Legal Guide 2026

Colombia has the third-largest population in Latin America, with more than 53 million inhabitants, and is the region's fourth-largest economy. Its diverse, multi-sector economy offers strategic opportunities for business development and investment attraction, backed by an extensive network of free trade agreements that provides access to more than 60 countries and a potential market of more than 1.5 billion consumers. 

Added to this are the country's cultural and natural wealth and a favorable investment environment, which help establish Colombia as an attractive destination for sustainable foreign investment. In this context, the country is advancing strategic productive initiatives focused on a just energy transition, agribusiness and food security, as well as the reindustrialization of the health, defense, and life sectors. 

These priorities are part of a vision to build a knowledge-based, productive, and sustainable economy that drives new value chains, promotes technology and knowledge transfer, generates skilled employment, and contributes to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the regions. All of this broadens the opportunities for those seeking to invest, establish themselves, and do business in Colombia. 

ProColombia, the entity responsible for promoting non-mining and energy exports, international tourism, foreign direct investment, and the Country Brand, is pleased to present the Legal Guide to Doing Business in Colombia 2026, a tool that brings together key information to support decision-making and assist investors and entrepreneurs interested in developing their projects in the country. 

We extend special thanks to Brigard & Urrutia, KPMG Law, Béndiksen Law, Posse Herrera Ruiz, Holland & Knight, Cavelier, and Esguerra JHR for their valuable collaboration and contributions to this edition.

Legal Guide Index

• Chapter 1: General Framework for Foreign Investment
• Chapter 2: Corporate Framework
• Chapter 3: Compliance and Corporate Governance
• Chapter 4: Labor and Immigration Law
• Chapter 5: Government Relations
• Chapter 6: Intellectual Property
• Chapter 7: Tax, Customs and International Trade

Disclaimer
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to constitute, legal advice or a legal opinion. Accordingly, persons who use the information contained in this Guide shall have no action, right of claim, or demand whatsoever against Brigard & Urrutia, KPMG Law, Béndiksen Law, Posse Herrera Ruiz, Holland & Knight, Cavelier, Esguerra JHR, and/or ProColombia, or against their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, or consultants, for any expenses or costs incurred, or for any commitments, obligations, or promises undertaken on the basis of the information contained in this Guide. 

Likewise, none of the persons who use this Guide may claim any compensation from Brigard & Urrutia, KPMG Law, Béndiksen Law, Posse Herrera Ruiz, Holland & Knight, Cavelier, Esguerra JHR, and/or ProColombia, or from their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, or consultants, as a result of any decision made on the basis of the content or information presented herein. 

The information contained in this Guide does not replace the specific analysis of each case. Therefore, we recommend that investors, readers, and other persons who use this publication seek the support of their own professional advisors and consultants, particularly in legal, tax, financial, and investment matters, before making any decision related to their projects or investments in Colombia.

Guide Figures

Please note that: 

(i) figures expressed in United States dollars (USD) have been calculated using a reference exchange rate of COP $3,307.73 = USD 1, corresponding to the Representative Market Rate (TRM) in effect for the period from October 5 to 11, 2026; and 

(ii) the legal monthly minimum wage (S.M.M.L.V.) in Colombia for 2026 is COP $1,750,905. 

The reference exchange rate may vary daily according to market conditions. Likewise, the legal monthly minimum wage in Colombia is updated annually. 

We trust that this publication will be useful to investors, entrepreneurs, and other interested parties seeking to learn about the conditions and opportunities for doing business and investing in Colombia.