Employment contracts can now be signed electronically in Colombia

The Ministry of Labor will set out the regulations for electronic signatures on private-sector employment contracts through an as-yet-unpublished external circular.

Employment contracts can now be signed by one or both parties electronically, provided that the electronic signature contains a data message duly identifying the individual.

Employment contracts signed electronically must contain at least the following information: i) identification particulars and address of each party; ii) place and date the contract is entered into; iii) place the service is provided; iv) nature of the work; v) salary and payment system; and vi) term of the contract.

In addition, two copies of the employment contract must be signed, one for the employer and one for the employee. No costs should be incurred for the employee.

Among others, this measure will benefit companies domiciled abroad, given that they will no longer need to appoint a legal representative or attorney-in-fact to sign employment contracts. The measure will also help companies wishing to hire employees residing in other cities in Colombia.