Colombia Updates Its Labor Laws
The Colombian Labor Reform came into effect on June 25, 2025, with some elements of the reform scheduled to take effect later in 2025 and in 2026. The legislation, also known as Law 2466, addresses topics such as employment contracts, work schedules and overtime, severance payments, contractors and subcontractors, and telework. These are some of the key revisions.
Contracts
As a general rule, employers must hire employees under an indefinite-term contract. However, in certain circumstances, employers can use a fixed-term contract for up to four years (including renewals) for specific tasks or services. Fixed-term contracts must describe in detail the task or service to be performed, and they must be agreed upon in writing.
Work schedules
The reform limits the number of hours an employee can work each day to eight hours. The weekly maximum is set at 44 hours, effective from July 15, 2025, until July 15, 2026, when the weekly limit drops to 42 hours per week.
Overtime records and payment
Employers no longer need prior authorization to require overtime, but they must keep detailed records of the overtime worked and provide them to the concerned employee(s). If the employer fails to compensate employees for overtime, the Ministry of Labor will suspend the employer’s right to request overtime for six months.
Paid leave
The reform mandates that employers provide paid leave for medical appointments, judicial or administrative proceedings, and school-related events and duties that require the presence of a legal guardian. It also gives employees who care for disabled relatives the right to flexible working hours.
Telework
Colombia’s Labor Reform recognizes two new forms of telework: transnational telework for citizens providing services from an overseas location and temporary or emergency telework required due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters.
Organizations that employ workers in Colombia must now update policies, contracts, and regulations to operate in compliance with the new legislation.
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Sources: DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, Colombian Ministry of Labor
