5. LABOR REGIME
The labor law regulations in Colombia are of public order and the prerogatives established therein are non-waivable and non-negotiable. The employment contracts executed in Colombia, regardless of the nationality of the parties, are governed by Colombian law.
Within the framework of labor law, labor relations are regulated as follows:
- Individual: which regulates the labor relations between the employer and its workers.
- Collective: It regulates the relations between the employer and the workers affiliated to union organizations or when collective pacts are negotiated with unionized workers.
- Social Security: which regulates the coverage of risks related to health, life, loss of working capacity of employees, establishing a social assistance system.
In this chapter, you will find information related to the different types of employment contracts, salary modalities, social benefits, parafiscal contributions, among other important aspects of labor regulation in Colombia.
GUIDE TO INVEST IN COLOMBIA
Consult each of the chapters of the Legal Guide for doing business in Colombia 2024.
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Essential Investor FAQs
What should you know about Colombia's labor regime?
For 2026, the monthly minimum wage is COP 1,750,905, with a transportation allowance of COP 249,095, for a total reference monthly income of COP 2,000,000, pursuant to Decrees 1469 and 1470 of December 29, 2025.
Enacted in June 2025, the reform confirmed the 42-hour workweek, limited fixed-term employment contracts to a maximum of four years, gradually increased the premium for Sunday and public holiday work from 75% to 100%, and moved the start of the night shift to 7:00 p.m. It also formalized the SENA apprenticeship contract as an employment relationship with mandatory social security coverage.
The legal framework is established by the Colombian Labor Code (Código Sustantivo del Trabajo), as interpreted under Law 2466 of 2025. The Ministry of Labor and the UGPP (Pension and Payroll Contributions Management Unit) have enhanced enforcement and oversight authority.