Powering Payroll, Compliance, and Workforce Management in Ethiopia

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Ethiopia at a Glance

Whether you're hiring your first employee or expanding an existing team, understanding the local employment landscape is essential. From visa requirements and statutory benefits to payroll taxes and regulatory oversight, this section provides a practical overview of what employers need to know to stay compliant and operate effectively in 

Ethiopia
Work Permits & Visas

Foreign nationals employed in Ethiopia require specific visas:

  • Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa: For individuals working with foreign‑owned or foreign‑operated businesses; valid for up to 30 days, extendable.
  • NGO Work Visa: For those employed by non‑governmental organizations.
  • Conference Visa: For attending international conferences with an invitation.
  • International Organization/Embassy Visa: For staff of embassies and international organizations.
  • Government Employment Visa: For foreign nationals working directly for the Ethiopian government.
  • Journalist Visa: For professional journalists, filmmakers, and photographers.
  • Investment Visa: For potential investors invited by firms.
  • Private Firm Visa: For employment with Ethiopian‑owned companies for limited assignments.
Payroll
  • Payroll Frequency: Salaries are typically paid monthly, on the last working day.
  • Income Components: Salary, bonuses, overtime, allowances, and taxable benefits.
  • Deductions: Mandatory social security contributions and any voluntary contributions agreed to by the employee.
  • Benefits in Kind: May include company cars, housing support, meal vouchers, and performance bonuses.
  • Social Security Contributions:
    • Employee: 7% of salary
    • Employer: 11% of payroll
  • Employment Contracts
  • Minimum Wage: Public sector minimum is ETB 420/month; no official private‑sector minimum.
  • Probation: Limited to a maximum of 45 days.
  • Working Hours: 40 hours per week.
  • Overtime Pay:
    • 150% of normal rate (6 a.m.–10 p.m.)
    • 175% (10 p.m.–6 a.m.)
    • 200% on rest days
    • 250% on public holidays
  • Notice Periods:
    • 1 month for employees with less than 1 year of service
    • 2 months for 1–9 years of service
    • 3 months for 10+ years of service
  • Severance Pay:
    • 1 year = 30 days’ wages
    • 2+ years = 30 days + 10 days per additional year (max 12 months)
    • Workforce reductions = 60 days
  • Non‑Compete: Allowed, usually time‑limited.
  • Termination Grounds: Poor performance, misconduct, or economic reasons.
  • Employee Benefits
  • Social Security: Managed by the Private Organisation Employees Social Security Agency.
    • Employee: 7% of basic pay
    • Employer: 11% of payroll
  • Annual Leave: 16 paid days after 1 year, plus 1 extra day per year of service.
  • Sick Leave: Up to 6 months; 100% pay in month 1, 50% pay in months 2–3.
  • Maternity Leave: 120 days paid (30 before and 90 after childbirth), with daily nursing breaks for 2 years post‑birth.
  • Paternity Leave: 3 days paid.
  • Public Holidays: 13 paid national holidays.
  • Unemployment: No statutory unemployment benefits.
  • Tax Overview
  • ax Residency:
    • Residents: Taxed on worldwide income (183+ days in Ethiopia or consular/diplomatic service abroad).
    • Non‑Residents: Taxed only on Ethiopian‑sourced income.
  • Tax Year: July 8 – July 7.
  • System: Progressive personal income tax ranging from 0% to 35%.
  • Withholding: Employers must withhold income tax monthly.
  • Personal Income Tax
    Chargeable Income (ETB per month) Rate of Tax
    0 – 600 0%
    601 – 1,650 10%
    1,651 – 3,200 15%
    3,201 – 5,250 20%
    5,251 – 7,800 25%
    7,801 – 10,900 30%
    Over 10,900 35%

    Full Country Guide

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