Global HR Compliance in Liberia
Hiring employees in Liberia, whether local professionals or international talent, requires a solid understanding of the country’s employment regulations. Labour laws in Liberia are grounded in formal frameworks, but enforcement varies, and practical compliance depends on having the right operational knowledge. For companies looking to expand into West Africa or test new markets, this guide offers a reliable starting point to navigate hiring, contracts, pay, leave, and termination in Liberia.
For companies without a legal presence, Acumen International offers a compliant Global Employer of Record (EOR) solution, allowing you to hire in Liberia legally without setting up a local entity.
Employment Contracts in Liberia
Employment contracts may be verbal or written and can apply to full-time, part-time, or casual roles. Written contracts must clearly outline terms such as compensation, working hours, leave entitlements, and job duties. If the contract is oral, employers must either provide a written summary to the employee or display it publicly in an accessible language.
Employers are legally required to keep records of contracts and employment terms for at least five years after the end of the employment relationship.
Working Hours and Overtime
The standard workweek in Liberia is 48 hours, with a daily limit of eight hours. Employers may request employees to work beyond standard hours, provided that:
- No more than 12 hours are worked in a single day
- Total weekly hours do not exceed 53 hours (48 regular + 5 overtime)
Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular hourly wage.
Probationary Period
A probationary period of up to three months is permitted and must be stipulated in the employment contract. During this time, standard employment protections still apply.
Paid Annual Leave
Paid annual leave entitlement increases with tenure:
- After 1 year: 1 week (5 working days)
- After 2 years: 2 weeks (10 working days)
- After 3 years: 3 weeks (15 working days)
- After 5 years and beyond: 4 weeks (20 working days)
Employees can accumulate leave for up to three years. Leave may be split into two parts, but at least one part must be at least one full week.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave per year. This leave accrues with each year of continuous service and is compensated at the employee’s regular wage. Unused sick leave is not payable upon termination, unless a collective agreement states otherwise.
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave per pregnancy, with at least 6 weeks required post-birth. If the birth occurs later than expected, the pre-birth portion is extended accordingly without reducing the postnatal leave. Maternity leave is fully paid by the employer.
There is no statutory paternity leave in Liberia at present.
Termination and Severance Pay
Employers may terminate indefinite contracts at will, but written notice must be given. Termination for economic reasons — such as downsizing or closure — requires both written notification and severance pay.
Severance Pay
- Four weeks of salary per completed year of service, payable upon economic termination (e.g., redundancy, restructuring, or closure)
Fixed-term contracts may be ended at their conclusion or earlier under mutual agreement, misconduct, or force majeure.
Minimum Wage
Liberia’s statutory minimum wage is:
- LRD 15 per hour for unskilled workers (up to 8 hours/day)
- LRD 5,600 per month for civil servants
Employers must also provide relevant benefits in line with job classification and sectoral norms.
How Acumen International Can Help You Hire in Liberia
Direct Employment Without a Local Entity
Acumen International serves as your legal employer in Liberia, allowing you to onboard and manage talent without registering a local company. You control daily operations—we handle employment contracts, payroll, and government filings.
Local Compliance, Centrally Managed
We ensure your employment arrangements comply with Liberia’s labour law—covering hours, leave, wages, and termination rules. You stay compliant even as rules evolve.
Custom Support for Complex Hiring
From multilingual commercial hires to region-specific professionals, we tailor employment solutions that match your budget, timelines, and internal policies.
Global Mobility Support
For expatriates, we offer work permit sponsorship support. We help you meet local immigration conditions and avoid delays in onboarding.
Global Payroll Calculator
Estimate employer costs in Liberia with Global Payroll Calculator — including net pay, taxes, and social contributions — before you commit to hiring.
One Partner Across 190+ Countries
If Liberia is part of your broader expansion, our single-provider model simplifies operations across multiple jurisdictions with one contract and one point of contact.