Build a global team in minutes
Get expert helpSeychelles might not be the first place you think of when planning global expansion, but maybe it should be. This island nation punches above its weight when it comes to stability, talent, and regional access. If you’re looking to grow internationally or tap into specialized roles, Seychelles offers a surprising number of opportunities.
Still, hiring in a new country comes with its own learning curve. You’ve got to know the rules, the paperwork, and the local nuances. That’s where this guide comes in—to help you hire and pay your team in Seychelles without the stress.
Step-by-step guide to hiring employees in Seychelles
Hiring in Seychelles follows a clear legal process, but skipping even one step can slow things down. Here’s what to expect, start to finish:
1. Decide how you’ll hire
If you don’t have a legal entity in Seychelles, you’ve got two main paths: set one up or work with an Employer of Record (EOR). Setting up shop involves registering with the Seychelles Revenue Commission, getting a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), and handling social security sign-ups. It takes time. If you’re looking for speed or flexibility, an Employer of Record (EOR) hires on your behalf and handles all the back-end complexity. Learn more in our guide on the employer of record model.
2. Understand permits and entry rules
Hiring a non-Seychellois employee? You’ll need a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) before they can legally work. The employer applies for it, usually through the Seychelles Department of Employment. Expect about a four-week turnaround. You’ll also need to show that no local candidate can fill the role first.
3. Build a compliant employment contract
The Employment Act of Seychelles lays out what needs to be in the contract:
- Job title and responsibilities
- Start date and contract duration
- Working hours (usually 40 hours/week)
- Salary and payment schedule
- Notice period and termination terms
Make sure both parties sign before the first day. And while there’s no language requirement (the three official languages are Seychellois Creole, English, and French), it’s smart to draft contracts in English or French.
4. Register your new hire
As the employer, you’re on the hook to register each employee with:
- The Seychelles Revenue Commission (for tax)
- The Seychelles Pension Fund (for social contributions)
You’ll want to do this within one week of the hire date to avoid penalties.
5. Set up a smooth onboarding
There’s no official onboarding checklist, but your team will thank you for having one. You’ll want to collect:
- Signed contract copy
- GOP paperwork (if needed)
- Bank account details
- An employee handbook or company policies
Set expectations early and clearly—because the best way to build trust is to start off organized.
Structuring pay the right way in Seychelles
A paycheck isn’t just a number. To attract great people in Seychelles, you’ll need to offer pay that meets legal standards and aligns with market expectations.
Minimum wage and salary insights
The minimum wage in Seychelles as of 2025 is SCR 40.95 per hour, about SCR 7,098 per month, depending on hours and role. But many professionals expect more. Salary ranges vary widely by sector, so use local job boards and talk to recruiters to make sure your offer is competitive.
Benefits and perks employees expect
Here’s what’s common and often expected:
- 21 days of paid annual leave
- 15 days of paid sick leave (with a doctor’s note)
- 14 weeks of paid maternity leave
- 13 public holidays each year
- Sector-based housing or transportation allowances
It’s not just about following the rules. It’s about creating offers people actually say yes to.
How to run payroll in Seychelles
Payroll is manageable here, but you’ll want to get the details right. Late filings or underpayments can land you in trouble.
Payroll taxes and required deductions
Here’s what you need to plan for:
- Income tax. 15% flat rate, withheld from salaries
- Social Security (Pension Fund). 2.5% from the employee, 2.5% from you
- Health Insurance. Included within social contributions
You’ll need to file these monthly with the Seychelles Revenue Commission and the Pension Fund.
How and when to pay employees
Most companies pay salaries monthly by local bank transfer in Seychellois Rupees (SCR). If you delay, you risk fines. Some employers ask if they can pay in USD. It’s possible, but it comes with regulatory hurdles. Local guidance is a must.
Tips and resources for a successful application
A few extra steps go a long way:
- Start the GOP application early to avoid delays
- Translate all contracts and policies if your team includes multilingual employees
- Benchmark local compensation—global averages won’t cut it
You can also consult the Seychelles Employment Act for official requirements and reach out to local HR professionals for on-the-ground insight.
If you’re comparing Seychelles to other markets, explore our country explorer for global EOR services.
Using support from EOR providers
Expanding into Seychelles but not ready to open an office? That’s where an employer of record makes your life easier.
An EOR hires employees on your behalf and handles:
- Contracts and onboarding that follow local labor law
- Payroll and benefits management
- Tax filings and compliance
Think of an EOR as your shortcut to hiring locally—without setting up a legal entity or learning the entire labor code. It’s ideal for testing new markets or hiring one-off international talent without the long-term overhead.
Hiring in Seychelles without the guesswork
You’re not just building a team. You’re entering a new market. When you approach hiring in Seychelles with clarity, structure, and respect for local rules, you avoid surprises and build a better experience for everyone involved.
The steps are straightforward: pick the right setup, follow permit rules, build strong contracts, register correctly, and pay your people well and on time. You’ve got this. And if you want support along the way, local experts can help.
Pebl makes hiring in Seychelles simple and stress-free
With Pebl, you don’t need to guess your way through payroll law or scramble for legal paperwork. Our services handle everything behind the scenes—from onboarding and taxes to payroll and benefits.
Whether you’re hiring one person or building a whole team, we’ll help you:
- Hire locally, without setting up a legal entity
- Stay compliant from day one
- Keep payroll accurate and on time, every time
Hiring in Seychelles? Let’s talk about how Pebl can help.
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.
© 2025 Pebl, LLC. All rights reserved.
