Eligible Colombian workers must submit requests to transfer their pension regimes by July 16, 2026 [5].
This transition window allows contributors to select the retirement system that best fits their financial needs before the national pension reform closes the opportunity. The choice determines whether a worker remains in the public fund, Colpensiones, or moves to a private pension fund, or vice versa [2].
Eligibility for the transfer window is based on specific age and contribution milestones. Men must be at least 52 years old and have contributed for at least 900 weeks [1, 3]. Women are eligible if they are 47 years or older with at least 750 weeks of contributions [4, 6].
The window was created as part of a broader pension reform administered by Colpensiones [2]. The government said the process was designed to provide a temporary period for workers to evaluate their long-term retirement goals and adjust their fund placement accordingly [7].
While some reports indicated the process would take place over a few weeks, the formal deadline for the transfer request is July 16, 2026 [5]. Workers who meet the criteria are encouraged to finalize their decision before this date to ensure their preferred regime is secured.
“The transfer request must be submitted by 16 July 2026.”
This window represents a critical juncture in Colombia's pension reform, shifting the balance of power to the worker for a limited time. By allowing movement between public and private funds, the state is acknowledging that different demographic groups benefit from different payout structures, though the strict age and contribution requirements limit this flexibility to those nearing retirement.
