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

If you're looking into hiring in Togo, maybe it's because of its strategic location in West Africa or because you've heard about the growing economy, pro-business reforms, or the deep local talent pool. But when you start exploring what it actually takes to hire someone there, things get complex fast.

Employment contracts need to be in French. Payroll has to be processed in CFA francs. And if you don't know the ins and outs of CNSS filings, things can unravel quickly.

Whether you're building a local presence or hiring your first employee in Togo, this guide walks you through the key steps without the legal jargon.

Hiring employees in Togo: step-by-step guidance

Before you post a job or send an offer, you'll need to figure out how you're going to hire. In Togo, foreign employers typically take one of three routes:

• Setting up a local entity. Best for long-term plans. You'll need to register a business, get tax IDs, and follow Togo's employment laws to the letter.
• Using an Employer of Record (EOR). If you want to hire quickly without opening a local office, this is the fastest option. An EOR becomes the legal employer on your behalf and handles everything from contracts to payroll.
• Hiring independent contractors. This can work for short-term needs but comes with some risk. If you treat a contractor like an employee, Togo's labor authority might reclassify them and that can come with penalties.

Once you've picked your hiring model, here's your basic roadmap:

1. Register with CNSS (Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale) if you're hiring directly.
2. Draft a compliant employment contract-in French, and in writing.
3. Apply for work permits for any foreign hires.
4. Meet wage and working condition rules, including Togo's 20,000 CFA (US$35.81)minimum wage.

Hiring locally isn't hard when you have a plan and follow it closely.

Employment contract requirements

Contracts aren't optional in Togo. They're required by law and need to be written in French. This isn't just about formality-it's about making sure the agreement protects both sides.

Here's what to include:

• Who the employer and employee are
• Job title and duties
• Monthly salary in CFA francs
• Work hours and where the work happens
• Start date and contract length (if not permanent)
• Vacation and leave terms
• Termination notice periods
• Probation period (typically three to six months)

A strong contract keeps expectations clear and minimizes the risk of disputes down the road.

Types of employment relationships in Togo

You've got three ways to structure employment:

• Permanent (CDI). No end date, more employee protections, and best if you're hiring long term.
• Fixed-term (CDD). A contract with a start and end date. These are for project-based roles or seasonal needs, and there are limits to how many times you can renew them.
• Independent contractor. Works well when the scope is clearly defined. Just make sure they aren't operating like full-time employees.

Choose the model that fits your goals and make sure the paperwork backs it up.

How to run payroll and pay employees in Togo

Togo uses the CFA franc (XOF), so payroll has to be processed in that currency unless the contract says otherwise. Here's what your payroll process should look like:

1. Calculate gross pay, including bonuses and overtime.
2. Withhold employee contributions to social security and income tax.
3. Add employer contributions, including CNSS and family benefits.
4. Pay employees by bank transfer.
5. Submit monthly reports to tax and CNSS authorities.

You'll also need to:

• Keep payroll records up to date and accessible.
• Make sure your filings happen on time, usually monthly.
• Budget for employer costs. Social contributions can total around 17% of gross salary, according to CNSS.

Running payroll in Togo isn't overly complicated but it does require attention to detail. Don't assume because something works in the U.K. or U.S. it will work here..

What to know about benefits, leave, and protections

You're required to offer statutory benefits, and they're generous compared to some markets. Here's a quick rundown:

• Minimum wage: 20,000 CFA francs/month
• Workweek: 40 hours; overtime paid extra
• Paid leave: 30 days of annual vacation
• Sick leave: Paid with a doctor's note
• Maternity leave: 14 weeks, including 8 weeks after birth
• Severance: Required for most dismissals unless there's serious misconduct

Some companies also offer private health coverage or transport allowances to stay competitive.

Avoiding common hiring and payroll mistakes

Even experienced global teams can slip up. These are the mistakes you'll want to dodge:

• Skipping French translations. Contracts must be in French. Don't rely on English-only documents.
• Misclassifying contractors. If you manage a contractor like an employee, expect legal trouble.
• Missing social contributions. CNSS is mandatory. Nonpayment can trigger audits or fines.
• Ignoring local leave rules. Paid vacation, sick leave, and maternity leave aren't optional.
• Paying in the wrong currency. Use CFA francs unless otherwise stated in the contract.

A little upfront work and local guidance goes a long way.

Tips and resources for a successful application

To hit the ground running:

• Register with CNSS before onboarding employees.
• Use verified contract templates and update them for local law changes.
• Set payroll reminders for monthly filings and payments.

Togo's labor inspectors may request documents at any time. Staying organized helps you stay in control.

Utilizing support from EOR providers

Not sure how to navigate contracts, taxes, or benefits? An Employer of Record (EOR) helps you skip the red tape. They act as the legal employer for your team in Togo, taking care of:

• Employment contracts and onboarding
• Payroll and social contributions
• Compliance with labor laws
• Offboarding and severance

You get to direct the work, while the EOR handles the backend. It's the fastest, safest way to hire in Togo without setting up a local business.

Hiring in Togo doesn't have to be a maze

Togo's a promising place to grow if you do it right. By understanding your hiring options, creating strong contracts, and running payroll properly, you're setting your team and your business up for long-term success.

If you want to do things easy, that's where Pebl comes in.

Our global employer of record service lets you hire, pay, and manage your team in Togo without opening a local entity. We take care of contracts, compliance, withholdings, and payroll so you can focus on your business, not the paperwork.

Our local experts make sure your team can get up and running fast in 185+ countries worldwide. And you get world-class global payroll support from Paris to Peru. Whether Togo is your first global hire or one of many, Pebl helps you stay focused on growth while we handle the details. When you're ready to make global hiring simple? Let's talk.

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.

© 2025 Pebl, LLC. All rights reserved.