Colombia’s labor reform expanded your rights as an employee. Starting in 2026, there are more situations where you can be absent from work without losing your salary, thanks to Law 2466 of 2025.
In this article, I’ll explain clearly and in a friendly way which leaves exist, how they work, and why you should know them.
What are paid leave entitlements?
Paid leave entitlements are permissions granted by the employer that allow you to be absent from work without affecting your salary.
Their purpose is simple but important: To allow you to handle personal, family, or legal situations without losing income.
With Law 2466 of 2025, this right was strengthened, as more situations were included where you can request these leaves. This law modified Article 57 of the Colombian Labor Code (Código Sustantivo del Trabajo), requiring employers to grant more types of leave.
What changed with the 2025 labor reform?
Before the reform, several paid leaves already existed.
But now:
👉 More situations are covered
👉 New mandatory leave types were introduced
👉 Employers’ obligation to grant them was reinforced
In simple terms: you now have more labor protection than before.
Paid leave entitlements that already existed in Colombia before the labor reform
Before the reform, these were the main paid leaves you likely already knew.
Leave to exercise the right to vote
If you participate in elections:
- You are entitled to half a day of paid leave
- It must be granted within the month following the election
This encourages democratic participation.
Leave for jury duty (election juror)
If you are appointed as an election juror:
- You receive one full day of paid leave
- It must be granted within 45 days after the election
Leave for domestic emergency (calamidad doméstica)
This is one of the most important leaves.
It applies when a serious situation affects your family environment, such as:
- Serious illness of a family member
- Accident
- Damage to your home (fire, flood, etc.)
The Constitutional Court has established that it must be granted for a reasonable time depending on the situation.
There is no fixed number of days—it is evaluated case by case.
Union leave
If you belong to a union:
- You can be absent to fulfill union duties
- Or attend funerals of coworkers
You must inform your employer in advance.
Bereavement leave
In the event of the death of a close family member:
- You are entitled to 5 paid working days
Applies to:
- Spouse or partner
- Parents, children
- Family up to second degree of consanguinity
- Family by upbringing
“Isaac Law” leave
This is less known but very important.
It allows:
- Up to 10 paid working days per year
It applies if you are:
- A parent or caregiver
- Of a minor with a serious or terminal illness
The employer initially pays and can later recover the cost from the health system (EPS).
New paid leave entitlements introduced by the 2025 labor reform
This is where the most important changes come in. Starting in 2026, these leaves are mandatory.
Leave for medical appointments (new)
You can now be absent for:
- Emergency medical appointments
- Scheduled appointments
You only need to:
- Inform your employer in advance
- Provide a medical certificate
This is one of the most relevant changes.
Leave for school commitments
If you have children:
- You can attend school meetings or activities
Requirement:
- Provide proof of the school request
This recognizes the role of parents in education.
Leave for legal summons
Applies when you must attend:
- Judicial hearings
- Administrative processes
- Legal requirements
You must present the formal summons.
Paid day off for using a bicycle
This is an innovative benefit. If you use a bicycle to commute:
- You can agree on 1 paid day off every 6 months
Requirement:
- Certify the use of a bicycle
It promotes sustainable mobility.
What should you keep in mind as an employee?
These leaves are not automatic. You must:
- Notify in advance (when possible)
- Provide supporting documents
- Coordinate with your employer
The law also seeks balance: protecting workers without affecting business operations.
Common mistakes you should avoid
Many employees don’t use these rights due to lack of knowledge.
Typical mistakes:
- Not requesting leave because you think it doesn’t apply
- Not providing documentation
- Notifying too late
- Confusing leave with medical incapacity
Knowing the law is key to exercising your rights.
Why is this reform important?
The labor reform does more than expand leave. It changes the logic of work in Colombia:
- Greater focus on employee well-being
- Better work-life balance
- Recognition of family responsibilities
In short: working no longer means sacrificing your personal life.
Conclusion: What Employers Need to Know
Starting in 2026:
👉 Companies must recognize that there are more legally mandated situations where employees can be absent without affecting their salary
👉 Employers are now obligated to grant these paid leaves when legal requirements are met
👉 It is essential to update internal policies, HR processes, and compliance protocols to avoid legal risks
The labor reform is not just about employee rights…
👉 It directly impacts how your company manages payroll, compliance, and workforce planning.
Failing to adapt could lead to penalties, disputes, or operational disruptions—while understanding the changes allows you to stay compliant and build a stronger, more responsible workplace.
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Get started with a free case assessment
What will happen after you fill out this form?
After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.
Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.