
      "co-dian-municipality": "11001"
    }
  },
  "customer": {
    "name": "EXAMPLE CUSTOMER S.A.S.",
    "tax_id": {
      "country": "CO",
      "type": "tin",
      "code": "9014514805"
    },
    "addresses": [
      {
        "street": "CRA 8 113 31 OF 703",
        "locality": "Bogotá, D.C.",
        "region": "Bogotá",
        "country": "CO"
      }
    ],
    "emails": [
      {
        "addr": "[e-mail]"
      }
    ],
    "telephones": [
      {
        "num": "3114131811"
      }
    ],
    "ext": {
      "co-dian-municipality": "11001"
    }
  },
  "lines": [
    {
      "quantity": "1",
      "item": {
        "name": "Ajuste de precio de los servicios de consultoría",
        "price": "50000.00"
      },
      "taxes": [
        {
          "cat": "VAT",
          "percent": "19%"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Copy and paste these documents into the GOBL builder in order to preview and verify them.

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🇨🇴 Invopop resources for Colombia

Compliance	Invoicing compliance in Colombia Compliance timeline
Apps	Colombia
Guides	Supplier registration Issuing invoices
FAQ	Colombia FAQ
GOBL	Colombia Tax Regime Colombia DIAN Addon

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