In Colombia, employees are entitled to 15 working days of paid annual leave per year under the Substantive Labour Code (Código Sustantivo del Trabajo). Leave is paid at the employee's normal remuneration.

Statutory entitlement

15 working days of paid annual leave per year.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to annual leave after completing one year of service.

Employer obligations

  • Grant 15 working days of paid annual leave per year.
  • Pay the employee's normal remuneration during annual leave.
  • Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.
  • Allow the employee to take annual leave within the year following the accrual period.

Employee rights

  • Right to 15 working days of annual leave.
  • Right to be paid at normal remuneration during annual leave.
  • Right to paid leave payout on termination.

Common pitfalls

  • Not paying for unused leave on termination — this is a statutory requirement.

How annual leave accrues

Annual leave accrues over a 12-month period. After completing one year of service, the employee is entitled to 15 working days of paid leave.

Frequently asked questions

Can annual leave be carried forward?

Unused annual leave must be taken within the year following the accrual period. Carry-over is permitted by agreement.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.