How to Hire and Pay Employees in Mauritania: A Step-by-Step Guide for Global Employers

Mauritania may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about global hiring, but it should be on your radar. There's untapped talent in sectors like mining, logistics, and renewable energy, and if you're looking to hire there, you're already ahead of the curve.

But here's the catch: hiring and paying employees in Mauritania isn't straightforward. The payroll system, labor rules, and social security registration can be a puzzle if this is your first hire in the country.

Step-by-step process to hire employees in Mauritania

Hiring in Mauritania isn't a one-click process. You've got paperwork to fill out, decisions to make about how you'll legally hire, and requirements you need to follow to stay compliant.

Here's what the process really looks like:

1. Decide how you want to hire First question: are you opening a local entity or working with an Employer of Record (EOR)? If you're not planning on building out a full presence in Mauritania, an EOR lets you skip entity setup and still hire legally. They handle the administrative heavy lifting, you just find the talent. If you're opening an entity, read on.
2. Register with CNSS This is the Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale, or Mauritania's social security agency. You will need to register both your business and your new hire before their first day. That unlocks pensions, healthcare, and other benefits.
3. Get work permits for foreign hires If your hire isn't Mauritanian, you'll need to apply for a work permit. Local hires? Skip this step.
4. Write a contract in French Contracts must be written in French and include:
   • Contract type (fixed-term or indefinite)
   • Probation period (usually 1–3 months)
   • Work hours (40 per week is the norm)
   • Salary in Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
   • Termination clauses and severance terms
5. Complete post-hire tasks Register the employee with CNSS, keep a personnel register, and set up payroll deductions.

Navigating payroll and payment methods in Mauritania

Once your hire is onboarded, it's time to pay them-accurately and on time. Payroll in Mauritania comes with specific rules around deductions, timing, and compliance.

Choosing a payroll setup: local entity, outsourced, or Employer of Record (EOR)

There's pros and cons to each option. It all depends on what your priorities are.

• Local entity + in-house payroll. You do everything, from deductions to payments. Best for companies already operating on the ground.
• Outsource to a local payroll firm. Less admin, but you still need a registered entity.
• Use an EOR. The easiest way to stay compliant without setting up shop. The EOR becomes the legal employer and handles payroll (and all withholdings) for you.

If you want speed and simplicity, an EOR is usually your best bet.

What does payroll include in Mauritania?

Payments are made in Mauritanian ouguiya, and employers are responsible for:

• Social Security (CNSS). You pay 15% of gross salary; the employee pays 1%.
• Income tax (IRPP). Ranges up to 40%. Mauritania's General Tax Code lays out the details.
• Training tax. Employers pay an extra 1% toward professional training.

Let's say your employee earns 200,000 MRU (US$5,050) a month. Your total cost after contributions could be 30-35% higher once everything is factored in.

You'll likely pay by bank transfer through a local bank or financial partner. And under foreign exchange rules, payments must be made in local currency.

Essential employment laws and worker benefits in Mauritania

Mauritania follows clear rules about what employees are entitled to, and you're expected to follow them from day one.

Here's what your team should get:

• Minimum wage. 30,000 MRU/month (as of 2025).
• Paid time off. 1.5 days per month worked, or 18 days per year.
• Sick leave. Requires a medical note; terms vary.
• Maternity leave. 14 weeks, paid, with potential CNSS support.
• Notice period. 1-3 months, depending on seniority.

Termination and severance policies also need to follow Mauritanian labor laws.

Hiring in Mauritania FAQs

You've got questions. Most companies do before hiring in a new country. Here are answers to the big ones:

Can I pay Mauritanian employees from the U.S. or abroad?

Not directly. You need a local legal entity-or an EOR who does. Otherwise, you risk noncompliance with currency and labor laws.

What's the best way to send payments?

Local bank transfers are the most common form of payment. They're fast and accepted across the country. SWIFT transfers through financial partners can also work, but might require extra coordination.

What happens if I don't follow local rules?

Penalties can include fines, audits, and even legal action. Hiring without CNSS registration, for example, can block your ability to operate in the long term.

Tips and resources for a successful application

To make sure things move smoothly, follow these best practices:

• Double-check your job offer and employment contract-they need to be in French and match local standards.
• Stay updated on CNSS requirements and income tax rates.
• Use reliable local advisors-or better yet, an EOR-to avoid costly mistakes.

If you're not 100% sure about something, it's worth asking for help before moving forward.

You can also browse Pebl's full country guides and resources for more tips on hiring abroad.

Utilizing support from EOR providers

An employer of record is a local expert who hires on your behalf. They become the legal employer in Mauritania while you manage the employee's day-to-day work.

Think of them as your shortcut to compliant hiring. They handle:

• Contracts (in French, of course)
• Payroll and tax deductions
• CNSS registration
• Local benefits, notice periods, and more

Working with an EOR like Pebl means you skip entity setup and focus on growth.

How Pebl helps hire in Mauritania

You don't need to become an expert in Mauritanian tax and labor law to hire there. But you do need a plan-and a partner you can trust.

Pebl is your secret weapon. Our EOR services let you hire, pay, and manage teams in Mauritania (and 185+ countries worldwide) without setting up local entities. We handle payroll, taxes, work authorization, and compliance with all local laws and regulations. You focus on your team.

Let's chat. We make hiring easy, wherever your next great employee lives.

Disclaimer: This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided "as is," and no representations are made that the content is error-free.

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