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The working hours in Latin America typically range from 40 to 48 total hours per week. It varies from country to country, especially when it comes to specific norms such as maximum hours per day, paid overtime, and lunch breaks.
The average work hours of a country is an important aspect of labor regulation to consider when planning to enter a new market. Adapting to these norms ensures better alignment with employees’ work habits and prevents burnout.
Some countries may have lower standard working hours and recurrently require overtime payments for extra work. Additionally, respecting local cultural norms on work-life balance can improve job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and strengthen employer branding in the region.
Maximum working hours in Latin America
Although the maximum legal working hours in Latin America extend up to 48 hours per week, workers are hired for shorter workweek frequently. In fact, this is also a global tendency.
The International Labor Organization recommends that countries restrain normal hours of work to 40 hours per week, and even overtime should be considered an exception. They argue this practice can preserve worker’s productivity and overall health.
Currently, there is plenty of discussion regarding this subject in Latin America. So, here’s an overview of what to know from each country:
Overview by country
Argentina
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 3 hours per day and 30 hours per month, and is compensated with a 50% premium on regular weekdays and a 100% premium on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays.
Bolivia
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is compensated with a 100% premium
Brazil
The standard workweek is 44 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 2 hours per day and is compensated with a 50% premium
In 2024, a proposal was presented by Representative Erika Hilton to reduce weekly work hours, prohibit the six-day working week, and suggest a gradual four-day workweek. It has since gained momentum in Congress and popular media, but it hasn’t become an official measure.
Chile
The official workweek is 44 hours, with a maximum of 9 hours per day. Any work exceeding the daily or weekly standard hours is considered overtime and must be compensated with a 50% premium
Since 2023, the country has been implementing a five-year plan to cut its working week from 45 to 40 hours. The reduction must be completed by 2028. Companies have been encouraged to gradually reduce their working hours in Chile year by year.
Colombia
The standard workweek is 44 hours. Overtime is limited to two hours per day and is compensated with a premium of 25% for daytime hours and 75% for nighttime hours.
In 2021, Law 2101 established a gradual reduction of the maximum legal working hours from 48 to 42 hours. The cut to the 44-hour workweek is set to take place in July 2025, while the final goal should become official in July 2026.
Costa Rica
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 4 hours per day and is compensated with a 50% premium. For night work, the standard workweek is 36 hours, with a maximum of 6 hours per day
Cuba
The standard workweek is 44 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours daily. Overtime is limited to 4 hours daily.
Dominican Republic
The standard workweek is 44 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 80 hours per quarter with a 35% premium, and up to 68 hours per week with a 100% premium.
In 2024, the country announced a six-month pilot program to work four days a week, starting February 2025. This project would diminish the working week from Monday to Thursday, and reduce working hours from 44 to 36 hours.
Ecuador
The standard workweek is 40 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 4 hours per day and 12 hours per week. It is compensated with a 50% premium for daytime hours and a 100% premium for nighttime hours.”
El Salvador
The standard workweek is 44 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is compensated with a 100% premium. Weekend and nighttime work may be included under the overtime rate.
Guatemala
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. The night shift is limited to 6 hours per day and 36 hours per week. In Guatemala, there is also a mixed work schedule of 7 hours per day and 42 hours per week. Overtime is compensated with a 50% premium.
Honduras
The standard workweek is 44 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Executives may work up to 12 hours per day. The night shift is limited to 6 hours per day and 36 hours per week. The mixed work schedule is 7 hours per day and 42 hours per week. Overtime is compensated with a premium ranging from 37.5% to 50%.
Mexico
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 3 hours per day, up to 3 times per week. The first 9 overtime hours are paid at double rate, and any overtime beyond 9 hours is paid at triple rate.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mexico held the record for most hours of work in the world in 2023. However, the country has been debating substantial cuts to its maximum workweek to 40 hours since 2022, with new legislative discussions set for 2025.
Nicaragua
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. The night shift is limited to 7 hours per day and 42 hours per week. The mixed work schedule is 7.5 hours per day and 45 hours per week. Overtime is limited to 3 hours per day and 9 hours per week, and is compensated with a premium of 25% for daytime hours, 50% for nighttime hours, and 75% for mixed schedules.
Panama
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 3 hours per day and 9 hours per week, and is compensated with a 100% premium.
Paraguay
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is limited to 3 hours per day and 9 hours per week, and is compensated with a 50% premium. Nighttime and holiday overtime is compensated with a 100% premium.
Peru
The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is compensated with a premium ranging from 25% to 35%.
Puerto Rico
The standard workweek is 40 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime is paid at double rate
Uruguay
The standard workweek is 44 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day for the commercial sector, and 48 hours per week for the industrial sector. Overtime is limited to 8 hours per week and is compensated with a 100% premium.
Venezuela
The standard workweek is 40 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. The night shift is limited to 7 hours per day and 35 hours per week. The mixed work schedule is 7.5 hours per day and 37.5 hours per week. Overtime is limited to 10 hours per week and 100 hours per year, and is compensated with a premium ranging from 50% to 100%.
How to set up your working hours in Latin American countries
Most Latin American countries follow a similar structure for calculating and setting up working hours. Beyond daily and weekly limits, other local variations include part-time work, night shifts, and high-risk sectors.
For global companies, it’s important to gather local expertise on the best work practices. It’s also essential to consider different time zones, to better prepare for asynchronous working.
Collaborating with recruitment agencies or local employers of record can facilitate the whole process of hiring and managing employees in Latin America, including setting up the most efficient working hours schedules.
