The easy guide to employee background checks in Colombia

From the bustling streets of Bogota to the rolling green hills of Medellin, Colombia has become a multinational home to digital nomads, expats, and a diverse, local talent pool. It's no wonder so many global companies are looking to Colombia for their next hire. But before you hire an employee in Colombia, a background check is a crucial step to verify their credentials and help mitigate risk to your company.

Even for global companies well versed in international hiring, navigating background checks can be daunting. Every country has different rules, and you have to tread carefully to ensure you follow local labor laws, handle employees' personal data appropriately, and more.

If you need a guide to running legally compliant background checks in Colombia, read on. Below, we have the details you need to screen your potential employees, protect your company—and stay compliant with Colombian laws.

Are you legally required to run background checks on Colombian employees?

Certain types of background checks are required for employees in Colombia:

Other types of background checks in Colombia are allowed, but with one important caveat: You have to get the job seeker's explicit consent first. There are some other steps you should take to avoid running afoul of anti-discrimination laws, but more on that below.

Is it legal to run background checks on Colombian contractors?

It's legal to run background checks on independent contractors, too, but with the same condition: You need their explicit consent.

What types of background checks do businesses commonly run on Colombian employees and contractors?

In Colombia, you can conduct different types of background screenings, depending on the potential new hire's role. Here are more details about the most common types of background checks, as well as some other types you can consider if the role calls for it:

Here’s each type of check in more detail:

What types of background checks are illegal in Colombia?

When should you conduct Colombian employee background checks?

It's typical for pre-employment background checks to take place at the start of the employment relationship—often after an offer letter has been sent.

In many cases, the employment contract will include a clause that the offer of employment is contingent on the results of a background check. But in Colombia, you may want to do things differently. Under Colombian law, it's considered discriminatory to offer someone a job, and then rescind the offer based on the results of a background check. That's why all background checks should be done earlier in the recruitment process before an offer is made. And, to stay compliant with Colombian laws, make sure to get the applicant's written consent before conducting any background checks.

The easiest way to run a background check on a Colombian employee or contractor

There are several different companies that can run background checks on employees in Colombia, including Rippling, TritonColombia, Hireright, and BackCheck. The easiest by far is Rippling, because background checks are directly integrated into the onboarding flow. 

Just enter basic hiring info like salary and start date, and Rippling will send the offer letter and new hire paperwork—and automatically run a legally compliant background check and e-verify the results. See Rippling today.

Run background checks automatically in just 90 seconds—for every new hire.

See Rippling

Background check mistakes to avoid in Colombia

Rippling makes it easy to run background checks in Colombia.

Frequently asked questions about background checks in Colombia

Are background checks legal in Colombia?

Most background checks are legal in Colombia, as long as you have the candidate's explicit consent.

How do human rights laws affect background checks in Colombia?

Colombia has strong anti-discrimination laws. Employers can face sanctions if they're found discriminating against potential employees. Employers should always avoid background checks that have to do with race, gender, nationality, family origin, sexual preference or orientation, religious beliefs, political viewpoints, and union affiliation. They should also be careful with criminal background checks and credit checks and only conduct the types of background checks that are necessary for the role.

Do different industries in Colombia require different background checks?

For certain regulated industries, employers are required to make sure their prospective employees have the right qualifications. Some of these include engineering, law, and accounting.

How long do background checks take?

Turnaround time can vary based on the type of background check. Many Colombian businesses use third-party background check services that offer results in just a few business days.

What are the benefits of running background checks in Colombia?

Background checks come with many benefits for employers, including:

Onboard new hires and run background checks with Rippling

With Rippling's Talent Management System, you can seamlessly onboard new hires and set them up for success. Just enter basic hiring info like salary and start date, and Rippling does the rest—including running a legally compliant background check and e-verifying the results.

Ready to hit the ground running with every new hire? See Rippling today.