1. Employment Contract (Contrato de Trabajo)
Requirement:
A written employment contract is commonly used and recommended under Colombian labor law.
Must Include:
Job title and responsibilities
Salary and payment frequency
Working hours
Start date
Type of contract (indefinite, fixed-term, or project-based)
Workplace location
Purpose:
Establishes the legal employment relationship
Defines rights and responsibilities of both parties
Ensures compliance with Colombian Labor Code requirements
2. RUT (Registro Único Tributario – Tax ID)- Optional but not required
Requirement:
Employees may provide their RUT, which is the official tax identification registry.
Purpose:
Required for income tax reporting and payroll compliance
Ensures proper tax identification of the employee
Used for government reporting and fiscal documentation
3. Social Security Enrollment Forms (EPS)- Optional but not required
Requirement:
Employees must be enrolled in Colombia’s social security system.
Includes Registration With:
EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud) – Health insurance provider
ARL (Administradora de Riesgos Laborales) – Occupational risk insurance
Pension Fund (AFP) – Retirement pension provider
Purpose:
Provides healthcare coverage
Protects employees from workplace risks
Ensures pension and retirement benefits
Mandatory employer and employee contributions
4. National ID Card or Passport and Visa
Requirement:
Colombian nationals: Valid national ID card (Cédula de Ciudadanía)
Foreign nationals: Valid passport and work visa
Purpose:
Verifies identity and nationality
Confirms legal authorization to work in Colombia
Ensures compliance with immigration regulations
Foreign employees must have a valid work visa before starting employment.
5. Academic and Professional Certificates- Optional but not required
Requirement:
Employees may need to provide educational or professional certificates depending on the role.
Purpose:
Verifies qualifications and professional competency
Required for regulated or technical positions
Reduces employer liability
6. Pension Fund (AFP) Selection- Optional but not required
Requirement:
Employees must select or be registered with a pension fund administrator.
Purpose:
Ensures retirement savings contributions
Required under Colombia’s mandatory pension system
Enables employer and employee contributions