Night Work in Colombia 2026 – New regulation
As of December 25, 2025, Colombia has officially changed the definition of night work. The update results from Labor Reform Law 2466 of 2025, which amended Article 160 of the Substantive Labor Code.
This change has a direct and immediate impact on payroll costs, working schedules, and overtime calculations. Employers operating in Colombia must review work shifts and salary calculations without delay.
What Changed in the Definition of Night Work
The reform modified the time frame that defines daytime and nighttime work. The new rules entered into force six months after the law was sanctioned, on June 25, 2025.
New legal definition:
Daytime work: from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Night work: from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Previously, night work started at 9:00 p.m.. The reform advances the start time by two hours.
As a result, more working hours now qualify for the night work surcharge.
Night Work Surcharge: What Employers Must Pay
Night work in Colombia carries a 35% surcharge over the ordinary hourly wage. This surcharge now applies from 7:00 p.m. onward on regular working days.
To calculate it correctly, employers must first determine the ordinary hourly rate. Then, they must apply the 35% premium to each qualifying hour.
Practical Impact Example
Under the new rule, a night hour worked on a regular weekday has increased in value.
It now reaches approximately COP 8,355 per hour, compared to COP 6,189 before the reform.
This increase reflects the expanded night period and the mandatory surcharge.
Night Work on Sundays and Public Holidays
The reform also affects work performed on Sundays and public holidays.
For these days, employers must combine:
Night work surcharge: 35%
Sunday/holiday surcharge: 80%
Together, they result in a total surcharge of 115% over the ordinary hourly wage for night hours worked between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
This significantly increases labor costs for evening and night operations.
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Need Support?
For detailed guidance on implementing these updates, feel free to contact our experts or visit our Colombia Guide.
Labor reforms in Colombia require fast and accurate implementation. Europortage supports companies with payroll processing, labor compliance, and employment cost analysis.
Our local experts ensure night work premiums, overtime, and statutory surcharges are applied correctly, helping you remain compliant while maintaining operational efficiency.
Contact Europortage to review your payroll and working-time compliance in Colombia.
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