How many Paid Vacation Days are employees entitled to in Colombia?

Colombian labor law provides employees with generous vacation entitlements, reflecting a strong commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being. Here's a comprehensive overview of vacation days and vacation pay requirements:

Annual Paid Vacation


Entitlement: Employees in Colombia are entitled to 15 working days of paid vacation per year of service. This generous allocation ensures that employees have ample time to rest and recharge.


Usage: Employees must take at least 6 consecutive days of their vacation entitlement. The remaining days can be taken flexibly, either negotiated with the employer or carried over to a future period. This flexibility allows employees to plan their leave according to their personal and family needs.


Vacation Pay Requirements

  1. Payment Timing:

    • Pre-Vacation Payment: Vacation pay must be disbursed to employees before they commence their vacation leave. This requirement ensures that employees have the financial means to cover their expenses while away from work.
    • Handling: Vacation pay is typically processed and included in the payroll for the month preceding the employee's vacation. For example, if an employee plans to take vacation in July, the vacation pay should be processed and disbursed in June's payroll.

  2. Calculation of Vacation Pay:

    • Amount: The vacation pay should be equivalent to the employee’s regular salary. For instance, if an employee’s monthly salary is COP 3,000,000, they should receive an amount equal to one month’s salary for their vacation period. This ensures that employees receive the same level of financial support during their vacation as they would during regular working days.

  3. Vacation Entitlement:

    • Annual Leave: Employees are entitled to 15 working days of paid vacation annually, which is paid at the same rate as their normal working days. This entitlement is considered a right under Colombian labor law.

  4. Scheduling and Communication:

    • Requesting Vacation: Employees should request their vacation time in advance. Employers are typically required to approve these requests, taking into account business needs and staffing requirements.
    • Communication: Employers should clearly communicate the timing and amount of vacation pay to employees to avoid any confusion. This ensures that employees are aware of their rights and the expected payment schedule.

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