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Colombia
Employment Guide & Cultural Intelligence
Overview
Capital
Bogota
Currency
COP
Language
Spanish
Time Zone
UTC-5 (COT)
GDP per Capita
$6,630
Work Week
47 hours
Employment Basics
| Standard Work Week | 47 hours |
| Notice Period | 15 days for fixed-term; none required for indefinite |
| Probation Period | 2 months |
| Overtime Rules | 25% day, 75% night, 100% holidays |
| Termination Rules | Severance based on tenure and salary; just cause exempts severance |
| Minimum Wage | COP $1,300,000/month + transport allowance |
Statutory Benefits
15
Annual Leave Days
18
Public Holidays
33
Total Paid Days Off
| Parental Leave | 18 weeks maternity, 2 weeks paternity |
| Sick Leave | First 2 days employer (66%), then EPS covers |
Employer Cost Summary
22%
Employer Tax/Contribution Rate
| Mandatory Insurance | Health (EPS), pension, ARL (work risk), SENA, ICBF, family compensation |
| Retirement/Pension | Pension fund (~12% employer share) |
| Healthcare | Mandatory EPS health plan (~8.5% employer share) |
Cultural Intelligence
Communication Style
Warm, personal, respectful, indirect
Hierarchy
Moderate to strong; respect for authority
Meeting Norms
Flexible timing; relationship-building first
Negotiation Approach
Relationship-driven, personal trust essential, patient
Gift Giving
Common; flowers, chocolates, coffee appreciated
Taboos
Avoid negative comments about the country; respect regional differences
Hiring Tips
1
Colombia has 18 public holidays, among the most in the world
2
Work week is reducing from 48 to 42 hours gradually by 2026
3
Digital nomad visa has boosted Colombia's appeal for remote workers
4
Severance (cesantias) is deposited annually to employee fund
5
Transport subsidy is mandatory for employees earning up to 2x minimum wage
Quick Facts
- Work Week 47 hrs
- Annual Leave 15 days
- Public Holidays 18
- Employer Burden 22%
- Probation 2 months
- Currency COP