Carta de trabajo, meaning "work letter" or "employment certificate," is a document that employers must provide to employees upon request or at the end of the employment relationship. In most Latin American countries, issuing this letter is a legal obligation, not a courtesy, and refusal to provide one can result in penalties.
Required Contents
A carta de trabajo typically includes the employee's full name and identification number, the employer's legal name and tax ID, the employee's job title and department, dates of employment (start and end), salary at the start and end of employment, and the reason for separation (resignation, termination, mutual agreement). Some countries require additional details like a description of duties performed.
Country-Specific Rules
In Colombia, the certificado laboral must be provided within 3 days of request. In Argentina, the certificado de trabajo must be delivered within 30 days of termination and must include social security contribution records. In Brazil, the employer must update the CTPS (digital work card) immediately upon termination. In Chile, the certificado must be included with the finiquito documentation.
EOR Relevance
An EOR generates compliant employment certificates for each country, ensuring all legally required information is included and deadlines are met. Since the EOR is the legal employer, the carta de trabajo is issued on the EOR's letterhead with their legal information, which can sometimes require explanation to the employee's future employer.