Telework and Remote Work in Colombia 2026: A Legal Guide

## The three types of remote work in Colombia

Colombia recognizes different forms of work outside the employer's premises, each with its own legal framework:

1. Telework (Law 1221 of 2008) A permanent or semi-permanent arrangement formally agreed to from the start of the contract. It comes in three forms: - Autonomous: works from anywhere, sets their own hours - Mobile: no fixed location, uses mobile devices - Supplementary: alternates between home and office (at least 3 days/week outside the office)

2. Work from home (Circular 0021 of 2020 and Law 2088 of 2021) A temporary measure (maximum 3 months, extendable) the employer can implement unilaterally in exceptional circumstances. It doesn't change the contract.

3. Remote work (Law 2121 of 2021) The most recent arrangement — employer and worker agree that duties will be performed outside the premises on a regular basis, using ICT tools. No time limit.

The teleworker's rights

A teleworker has the same rights as an on-site worker: - The same salary and benefits - The same workweek (max. 47 hours/week; under the 2025 reform: 42 hours) - Social-security enrollment - Service bonus, vacation, severance savings, pension - The right to digital disconnection (Law 2191 of 2022): outside working hours, the employer cannot demand availability or contact the worker about work matters

The employer's obligations

The employer must: - Provide the necessary equipment and tools (computer, connection, software) - Compensate connectivity costs if using the worker's own resources - Ensure ergonomic conditions (inspecting the home workspace) - Train the worker in using digital tools - Register the telework arrangement with the Ministry of Labor

Can the employer require returning to the office?

Yes — if the original contract was on-site, the employer can end work-from-home or telework arrangements unless there's a formal agreement protecting it. The switch back to on-site work must be done with: - Reasonable prior notice - No effect on pay conditions

If the arrangement was set out in the contract, the change requires the worker's agreement.

The telework agreement

For remote work and formal telework, the agreement must be in writing (an addendum to the contract) specifying: - The location from which the service will be provided - Working hours - Supervision and reporting methods - Equipment and tools provided - A disconnection mechanism

Workplace insurance (ARL) and accidents at home

A remote worker is covered by the ARL (occupational-risk insurer). If they suffer an accident: - At the agreed place and time for work: it counts as a workplace accident - Outside those hours or location: ARL coverage doesn't apply

The employer must report the accident to the ARL within the following 2 business days.

Did your employer change your remote-work conditions, fail to provide the right tools, or do you have questions about your contract? We can review your situation and guide you.

El asistente jurídico digital de Jurídiconline analiza tu situación específica. La revisión inicial es gratuita.