Three Key Changes in Colombia's Labour Reform in July

30 July 2026

This month, Colombian workers will experience significant changes with the implementation of the Labour Reform: increased overtime pay and surcharges for working Sundays and holidays, in addition to the reduction of the workweek.

The new law will require companies to adjust shift scheduling, working hours, and overtime management to comply with the new system established by the legislation.

Employers and employees can agree that the 42-hour workweek can be achieved through flexible daily schedules, distributed over a maximum of six days per week with one mandatory day off.

The law stipulates that the workday can have a minimum of four continuous hours and a maximum of nine hours per day without additional overtime pay, provided that the weekly average does not exceed 42 hours.

What will the new workweek be like in Colombia?

Starting Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the maximum workweek will be officially reduced to 42 hours nationwide. This measure is part of the gradual reduction of the workweek approved by Colombian law and will apply to both public and private companies.

As a result of the reduced workweek, hourly wages will increase, as will overtime pay, night shift pay, and bonuses for Sundays and holidays.

The night shift will remain from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and daytime overtime will be paid between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

How much will Sunday and holiday pay increase in 2026?

One of the most significant changes in the Colombian Labour Reform will be the increase in the premium for working Sundays and holidays. Starting in July 2026, this premium will increase to 90% of the hourly wage.

New Overtime Rates in Colombia

Starting in July 2026, overtime rates will also change following the implementation of the 42-hour workweek. Daytime overtime will continue to be paid at a premium of 25%, while nighttime overtime will maintain a 75% increase over the regular hourly rate.

Those who work overtime on Sundays and holidays will receive the highest rates. In these cases, daytime overtime will be paid at a premium of 115%, while nighttime overtime on Sundays or holidays will reach 165%, making it one of the highest compensations in the Colombian labour system.

New Overtime Rates for Minimum Wage Employees

With a projected minimum wage of COP 1,750,905 for 2026, the regular hourly rate will increase starting in mid-July due to the reduction in the workweek. This will directly impact the minimum wage payments that companies must make to their employees.

Under the new work schedule, daytime overtime will be paid at more than COP 10,000 per hour, while nighttime overtime on Sundays or holidays will exceed COP 22,000 per hour. Likewise, regular hours worked on Sundays or holidays will also experience significant increases compared to current rates.

Legal Limits on Overtime in Colombia

No employee may work more than two hours of overtime per day or exceed 12 additional hours per week.

Furthermore, the regulations establish different types of shifts depending on the economic activity and the operational needs of each company. Some special work schedules may extend the workday, although they must always respect the average limits established by law and, in certain cases, have the authorization of the Ministry of Labour.

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