Global HR Compliance in Gabon

Hiring in Gabon requires understanding how formal labour laws coexist with inconsistent enforcement. Employment contracts, wages, benefits, and terminations are all governed by the Labour Code, but many practical aspects, especially in the private sector, depend on interpretation, negotiation, or local precedent.

For companies looking to hire without a local legal entity, working with a Global Employer of Record (EOR) offers a lawful and efficient way to engage talent. Acumen International serves as the legal employer on your behalf, managing compliance, payroll, and employee administration while you retain operational control. This reduces your exposure to risk and helps you hire confidently in a jurisdiction that demands local knowledge.

Why Companies Hire in Gabon

Companies typically hire in Gabon for:

• Supporting energy, mining, or infrastructure operations that require local personnel
• Running aid programmes or regional hubs where hiring is necessary but entity setup is not viable
• Employing expats or regional experts under compliant structures
• Avoiding informal freelance arrangements that could trigger legal or tax disputes
• Testing the market before committing to a full incorporation or local branch.

Employment Contracts

Employment contracts in Gabon may be:

• Indefinite: The default contract type, without a set end date
• Fixed-term: Permitted for specific durations up to two years and renewable once
• Task-based: For projects that end upon completion of defined work
• Daily/weekly: Common for short-term labour, but if extended past one month, the arrangement converts to a permanent contract

All contracts should ideally be written and must include medical certification showing the employee is fit to work. Written contracts are exempt from stamp duties.

Working Hours and Overtime

• The legal working week is capped at 40 hours, usually spread over five days
• Overtime must be compensated and may only be used under defined conditions
• Sector-specific limits apply for industries such as agriculture, where work time is tracked annually
• Overtime rates and authorisation procedures are determined by decree depending on the activity type.

Probation Period

Probation periods must be clearly stated in writing. Maximum durations are:

• 6 months for managerial or clerical roles
• 3 months for technical or supervisory staff
• 1 month for manual or lower-skilled roles

Probation may not be extended beyond these durations. It is used to assess the employee’s suitability for the role and allows either party to terminate with minimal notice.

Paid Leave and Holidays

Annual Leave

• Employees earn 2 working days of paid leave per month, totalling 24 days per year.
• Leave increases based on length of service or through collective agreements.
• Eligibility begins after 12 months of continuous employment.

Public Holidays

National holidays are recognised and must be observed. These do not reduce annual leave entitlements.

Maternity and Parental Leave

Breastfeeding mothers may take up to two hours of paid leave per working day for 15 months following the child’s birth.

Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave — 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth.

The postnatal period may be extended by 3 weeks if illness is certified.

In cases of multiple births, an additional 2 weeks is granted.

During this time, the employee receives full wages paid through Gabon’s national social security system.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to up to 6 months of paid sick leave per year, based on medical justification and eligibility for social security coverage.

Minimum Wage

As of the most recent update, the national minimum wage is set at 150,000 CFA francs per month. This applies across private-sector employment. Public-sector workers may receive additional allowances for children, housing, or transport, but these are not mandatory for private employers.

Termination and Dismissal

General Termination Rules

All dismissals must be formalised in writing, with notification sent to the appropriate labour authority. The termination is effective the day after written notice is given.

During Probation

Either party may terminate the contract at any time without notice or severance, unless otherwise agreed.

Fixed-Term Contracts

These may only be ended early under terms specified in the contract or in the case of serious misconduct. Otherwise, they run until expiry.

Task-Based Contracts

End automatically upon completion of the task. Early termination is permitted with notice unless caused by serious fault.

Permanent Contracts

May be ended by:

• Employer (dismissal)
• Employee (resignation)
• Retirement
• Death of the employee

Notice periods must be observed unless dismissal is for serious misconduct.

How Acumen International Can Help You Hire in Gabon

Hire Without a Local Entity
We act as your legal employer in Gabon, enabling you to engage local or foreign workers without needing to establish a local subsidiary.

Payroll and Tax Compliance
We handle monthly payroll processing, deduct and remit taxes and social security contributions, and ensure proper record-keeping in accordance with local law.

Employee Benefits and Leave Administration
We administer statutory entitlements including paid leave, sick pay, maternity benefits, and overtime pay, ensuring accurate application of local rules.

Legally Compliant Contracts
We prepare employment contracts that are valid under Gabonese law and structured to align with your organisation’s needs.

Support for Expatriate and Project-Based Hiring
Whether you’re hiring for a specific project or employing foreign nationals, we help manage the associated compliance, immigration requirements, and tax exposure.

Cost Planning with Global Payroll Calculator
Discover the full cost of hiring in Gabon — including gross-to-net pay, social contributions, and other statutory obligations — before committing with our Global Payroll Calculator.

One Partner, Global Coverage
Hire confidently in Gabon and 190+ other countries through a single partner with deep local knowledge and centralised coordination.

Need to hire in Gabon?
Contact us to learn how we can support your workforce needs without local incorporation.