Doing Business in Colombia

Doing business in Colombia is an attractive prospect for expats, thanks to its position as one of the more stable economies in Latin America. Colombia has been enjoying strong economic growth over the last few years, with some fluctuations due to the pandemic, global economic dynamics, and domestic factors. Major industries include information technology, construction, mining, shipbuilding, and tourism.

Before conducting business in Colombia, you should familiarise yourself with the local customs that will influence your dealings in the country. Colombians are warm and expressive people who emphasise the importance of family and friendship. Establishing personal relationships and building trust will help you succeed in the Colombian workplace.

Fast facts

Business hours

Working hours in Colombia are typically Monday to Friday, commonly from 8am to 6pm, with a one or two-hour lunch break. The maximum working week was set to 46 hours in 2024, reduced to 44 hours in 2025 and will come down to 42 hours in 2026.

Business language

Spanish is the official language of Colombia. Although an increasing number of businesses may have English speakers on their staff, it is advisable to engage an interpreter.

Greetings

Handshakes are central to Colombian culture and are expected upon arrival and departure, accompanied by direct eye contact and a smile. Once business partners know each other well, greetings may become warmer, and men will embrace and pat each other on the shoulder, while women will kiss once on the right cheek. First names should only be used once invited to do so. Initially, you should address everyone by their title and surname.

Dress

Colombians place value on appearance. You should be neat and presentable and should dress conservatively in dark suits and ties for men, and dresses or suits for women. Clothing may be less formal in the warmer regions of the country.

Gifts

Gifts are received well and are expected when visiting a colleague’s home. Women are typically given flowers, particularly roses, while men will appreciate a bottle of liquor, as imported alcohol is expensive in Colombia. When receiving, it is polite to say thank you. Gifts are typically not opened immediately in front of the giver.

Gender equality

Although gender equality may be something of an issue in Colombian society, with a wage gap persisting and women still underrepresented in senior leadership positions, this should not be a problem for foreign businesswomen in the corporate world. Foreign businesswomen will be treated with courtesy and respect, although perhaps with some curiosity.

Business culture in Colombia

The business culture in Colombia tends to be quite formal in the major cities such as Bogotá and Medellín, with a more relaxed attitude in the hot coastal regions. Colombians prefer to engage in some small talk before focusing on business concerns, and they prefer to do business in person, favouring face-to-face meetings over phone calls or emails.

Communication and saving face

Communication tends to be quite subtle and indirect in Colombian business so as not to offend. Read between the lines, and use context and non-verbal cues to save face. Colombians may decline without directly saying “no”. Mistakes should never be pointed out in a public setting.

Although communication may be more indirect than you are used to, Colombians are also very warm and animated communicators. Engage in small talk and ask about family, friends, and hobbies before you get into business discussions. Trust and personal relationships matter deeply in Colombian culture. In terms of personal space, Colombians may interact within closer physical proximity than you are used to.

Time

Punctuality expectations vary by context in Colombia. Business meetings in major cities like Bogotá typically start on time. Arrive punctually to show respect for your Colombian counterparts. A five-minute delay is forgivable, but you should aim to be on time. That said, meetings may start 15 to 30 minutes later than scheduled, so it’s wise to leave buffer time between appointments. Time is generally more flexible than in North American or Northern European cultures. Relationship-building takes priority over rigid schedules.

Hierarchy

Hierarchy in Colombia is well-defined and respected. Colombian businesses typically maintain traditional organisational structures, where decisions flow from senior management. Respect for authority, seniority, position, and experience runs deep. Older colleagues and those in leadership roles command particular deference, and you should address them with appropriate titles and formality. This hierarchical approach means decision-making authority rests at senior levels rather than being distributed across teams.

Meetings

Business meetings in Colombia should be scheduled at least a couple of weeks in advance and confirmed closer to the time. Meetings typically begin 15 minutes or so after the scheduled start, so leave some extra time between appointments in case sessions run late or last longer than expected.

Meetings do not always follow the agreed-upon agenda and will generally go on as long as needed. Don’t rush the proceedings or push too quickly toward business matters. Initial meetings may involve substantial personal conversation before any direct business discussion takes place. Corporate lunches and dinners are popular for conducting business, although these tend to be large, leisurely affairs rather than quick working meals.

Attitude towards foreigners

Colombians tend to have a positive attitude towards foreigners. They’ll always ask your opinion about Colombia and how it differs from what you expected. Colombians are eager to help their country escape its sometimes poor global reputation. They welcome foreigners and emphasise the best of Colombia.

Dos and don’ts of business in Colombia

• Do accept invitations to social events
• Don’t offer opinions on local politics or make jokes about Colombian history
• Do make an effort to learn some Spanish
• Don’t mistake Colombian animation for aggression, as it is an expressive culture
• Do take time with business dealings rather than rushing things
• Do have business cards printed with Spanish on one side and English on the other
• Don’t bring up Pablo Escobar, narco-trafficking, or FARC unless your Colombian counterparts raise these topics first
• Do exchange business cards during first meetings, but only with people you’ve agreed to keep in touch with
• Don’t be overly direct or blunt in your communication style