How long is sick leave in Colombia?

In Colombia, medical leaves can last up to 540 days.

What are the eligibility rules for sick leave in Colombia?

In Colombia, a supported employee is eligible for sick leave if they have been enrolled in the Social Security System for at least 4 weeks.

How is sick leave payment calculated in Colombia?

For sick leave payment in Colombia, the calculation varies based on whether the diagnosis is work-related or non-work-related:

• Non-work-related diagnosis:

- The employee is entitled to 180 days of sick leave, paid at a two-thirds rate.

- The employer is responsible for covering the first 2 days of absence.

- The social security system pays for the remainder of the sick leave. In practice, the employer has to initially pay this allowance and then request reimbursement from the social security system entity.

• Work-related diagnosis:

- The employee will receive 100% of their salary from the Labor Risk Manager Administrator (“Administradora de Riesgos Laborales” or ARL).

- Similarly, the employer pays this allowance upfront and then requests reimbursement from the social security system entity.

What is the process for applying for sick leave in Colombia?

To apply for sick leave in Colombia, employees must follow these steps:

• Obtain a leave order from a healthcare provider affiliated with either the Entidad Promotora de Salud (EPS) or the Administradora de Riesgos Laborales (ARL), depending on the diagnosis type.
• Submit the leave order to the employer within 3 days of its issuance.
• Ensure that sick leave details are recorded in our Global Work Platform™ for tracking purposes.

It is important to note that sick leave orders issued by private doctors are not accepted. Valid medical incapacities must be issued by entities of the social security system, and a medical leave certificate from the doctor is always required.