Overtime and premium pay

What is overtime?

Overtime work refers to any work performed beyond the employee's agreed regular working hours or, in any case, beyond the maximum legal working time. This is established in Article 159 of the Colombian Substantive Labor Code (CST).

Maximum working hours

As of July 15, 2026, the maximum legal working week in Colombia is 42 hours, following the gradual reduction established by Law 2101 of 2021.

Daytime and nighttime work

The Labor Reform extended the nighttime work schedule as follows:

• Daytime work: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Nighttime work: 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. of the following day.

Overtime and Premium Rates

Night-time surcharge

When an employee works during regular working hours at night:

• 35% premium over the regular daytime hourly rate (Article 168 CST).

Daytime overtime

When work exceeds the regular working schedule and is performed during daytime hours:

• 25% premium over the regular hourly rate (Article 168 CST).

Nighttime overtime

When overtime is performed during nighttime hours:

• 75% premium over the regular hourly rate (Article 168 CST).

Sunday and public holiday work

Work performed on sundays and public holidays is subject to a special premium established under current labor regulations. The Labor Reform gradually increased this premium. As of july 1, 2026, the premium for work performed on Sundays and public holidays is 90% of the regular hourly rate and will increase to 100% effective july 1, 2027.

Overtime limits

Overtime work may not exceed:

• 2 hours per day
• 12 hours per week

Unless special authorization has been granted by the Ministry of Labor.