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Get expert helpZimbabwe might be on your radar for good reason. You've heard about the talent, especially in finance, agriculture, and telecom. But then you start digging into what it takes to legally hire there, and suddenly things get more complicated. Business registration. Work permits. Taxes with names you haven't seen before.
This guide walks you through how to hire and pay employees in Zimbabwe, the right way. No filler, no fluff. Just the steps you actually need to take and how to avoid the mistakes that slow companies down.
Understand key hiring requirements in Zimbabwe
Before you post your first job ad, you'll need to get your employer accounts set up. Zimbabwe has clear requirements, and skipping one can delay everything.
You'll need to register your business with the Zimbabwe Registrar of Companies, sign up with the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), open a PAYE account with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), and register for the AIDS Levy. These steps are required before you can legally hire or run payroll.
Extra registrations may be required in certain industries, like energy, finance, or mining. It's best to check ahead.
Know the basics of labor law
Zimbabwe's Labour Act (Chapter 28:01) sets the rules for contracts, working hours, leave, and terminations. You'll need written contracts that include job responsibilities, working hours, salary, benefits, leave, and how the agreement can be terminated.
Once you're registrations are in place, hiring Zimbabwean citizens is a straightforward process. Hiring foreign nationals requires a work permit, which can take up to three months. Also, you must demonstrate that the role can't easily be filled by a local.
From job post to signed contract
Once your business is compliant, it's time to hire. Post the role locally, screen fairly, verify qualifications, send a formal offer, and sign a written contract.
Contracts must be written and include:
- Job title
- Start date
- Work location
- Hours
- Pay
- Leave entitlements
- Termination terms
If you're adding a probation period, that needs to be spelled out as well.
How to pay employees and set up payroll in Zimbabwe
Payroll in Zimbabwe isn't something you want to leave to guesswork.
You'll need to register for statutory deductions like PAYE, NSSA, and the AIDS Levy. Income tax is deducted at source and remitted monthly. You'll also need to issue payslips and store payroll records for six years.
Zimbabwe is a multi-currency economy. While the ZWL is the official currency, many employees prefer to be paid in USD. You can pay using local bank transfers, USD wire transfers, or mobile money platforms like EcoCash. Each has tradeoffs. USD offers value stability but comes with higher fees and regulatory attention.
Payroll software or partners should be updated with Zimbabwe's current tax code. If you're building a broader global payroll strategy, this guide to international payroll costs can help.
Mistakes to avoid and how to stay compliant
A few common issues trip up even experienced companies:
Late PAYE payments come with steep penalties. Expired work permits can result in fines and legal trouble. And paying in USD without proper authorization can lead to compliance issues.
To stay on track, monitor minimum wage updates, review contract templates regularly, train your HR team on changes in labor law, and run quarterly payroll reviews.
Tips and resources for a smoother setup
Work permits take time. Begin early, and make sure your documents are airtight and include a signed offer letter, role justification, academic certificates, and medical and police clearances.
How an EOR streamlines global hiring
An Employer of Record (EOR) is your shortcut to hiring in Zimbabwe without opening a local entity. It serves as the legal employer, managing everything from contracts to compliance, while you retain control over daily responsibilities.
Using an EOR lets you skip the red tape and hit the ground running. It provides compliant contracts, processes payroll and taxes, and helps you avoid common mistakes. If you're expanding into multiple markets, check out these country hiring guides for more support. And if you're new to the concept, here's a helpful breakdown of what an EOR is and how it works.
Thinking about building a team in Zimbabwe?
Hiring in Zimbabwe isn't hard-as long as you have a clear roadmap. Set up your employer registrations early, follow the rules on payroll, and write airtight contracts. Avoid shortcuts, and when in doubt, lean on experts who understand local compliance.
How Pebl can help you hire and pay in Zimbabwe
Pebl makes compliant hiring easy. Whether you want to hire in Harare, Bulawayo, or beyond, we handle tax, payroll, and legal setup through our global payroll service, so you don't need to build infrastructure from scratch.
We've done the legwork in 185+ countries, including Zimbabwe. You'll get transparent pricing, smart support, and peace of mind that you're doing things by the book.
Want to grow your team and streamline global hiring? Let's talk.
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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