Colombia

Colombia, located in the northwest of South America, is a country known for its rich natural resources, diverse ecosystems, and growing tech and services industries. With free trade agreements, a strategic location connecting North and South America, and an expanding middle class, Colombia is a key destination for companies looking to build or expand remote teams in Latin America. However, employers must navigate a complex labor code and social security system to remain compliant.
Contractor Management
EOR
Payroll
Contractor of Record
Currency
Colombian peso (COP)
Payroll Frequency
Bi-weekly or monthly
Employer Taxes
20.52% - 26.96%

Overview

Population
~52 million
Language
Spanish
Capital
Bogota
Currency
Colombian peso (COP)
Country code
+57
Min wage
COP 1,300,000/month
Working hours
8 hours per day
Weekdays
Monday to Friday or Monday to Saturday
Work hours per week
Maximum 48 hours per week

Payroll

Salaried Employees
Typically bi-weekly or monthly
Time-Based Employees
13th Salary

Mandatory, paid in two parts: June and December

Avg employer tax

29.5%–33% of gross monthly salary

Tax Breakdown

Health Insurance
8.5%
Pension
12%
Occupational Risk Insurance (ARL)
0.522%–6.96% (based on industry risk)
Family Compensation Fund
4%
SENA (National Training Service)
2%
ICBF (Child Welfare Institute)
3%

VAT

VAT

19% standard rate for goods and services

Tax Calculation for Colombia
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Employer cost
Total monthly cost of employment
GBP 9,633
Gross monthly salary costs
GBP 8,334
Estimated taxes and contributions
GBP 8,334
Employee cost
Net monthly salary
GBP 5,137
Gross monthly salary
GBP 8,334
Estimated taxes & social security
GBP 8,334
Employer cost
Total yearly cost of employment
GBP 9,633
Gross yearly salary costs
GBP 8,334
Estimated taxes and contributions
GBP 8,334
Employee cost
Net yearly salary
GBP 5,137
Gross yearly salary
GBP 8,334
Estimated taxes & social security
GBP 8,334
Request a detailed quotation
How it works

Onboarding Process

Onboarding in Colombia typically includes the following steps to ensure a smooth transition for new hires:

Draft Employment Contract

  • Must be in Spanish and detail job title, duties, salary, benefits, working hours, and termination clauses
  • Specify if the contract is fixed-term, indefinite, or for specific tasks

Register with Social Security

  • Enroll employee with:
    • EPS (health insurance provider)
    • AFP (pension fund administrator)
    • ARL (occupational risk administrator)

Employee Documentation

  • Collect ID, proof of address, social security number, and bank details
  • Confirm work authorization for foreign nationals

Compliance Setup

  • Register employee in PILA system (Integrated Contributions Payment Platform) for social contributions
  • Ensure signed contract is filed with HR and available in digital or physical format

Orientation and Training

  • Provide onboarding handbook, code of conduct, and relevant policies
  • Conduct training on health and safety, job responsibilities, and data protection

Probation Monitoring

  • Clearly outline performance expectations during probation
  • Conduct reviews and document feedback

Pre-boarding

Pre-boarding

Pre-boarding

Key Elements of an Employment Contract in Colombia
When drafting an employment contract for employees in Colombia, the following key elements should be included:

Personal Details

Name, contact information, and role of the employee.

Employee Leave Policies

Sick days
  • First 2 days paid by employer at 66.6% of salary
  • From day 3 onward, paid by Social Security (EPS) at 66.6% (or 100% for work-related illnesses/injuries via ARL
Maternity leave
  • 18 weeks of paid leave (6 before birth, 12 after)
  • Paid by the health insurance (EPS) at 100% of salary
Paternity leave
  • 2 weeks of paid leave, covered by EPS
  • Leave must be taken within 30 days of birth

Parental Leave Extension (Post-2022 reform):

  • Possibility of shared parental leave after maternity leave ends
  • Up to 6 weeks may be shared between parents (optional)
Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to 15 business days of paid vacation per year after completing 12 months of service.

16 Public holidays in Colombia

Note: Colombia observes 18 public holidays, and employees are entitled to paid leave on these days if they fall on a regular workday.

1st
New Year's Day
6th
Epiphany
24th
Saint Joseph’s Day
17th
Holy Thursday & Good Friday
18th
Holy Thursday & Good Friday
1st
Labor Day
12th
Ascension Day
2nd
Corpus Christi
9th
Sacred Heart Day
20th
Independence Day
7th
Battle of Boyacá
13th
Columbus Day
3rd
All Saints’ Day
11th
Independence of Cartagena
8th
Immaculate Conception
25th
Christmas Day
  • 1 Jan: New Year's Day
  • 10 Jan: Epiphany Holiday
  • 21 Mar: St Joseph's Day
  • 14 Apr: Maundy Thursday
  • 15 Apr: Good Friday
  • 1 May: Labor Day
  • 30 May: Ascension Day Holiday
  • 20 Jun: Corpus Christi Holiday
  • 27 Jun: Sacred Heart Day
  • 4 Jul: Feast of St Peter and St Paul
  • 20 Jul: Independence Day
  • 7 Aug: Battle of Boyacá Day
  • 15 Aug: Assumption Day Holiday
  • 17 Oct: Columbus Day Holiday
  • 7 Nov: All Saints' Day Holiday
  • 14 Nov: Independence of Cartagena Holiday
  • 8 Dec: Immaculate Conception
  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day

Termination Process

Termination Types

Mutual agreement, with cause, without cause, or contract expiration

Notice Period

  • No statutory minimum notice period required by law
  • Common practice: 15–30 days, especially for senior roles
  • Termination must be documented in writing

Severance Pay

  • Applies to indefinite contracts terminated without cause
  • Based on salary and tenure:
    • less then 10 SMMLV salary: 30 days for first year + 20 days per additional year
    • ≥ 10 SMMLV salary: 20 days for first year + 15 days per additional year
    • SMMLV = "Salario Mínimo Mensual Legal Vigente"

Probation Period

  • Allowed up to 2 months for indefinite-term contracts
  • Can be shorter if agreed in the contract
  • Termination during probation requires no severance

Personal Details

Name, contact information, and role of the employee.

_'s Booming Remote Workforce

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Grow Your Team in Colombia
with RemotePass

RemotePass makes hiring, paying, and managing your team in Colombia seamless and compliant. From contract generation to managing social contributions, benefits, and offboarding, our platform takes care of it all—so you can focus on building a world-class team in Latin America.

Building and expanding a global workforce is seamless with RemotePass. Our platform simplifies the complexities of hiring, payroll, and compliance across over 150 countries, including Colombia.

With RemotePass, you can quickly onboard international employees, manage payroll, ensure legal compliance, and provide competitive benefits—all from one place. Focus on growing your business while we handle the HR and legal intricacies.

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Colombia

Colombia, located in the northwest of South America, is a country known for its rich natural resources, diverse ecosystems, and growing tech and services industries. With free trade agreements, a strategic location connecting North and South America, and an expanding middle class, Colombia is a key destination for companies looking to build or expand remote teams in Latin America. However, employers must navigate a complex labor code and social security system to remain compliant.
Contractor Management
EOR
Payroll
Contractor of Record
العملة
Colombian peso (COP)
تردد الرواتب
Bi-weekly or monthly
ضرائب أصحاب العمل
20.52% - 26.96%

نظرة عامة

التركيبة السكانية
~52 million
اللغة
Spanish
العاصمة
Bogota
العملة
Colombian peso (COP)
رمز الاتصال الدولي
+57
الحد الأدنى للأجور
COP 1,300,000/month
ساعات العمل
8 hours per day
أيام الأسبوع
Monday to Friday or Monday to Saturday
ساعات العمل اسبوعيا
Maximum 48 hours per week

الرواتب

الموظفون برواتب ثابتة
Typically bi-weekly or monthly
الموظفون بنظام الأجر الزمني
13th Salary

Mandatory, paid in two parts: June and December

متوسط ​​ضريبة صاحب العمل

29.5%–33% of gross monthly salary

تحصيل الضرائب

Health Insurance
8.5%
Pension
12%
Occupational Risk Insurance (ARL)
0.522%–6.96% (based on industry risk)
Family Compensation Fund
4%
SENA (National Training Service)
2%
ICBF (Child Welfare Institute)
3%

ضريبة القيمة المضافة

ضريبة القيمة المضافة

19% standard rate for goods and services

حساب الضريبة في Colombia
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CO
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تكلفة صاحب العمل
إجمالي تكلفة التوظيف الشهرية
GBP 9,633
إجمالي تكاليف الراتب الشهري
GBP 8,334
الضرائب والمساهمات المقدرة
GBP 8,334
تكلفة الموظف
صافي الراتب الشهري

GBP 5,137
الراتب الشهري الإجمالي
GBP 8,334
الضرائب المقدرة والضمان الاجتماعي
GBP 8,334
تكلفة صاحب العمل
إجمالي تكلفة التوظيف السنوية
GBP 9,633
إجمالي تكاليف الرواتب السنوية
GBP 8,334
الضرائب والمساهمات المقدرة
GBP 8,334
تكلفة الموظف
صافي الراتب السنوي

GBP 5,137
الراتب السنوي الإجمالي
GBP 8,334
الضرائب المقدرة والضمان الاجتماعي
GBP 8,334
اطلب عرض أسعار تفصيلي
كيف تعمل الخدمة

عملية الانضمام

تشمل عملية التوظيف في Colombia عادة الخطوات التالية لضمان انتقال سلس للموظفين الجدد:

Draft Employment Contract

  • Must be in Spanish and detail job title, duties, salary, benefits, working hours, and termination clauses
  • Specify if the contract is fixed-term, indefinite, or for specific tasks

Register with Social Security

  • Enroll employee with:
    • EPS (health insurance provider)
    • AFP (pension fund administrator)
    • ARL (occupational risk administrator)

Employee Documentation

  • Collect ID, proof of address, social security number, and bank details
  • Confirm work authorization for foreign nationals

Compliance Setup

  • Register employee in PILA system (Integrated Contributions Payment Platform) for social contributions
  • Ensure signed contract is filed with HR and available in digital or physical format

Orientation and Training

  • Provide onboarding handbook, code of conduct, and relevant policies
  • Conduct training on health and safety, job responsibilities, and data protection

Probation Monitoring

  • Clearly outline performance expectations during probation
  • Conduct reviews and document feedback

Pre-boarding

Pre-boarding

Pre-boarding

العناصر الأساسية في عقد العمل في Colombia
عند إعداد عقد عمل للموظفين في Colombia يجب تضمين العناصر الأساسية التالية:

Personal Details

Name, contact information, and role of the employee.

سياسات إجازات الموظفين

الإجازات المرضية
  • First 2 days paid by employer at 66.6% of salary
  • From day 3 onward, paid by Social Security (EPS) at 66.6% (or 100% for work-related illnesses/injuries via ARL
إجازة الأمومة
  • 18 weeks of paid leave (6 before birth, 12 after)
  • Paid by the health insurance (EPS) at 100% of salary
إجازة الأبوة
  • 2 weeks of paid leave, covered by EPS
  • Leave must be taken within 30 days of birth

Parental Leave Extension (Post-2022 reform):

  • Possibility of shared parental leave after maternity leave ends
  • Up to 6 weeks may be shared between parents (optional)
Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to 15 business days of paid vacation per year after completing 12 months of service.

16 عطلات رسمية في Colombia

Note: Colombia observes 18 public holidays, and employees are entitled to paid leave on these days if they fall on a regular workday.

1st
New Year's Day
6th
Epiphany
24th
Saint Joseph’s Day
17th
Holy Thursday & Good Friday
18th
Holy Thursday & Good Friday
1st
Labor Day
12th
Ascension Day
2nd
Corpus Christi
9th
Sacred Heart Day
20th
Independence Day
7th
Battle of Boyacá
13th
Columbus Day
3rd
All Saints’ Day
11th
Independence of Cartagena
8th
Immaculate Conception
25th
Christmas Day
  • 1 Jan: New Year's Day
  • 10 Jan: Epiphany Holiday
  • 21 Mar: St Joseph's Day
  • 14 Apr: Maundy Thursday
  • 15 Apr: Good Friday
  • 1 May: Labor Day
  • 30 May: Ascension Day Holiday
  • 20 Jun: Corpus Christi Holiday
  • 27 Jun: Sacred Heart Day
  • 4 Jul: Feast of St Peter and St Paul
  • 20 Jul: Independence Day
  • 7 Aug: Battle of Boyacá Day
  • 15 Aug: Assumption Day Holiday
  • 17 Oct: Columbus Day Holiday
  • 7 Nov: All Saints' Day Holiday
  • 14 Nov: Independence of Cartagena Holiday
  • 8 Dec: Immaculate Conception
  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day

عملية إنهاء العقود

Termination Types

Mutual agreement, with cause, without cause, or contract expiration

Notice Period

  • No statutory minimum notice period required by law
  • Common practice: 15–30 days, especially for senior roles
  • Termination must be documented in writing

Severance Pay

  • Applies to indefinite contracts terminated without cause
  • Based on salary and tenure:
    • less then 10 SMMLV salary: 30 days for first year + 20 days per additional year
    • ≥ 10 SMMLV salary: 20 days for first year + 15 days per additional year
    • SMMLV = "Salario Mínimo Mensual Legal Vigente"

Probation Period

  • Allowed up to 2 months for indefinite-term contracts
  • Can be shorter if agreed in the contract
  • Termination during probation requires no severance

Personal Details

Name, contact information, and role of the employee.

_'s Booming Remote Workforce

Challenges of Remote Hiring in _

Simplifying Remote Hiring in _ with RemotePass 

نمِّ فريقك في Colombia
مع ريموت باس

RemotePass makes hiring, paying, and managing your team in Colombia seamless and compliant. From contract generation to managing social contributions, benefits, and offboarding, our platform takes care of it all—so you can focus on building a world-class team in Latin America.

يصبح بناء فريق عالمي وتوسيعه مهمة سهلة مع ريموت باس. منصتنا تبسّط تعقيدات التوظيف والرواتب والامتثال القانوني في أكثر من 150 دولة، بما في ذلك Colombia.

مع ريموت باس، يمكنك ضم الموظفين الدوليين بسرعة، وإدارة الرواتب، وضمان الامتثال القانوني، وتقديم مزايا تنافسية — كل ذلك من مكان واحد. ركّز على تنمية أعمالك، ودع المهام الإدارية والقانونية علينا.

تجربة مجانية لمدة 7 أيام

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