Understanding Employee Leave Policies in Colombia: A Comprehensive Guide for International Employers

Navigating Colombia's employment regulations requires a thorough understanding of its comprehensive leave framework. As an international HR professional, I've observed that Colombia offers one of the most employee-friendly leave systems in Latin America, balancing worker protection with business needs.

Annual Leave Entitlements

Colombian workers are entitled to 15 working days of paid annual leave after completing 12 consecutive months of service. What makes this system particularly progressive is the proportional accrual system: employees earn 1.25 days per month worked, ensuring even short-term employees receive appropriate benefits. Employers should note that while the law doesn't mandate increased leave for long-serving employees, many multinational companies operating in Colombia offer enhanced packages as competitive benefits.

Practical considerations for HR professionals include the 15-day notice requirement for employers to schedule leave unilaterally when mutual agreement isn't reached. Companies must ensure employees take at least 6 days annually, with unused days carrying forward for up to two years (extendable to four for executives and expatriates).

Comprehensive Sick Leave Framework

Colombia's sick leave policy stands out globally with up to 180 days of protected absence for non-work-related illnesses. The compensation structure follows a tiered approach:

Days 1-90: 66.67% of regular salary
Days 91-180: 50% of regular salary

Employers handle initial payments (first two days), while the healthcare system covers subsequent days. However, companies typically advance payments from day 3 onward and seek reimbursement through Colombia's General Social Security System. Proper medical certification remains essential for compliance.

Parental Leave Provisions

Colombia demonstrates strong support for working parents through generous leave policies. Mothers receive 18 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, including one mandatory prenatal week. The system accommodates special circumstances with extensions for premature births (+2 weeks for multiples) and 2-4 weeks for miscarriage recovery.

Fathers benefit from increasingly generous paternity leave, currently at 3 weeks with planned increases to 6 weeks by 2026. The shared parenting option allows flexibility during the final 6 weeks of maternity leave, while adoption leave mirrors biological parent entitlements.

Recent legal developments prohibit employers from inquiring about female candidates' family planning intentions or requiring pregnancy tests—a crucial consideration for ethical recruitment practices.

Additional Leave Categories

Colombian law recognizes various life events through specific leave types:

Bereavement leave: 5 days for immediate family members
Voting leave: Half-day with proof of participation
Marriage leave: Up to 5 working days

2025 Public Holidays Overview

Colombia's 17 public holidays reflect its cultural and religious diversity, primarily Catholic traditions alongside national commemorations. Employers must provide 75% premium pay for holiday work. The 2025 schedule includes:

Holiday	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Epiphany	January 6
St. Joseph's Day	March 19
Holy Thursday	April 17
Good Friday	April 18
Labor Day	May 1
Ascension Day	June 2
St. John's Day	June 23
St. Peter and St. Paul	June 30
Independence Day	July 20
Battle of Boyacá	August 7
Assumption Day	August 18
Columbus Day	October 13
All Saints' Day	November 3
Cartagena Independence	November 17
Immaculate Conception	December 8
Christmas Day	December 25

For companies expanding into Colombia, SailGlobal provides expert guidance on navigating these complex regulations while ensuring compliance and competitive workforce management.

Colombia Employee Leave Guide 2025: Annual, Sick & Parental Leave Policies