Contract Types 

Contracts can be Indefinite, Temporary or Fixed Term although the latter are rare and can only be used in specific situations and not by EOR employers. Contracts are governed by the Labour Standards Act (LSA).

Probation          

In Taiwan the probation period is typically 3 to 6 months.  It can be extended once only by mutual agreement.

Working Hours 

The normal working week is 40 hours, for 8 hours per day. A maximum of 12 hours per day can be worked including overtime.

Overtime            

Overtime has to be paid for hours above the standard 8 hour day and is paid at 134% for the first 2 hours and at 167% for the next 2 hours each day. Overtime is limited to 46 hours per month.

Other Financial

13th month salaries are not mandatory but a 13th and sometimes 14th month salary are often paid before Chinese New Year. It is also common for bonuses to be paid before the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid Autumn Festival.

Tax rates valid for 2025

Corporation Tax              

20%

Consumption Tax

5%

Employers’ Social Security

c. 21.82%

Employees’ Contributions

4.25%

Income Tax Rates

Up to 560,000 TWD: 5%

560,000 to 1,260,000 TWD: 12%

1,260,000 TWD to 2,520,000 TWD: 20%

2,520,000 to 4,720,000 TWD: 30%

Over 4,720,000 TWD: 40%

Non Resident Income Tax is a flat rate of 18%

Notice  

After 3 months’ service the employee is entitled to 1 day’s written notice. Between 1 and 3 years’ service, this rises to 20 days’ notice, with 30 days’ notice being required thereafter. Should the contract state the notice period then this should be adhered to when calculating the compensation unless it is below the statutory amount of notice required.

Dismissal            

The employer can terminate the contract under Article 11 or 12 of the LSA. Article 11 covers suspension of business operations, redundancy, temporary closure, and if the employee is clearly unable to perform their duties, whilst Article 12 covers circumstances such as gross misconduct. Employment can also be terminated by mutual agreement or by the employee’s resignation.

Under Article 11 the employer must file notice of the termination with the government authority and pay severance pay. This is not necessary under an Article 12 termination and no notice or severance is required in such cases.

Payment in lieu of notice is allowed.

Employees who have been given notice of termination are entitled to 2 days of paid leave per week to look for another job.

Severance Pay  

Severance pay is due under an Article 11 termination and is 1 month’s salary for each year of service. 1 month’s salary is calculated as the average pay over the previous 6 months. Part years are pro rated, with the minimum being 1/12 of a year’s entitlement.

Probation

During the first 3 months no notice is required.

Annual Leave 2025

Public Holidays: 10 – 15

Republic Day – 1st January

Day Given in Lieu: Yes

Lunar New Year * – 27th January – 2nd February             

Day Given in Lieu: Yes

Peace Memorial Day – 28th February     

Day Given in Lieu: Yes

Children’s Day/Tomb Sweeping Day – 3rd – 4th  April

Day Given in Lieu: Yes

Labour Day – 1st May

Day Given in Lieu: Yes

Dragon Boat Festival* – 30th May           

Day Given in Lieu: Yes

Mid Autumn Festival* – 6th October

Day Given in Lieu: Yes

National Day – 10th October

Day Given in Lieu: Yes

*holiday moves each year with the lunar cycle. Public holidays falling at the weekend can be taken on another day.

Paid legal entitlement  

In Taiwan leave entitlement increases with length of service:

• 3 days for service between 6 months to 1 year;
• 7 days for service between 1 to 2 years;
• 10 days for service between 2 to 3 years;
• 14 days for service between 3 to 5 years;
• 15 days for service between 5 to 10 years;
• 1 additional day for each year beyond 10 years, up to a maximum of 30 days.

Carry over permitted

Employees in Taiwan can carry over any unused annual leave to the next year. If this leave remains unused in the subsequent year, the employer must convert the remaining days into wages. This payment should be made at the end of the second year or upon the employee’s termination, whichever comes first.

Payment in lieu allowed

Holidays can only be paid out on termination or in cases where the employee has not taken carried over leave after the year following the accrual.

Sick

Sick leave is governed by the LSA. Full-time employees are entitled to 30 days of sick leave per year for sickness which does not involve hospitalisation. Once this is exhausted, if the employee is still sick he can be suspended without pay for 1 year.

Should an employee be hospitalised he is entitled to leave for up to 1 year every 2 years.  The total of hospitalised and non hospitalised sick leave should not exceed 1 year in every 2 years.

The first 30 days of sick leave are paid at 50%. In cases where the benefits provided for sick pay are less than 50% of salary the employer has to make up the difference.

Female employees may additionally take 3 days of menstrual leave paid at 50%.

Maternity

Pregnant employees in Taiwan who have worked for at least six months are eligible for 8 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. This leave can start 4 weeks before the birth. If the employment duration is less than six months, maternity pay is reduced to 50%. Pregnant employees can also take 5 days’ paid leave for ante natal appointments. After maternity leave the employee is entitled to 1 hour each day of paid leave for breastfeeding.

If a pregnant employee suffers a miscarriage then paid leave is given according to the length of the pregnancy. 5 days is given for pregnancies under 2 months, rising to 7 days for pregnancies of 2 to 3 months and 4 weeks thereafter.

Paternity            

Employees in Taiwan can take 7 days of paid leave, called Pregnancy Check up Accompaniment and Paternity Leave. This can be taken to attend ante natal check ups and after the birth of the child. The employer receives a refund on 2 days of such pay.

Parental             

Parents in Taiwan can take up to two years of unpaid parental leave so long as both parents are employed, the employee has been employed for more than 6 months and the child is less than 3 years old. Benefits are available during this leave.

Bereavement    

Employees are able to take 8 days of paid leave for the death of a parent or spouse.  6 days’ paid leave are given for the death of children, grandparents or the parent of a spouse. On the death of a great grand parent, sibling or a spouse’s grandparent an employee is entitled to 3 days’ paid leave.

Other   

8 days’ paid leave is available on the occasion of an employee’s wedding. Employees are also entitled to 14 days’ unpaid personal leave.

Paid leave is given for National Service obligations.

Medical              

Private medical insurance is often provided for employees and dependents to supplement the state provision.

Life       

Many employers would offer life, accident and travel insurance.

Other

Meal allowances are a commonly offered benefit with TWD3,000 per month being tax free. Housing allowance is sometimes offered especially for senior employees and expatriates.

Hiring

Contract Types  Contracts can be fixed-term or Indefinite.

Probation           

Probation is usually 3 months but can be extended to 6 months with agreement from both parties.

Working Hours

The normal working week is 40 to 42 hours per week depending on the industry.

Overtime           

Overtime has to be paid at 125%, though managerial staff may be exempt.

Other Financial

There are no requirements regarding 13th month salaries though some employers do provide this.

Tax rates valid for 2025

Corporation Tax

Combined Federal and canton rate of 11.9% to 20.5%

Consumption Tax

8.1%

Employers’ Social Security

c. 10%

Employers must make additional contributions to a Pillar 2 pension

Employees’ Contributions          

c.10%

Income Tax Rates

Federal

Up to 18,500 CHF: 0%

15,000 to 33,200 CHF: 0.77%

33,200 to 43,500 CHF: 0.88%

43,500 to 58000 CHF: 2.64%

58,000 to 76,100 CHF: 2.97%

76,100 to 82,000 CHF: 5.94%

82,000 to 108,800 CHF: 6.6%

108,800 to 141,500 CHF: 8.8%

141,500 to 14,900 CHF: 11%

184,900 to 793,400 CHF: 13.2%

Over 793,400: 11.5%

These rates are for a single person. There are different rates for married people and those with dependent children.

Cantonal Taxes

These vary by canton (and can be as high as 30%)

The employer can terminate the contract through providing written notice to the employee in accordance with their contract and length of service. Notice periods are as follows:

Up to 1 year service: 1 month

2 to 9 years’ service: 2 months

10 years or more: 3 months

During probation notice of 7 days should be given.

Severance Pay

No severance is required unless the employee is over 50 and has more then 20 years’ service in which case payment of between 2 and 8 months’ salary will be due.

Annual Leave 2025

Public Holidays: Varies by Canton – minimum of 8 days

New Year’s Day – 1st January     

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: All

Berchtold Day – 2nd January      

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Most

Epiphany – 6th January 

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: GR, SZ, TI, UR

Carnival Thursday 1/2 day – 27th February          

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Sz

Neuchatel Republic Day – 1st March       

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Neuchatel

St Joseph’s Day – 19th March     

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: LU, NW, SO, SZ, TI, UR, VS

Nafel’s Procession – 3rd April    

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Glarus

Good Friday – 18th April              

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Canton: All but TI, VS

Easter Monday – 21st April         

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Canton: All but LU, NE

May Day – 1st May         

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: BL, BS, JU, SH, ZH

May Day Half Day – 1st May       

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Solothurn

Ascension Day – 29th May           

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Canton: All

Pentecost Monday – 9th June    

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Canton: All but NE

Corpus Christi – 19th June           

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Canton: Most

Jura Independence Day – 23rd June        

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Jura

Swiss National Day – 1st August

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: All

Assumption of Mary – 15th August         

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Most

Genevese Fast – 11th September             

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Geneva

Federal Fast Monday – 22nd September

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Canton: Neuchatel, Vaud

Mauritius Day – 22nd September            

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: AI

St Nichols of Flue – 25th September       

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Obwalden

All Saints’ Day – 1st November 

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Most

Immaculate Conception – 8th December              

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Most

Christmas Eve Half Day – 24th December             

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Schwyz

Christmas Day – 25th December

Day Given in Lieu: Yes

Canton: All

Restoration of the Republic – 31st December     

Day Given in Lieu: No

Canton: Geneva

Cantons: AG Aargau, AR Appenzell Ausserrhoden, AI Appenzell Innerrhoden, BS Basel-Stadt, BL Basel-Landschaft, BE Bern, FR Fribourg, GE Geneva, JU Jura, LU Lucerne, NE Neuchatel, NW Nidwalden, OW Obwalden, SG St Gallen, SH Schauffhausen, Sz Schwyz, SO Solothurn, TG Thurgau, TO Ticino, UR Uri, VS Valais, VD Vaud, ZG Zug, ZH Zurich

Paid legal entitlement

The minimum paid holiday in Switzerland is 4 weeks two of which should be taken consecutively.

Carry over permitted    

Annual leave may be carried over subject to company policy but must be used within 5 years.

Payment in lieu allowed              

Holidays can only be paid out on termination.

Sick Leave          

Employees must notify the employer if they are unable to work due to sickness. The employer should pay salary during sick leave in accordance with the employee’s length of service. After 3 months’ service the employee is eligible for 3 weeks’ pay and this rises, depending on the canton to as much as 31 weeks after 25 years’ service with an additional week paid for each extra year.

Maternity Leave             

Maternity leave runs from the time of birth. New mothers are entitled to 14 weeks’ leave of which a minimum of 8 weeks should be taken. 80% of salary is available from the government.

Paternity

New fathers are entitled to 10 days’ paternity leave to be taken within 6 months of the birth. The government provides benefits during this period.

Parental

There are no provisions in Switzerland for parental leave.

Bereavement

Employers usually give 3 days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, though there is no legal requirement.

Other   

Employees are entitled to unpaid leave for jury duty and military service.

Medical              

State health provision in Switzerland is extremely good, and it is unusual for companies to offer medical insurance, though some may offer dental and optical cover.

Life       

Many employers offer a Group Life plan to cover 12 to 24 months’ salary. Additional clauses would typically include Long and Short Term Disability.

Pension

Depending on the industry it can be mandatory to have an occupational pension scheme in place. Employers must contribute 50% of the employee’s contribution, but many employers will pay more.

Contract Types

Contracts can be indefinite or fixed term as well as seasonal, casual and for remote working. Contracts can be in English or Filipino.

Probation           

The probation period can be a maximum of 6 months. Employers should clearly communicate the standards expected at the beginning of employment.

Working Hours

Working hours are 8 hours per day, 5 days a week. Employees are entitled to a 1 hour break during the day.

Overtime           

Overtime is paid at 125%. On regular holidays and weekends pay is 200% for the first 8 hours and 260% thereafter. On “special holidays” when employees are not entitled to pay employees are entitled to 130% for the first 8 hours and 169% thereafter. Management are exempt from overtime.

Other Financial

A 13th month salary is due paid on or before 24 December. Some employers pay half in June and half in December.

Other   

Salary does not need to be stated in local currency.

Tax rates valid for 2025

Corporation Tax              

25%

Consumption Tax

12%

Employers’ Contributions

c.13.5% – 14.5%

Employees’ Contributions

c.8.5% – 9.5%

Income Tax Rates           

0-250,000: 0%

250,000 – 400,000: 15%

400,000 – 800,000: 20%

800,000 – 2,000,000:  25%

2,000,000 – 8,000,000: 30%

Over 800,000: 35%

Notice  

30 days’ notice is required by law. Notice should always be given in writing.

A final payment must include normal pay up to the termination date, prorated untaken vacation pay, 13th salary and any bonuses.

Terminations

There are 2 types of termination in the Philippines – for just cause which includes reasons such as gross misconduct or fraud, and for authorised cause which is redundancy, health reasons (long term sickness) or retrenchment. In the case of a termination for just cause, 2 written warnings should be given and there should be a hearing allowing the employee to explain before termination with no severance. For authorised causes the termination should be reported to the Department of Labour and Employment and severance should be paid.

 Severance Pay

This is payable for authorised causes and amounts to 1 month’s salary for each year of service.

During Probation            

A contract can be terminated during probation without a specific reason and with no severance. Notice should be given as per the contract. If termination is for poor performance then it is essential that the expected standards were communicated clearly at the outset.

Annual Leave 2025

National Public Holidays: 21

New Year’s Day – 1st January     

Day Given in Lieu: No

*Lunar New Year – 29th January               

Day Given in Lieu: No

Eid al Fitr! – 31st March

Day Given in Lieu: No

The Day of Valour – 9th April

Day Given in Lieu: No

Maundy Thursday! – 17th April

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Good Friday! – 18th April

Day Given in Lieu: NA

*Black Saturday – 19th April

Day Given in Lieu: No

Labour Day / May Day – 1st May

Day Given in Lieu: No

Eid al Adha! – 7th – 8th June      

Day Given in Lieu: No

Independence Day – 12th June 

Day Given in Lieu: No

*Ninoy Aquino Day – 21st August

Day Given in Lieu: No

National Heroes Day – 25th August

Day Given in Lieu: No

*All Saints’ Day – 1st November

Day Given in Lieu: No

Bonifacio Day – 30th November               

Day Given in Lieu: No

*Immaculate Conception – 8th December

Day Given in Lieu: No

*Christmas Eve – 24th December

Day Given in Lieu: No

Christmas Day – 25th December              

Day Given in Lieu: No

Rizal Day – 30th December

Day Given in Lieu: No

*New Year’s Eve – 31st December

Day Given in Lieu: No

Comment           

*Special non-working days – holidays are unpaid, and employees are not required to work but receive a special rate if they do so (130% for normal hours, 169% for overtime).

! Holiday moves each year with the lunar calendar

Many employers will give a day off in lieu when a holiday falls at the weekend. Special working days are also designated by the government when employees are expected to work. 

Annual Leave

Paid legal entitlement (working days) Employees are entitled to 5 working days’ leave which can also be used for sickness, after 1 year of service.  However, many employers offer up to 15 days’ leave plus the same in sick leave.

Sick       

There is no legal requirement to provide sick leave. Employees who have made social security contribution during 3 of the preceding 12 months can claim sick pay of 90% of salary from the government after 3 days of hospitalisation. Many employers will have more generous sick leave policies.

Maternity          

New mothers with 1 year’s service are entitled to 105 calendar days of maternity leave. This rises to 120 days for single mothers. 100% of salary is paid by the government via the employer (up to a capped amount). A further 30 days of unpaid leave is also available. In the case of a miscarriage the leave entitlement is 60 days.

Maternity leave should be applied for at least 30 days in advance.

Paternity            

Married fathers are entitled to 7 calendar days of paternity leave. A further 7 days may be transferred from the mother’s allowance to the father (regardless of the relationship). Paternity leave is paid by the government.

Parental              

Single parents are entitled to 7 working days per year until the child is 8.

Other   

10 days of paid leave is available for female employees who are the victims of domestic violence. Women who undergo surgery for gynaecological disorders are entitled to 2 months of paid leave so long as they have 6 months of service in the previous 12.

Medical Insurance          

This is sometimes provided to employees and their families to provide faster access to a greater choice of facilities. It will usually include dental and optical cover.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is a common benefit in the Philippines with 12 to 24 months’ salary commonly offered or a lump sum amount of PHP 500,000 to PHP 1,000,000. Accidental death and disability is another common benefit.

Other

In addition to allowances to cover items such as phone and home office, meal vouchers, gym membership and transport allowances are sometimes given.  As mentioned, many companies offer vacation and sick leave in excess of the statutory minimum.

Contract Types 

The main types of contracts in Panama are indefinite, fixed term which finish on a set date, and project contracts, which end at the conclusion of a project.

Probation          

The probation period can be a maximum of 3 months for an indefinite contract and should be proportionate for a fixed term contract.

Working Hours 

Working hours are 40 hours per week being 8 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Overtime            

Employees are allowed to work a maximum of 3 hours of overtime per day. Over 48 hours per week, overtime should be paid at 125% for work between 6.00am and 6.00pm, 150% for work between 6.00pm and 6.00am and 200% for holidays.

Other Financial

A 13th month salary is mandatory paid in 3 equal instalments on 15th April, 15th August and 15th December. Employers are subject to a Professional Risk tax of between 0.33% and 6.25% depending on the type of industry.

Other

Salary should be stated in local currency, though because the Panamanian Balboa is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar it is acceptable to state salaries in US Dollars.  

Tax rates valid for 2025

Corporation Tax: 25%

Consumption Tax (VAT): 7%

Employers’ Contributions:

12.25%

1.5% Educational Insurance

Professional Risk Tax 0.33% to 6.25%

Employees’ Contributions

9.75%

1.25% Educational Insurance

Income Tax Rates

0 – 11,000: 0%

11,000 – 50,000: 15%

Over 50,000: 25%

Notice  

Notice will depend on the terms of the contract. 15 days’ notice is usual for employees. For employers, 30 days’ notice should be given unless the contract specifies more. The notice period cannot exceed 90 days.

A final payment must include normal pay up to the termination date, prorated untaken vacation pay, 13th month salary and any bonuses.

Terminations    

Unless the termination is a resignation, for just cause or during probation, severance is payable. For fixed term contract terminations employees should be paid the salary due for the remainder of the contract.

Severance Pay

Employees who are not dismissed for just cause are entitled to 1 week’s salary for each 3 months of service in the first year and 3.4 weeks’ salary for each year thereafter, prorated for part years.

After 10 years’ service an additional week’s salary per year is payable.

During Probation            

A contract can be terminated during probation with no severance but it is usual to give a reason to avoid claims of discrimination. Notice should be given as per the contract.

 Annual Leave 2025

National Public Holidays: 14

New Year’s Day – 1st January    

Day Given in Lieu: No

Martyr’s Day – 9th January         

Day Given in Lieu: No

Carnival/ Shrove Tuesday – 4th March

Day Given in Lieu:  NA

Maundy Thursday – 17th April

Day Given in Lieu:  NA

Good Friday – 18th April              

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Labour Day / May Day – 1st May

Day Given in Lieu:  No

Independence Day – 3rd November        

Day Given in Lieu: No

National Symbols Day – 4th November  

Day Given in Lieu:  No

Colon Day – 5th November         

Day Given in Lieu: No

Shout in Villa de los Santos – 10th November     

Day Given in Lieu: No

Independence from Spain – 28th November

Day Given in Lieu:  No

Mother’s Day – 8th December   

Day Given in Lieu:  No

Christmas Day – 25th December              

Day Given in Lieu: No

Comments: *In election years only in Panama.  Note that some employers will give a day in lieu when a holiday falls at the weekend.

All leave entitlement is based on a 5-day working week. Public holidays always falling on Sunday are not included.

Paid legal entitlement  

30 calendar days which accrues at the rate of 1 day for every 11 days worked in the first year of employment.

Carry over permitted     

Leave can be carried over by mutual agreement, usually in accordance with a documented policy but there is no regulation regarding this. When leave is carried over it is usual to require this leave to be used in the first 3 months of the following year. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that employees take their leave in a timely fashion.

Sick       

The employer pays for the first 3 days of sick leave, thereafter sick pay is paid by social security up to 26 weeks.

Maternity          

New mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of (government) fully paid maternity leave, which starts 6 weeks before the birth. Adopting mothers are eligible for 28 days’ leave.

Paternity            

3 consecutive working days of paid leave is allowed from the date of the child’s birth. This is paid at 100% by the employer.

Parental

There are no provisions in the law regarding parental leave.

Medical Insurance         

This is sometimes provided to employees and their families, typically by multi nationals and other large organisations to provide faster access to a greater choice of facilities.

Other   

In addition to allowances to cover items such as phone and home office, meal vouchers, gym membership and transport allowances are sometimes given.

Georgia Contract Types 

In Georgia, employment contracts can be Fixed Term or Indefinite. Fixed term contracts are only allowed for specific reasons, such as projects or seasonal work, and cannot be longer than 30 months.

Georgia Probation Periods           

Probation can be a maximum of 6 months.

Working Hours in Georgia

Working hours are 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. Overtime should be agreed between the employer and employee, but should be no more than 2 hours per day, 4 hours per week,  and generally should  be paid at 125%. Time off in lieu can be given if it is agreed between the parties. Employers should maintain records of hours worked.

Other Georgia Contract Requirements   

There is no mandatory requirement for a 13th month salary.

Georgia Tax Rates Valid For 2025:

Georgia Corporation Tax

15%

Georgia Consumption Tax

18%

Georgia Employers’ Costs

2%

Georgia Employees’ Pension

2%

Georgia Income Tax Rates           

Flat Rate 20%

Notice Periods in Georgia

The notice period is 30 days for employer and employee, and should be given in writing.  During probation notice should still be given in writing but can take effect immediately. No severance is due during probation.

Severance Pay in Georgia  

Severance pay is payable when employees are terminated (if not for reasons such as gross misconduct) and is 1 or 2 months’ salary depending on the reason for termination. Accrued and unused leave should also be paid out on termination.

Georgia Annual Leave 2025:

Number of Paid Holidays in Goergia: 15 days

New Year’s Day – 1st – 2nd January         

Day off in Lieu: No

Orthodox Christmas – 7th January          

Day off in Lieu: No

Orthodox Epiphany – 19th January         

Day off in Lieu: No

Mothers’ Day – 3rd March          

Day off in Lieu: No

International Women’s Day – 8th March             

Day off in Lieu: No

Independence Restoration Day – 9th April           

Day off in Lieu: No

Orthodox Good Friday – 18th April          

Day off in Lieu: NA

Orthodox Easter Monday – 21st April     

Day off in Lieu: NA

Victory Day – 9th May   

Day off in Lieu: No

St Andrew’s Day – 12th May      

Day off in Lieu: No

Day of Family Purity and Respect for Parents – 17th May             

Day off in Lieu: No

Independence Day – 26th May  

Day off in Lieu: No

Assumption of Mary – 28th August         

Day off in Lieu: No

Svetitskhovloba – 14th October

Day off in Lieu: No

St George’s Day – 23rd November            

Day off in Lieu: No

The minimum annual entitlement is 24 working days per year. After 11 months’ service a further 15 unpaid days’ leave is available.

Is Carry Over Permitted in Georgia?      

Carry over is permitted by mutual agreement for up to 2 years.

Georgia Sick Leave

The entitlement is for 40 consecutive calendar days, so long as the total period of sickness does not exceed 60 calendar days in a 6 month period. A valid medical certificate should be produced on the first day of sickness. Pay is not mandated and is usually governed by the contract.

Georgia Maternity Leave

New mothers in Georgia are entitled to 126 days’ leave or 143 days for multiple births or those with complications. Full pay is provided by the government up to GEL 2,000 in total (Eur 702, though many employers will supplement this).  An additional GEL 1,000 is available for the third and subsequent children.

Georgia Paternity Leave

There is no paternity leave mandated in Georgia though many employers will grant unpaid leave.

Georgia Parental Leave             

57 days from the maternity leave entitlement can be put towards parental leave. Employees are entitled to 604 days of unpaid leave which is shared between the parents.

Employees can also request additional childcare leave of between 2 and 12 weeks’ unpaid leave per year.

Other Leave in Georgia   

Employees are entitled to 15 days of unpaid leave for bereavement and marriage but many employers will provide paid leave for these events.

Georgia Medical Insurance         

The public healthcare system in Georgia is fairly basic and many companies will provide private medical insurance as a benefit.

Georgia Life Insurance

Life insurance is not commonly offered as a benefit.

Georgia Pension Schemes             

This is not a usual benefit.

Other Employee Benefits in Georgia    

Gym membership is sometimes offered as a benefit. Phone and meal allowances may also be offered.

Mexico Employment Contract Types

In Mexico, employment contracts can be indefinite, for trial (limited to 6 months) or fixed term. The latter are restricted to temporary replacements and when justified by the nature of the work (eg if the work is seasonal).

Probation Periods in Mexico           

Probation is commonly 1 month but can be up to 6 months for managers.

Working Hours in Mexico   

Normal working hours are 48 hours per week for a 6 day week or 40 hours for a 5 day week.

Overtime in Mexico   

Any hours over the mandated hours are counted as overtime. The first 9 hours per week are paid at 200% and thereafter each hour is paid at 300%. Managers can be exempt from overtime rules.

Other

Non-compete clauses are not enforceable in Mexico.

Other Financial Information

10% of profits must be distributed between employees, so long as they have worked for a minimum of 60 days in the preceding year. This is paid out in May of the following year. The amount paid is capped at 3 months’ salary and is pro rated for part years. 50% of the available amount is distributed between all employees (though some categories do not qualify such as directors and domestic workers) and the remaining 50% is distributed based on salary excluding commission.

Salaries are paid twice monthly, usually on the 15th and the last day of the month. A 13th month salary (Aguinaldo) is paid by the 20th December which comprises a minimum of 15 working days’ salary. This is accrued from the first day of employment and is paid pro rata. Legislation is currently being debated to increase this payment to a minimum of 30 days’ salary, which many companies currently give.

Mexico Tax Rates Valid For 2025:

Mexico Corporation Tax

30%

Mexico Consumption Tax           

16%

Mexico Employers’ Social Security          

24 – 38%

Up to 3% State Payroll tax

Mexico Employees’ Contributions           

10 – 30%

1.125% Retirement fund

Dependent on factors such as age, industry etc

Mexico Income Tax Rates

Up to 8,952.40: 1.92%

8,592.50 to 75,984.55: 6.4%

75,984.56 to 133,536.07:10.88%

133,536.08 to 155,229.82: 16%

155,229.82 to 185,852.57: 17.92%

185,852.58 to 374,837.88: 21.36%

374,837.89 to 590,795.99: 23.52%

590,796 to 1,127,926.84: 30%

1,127,926.85 to 1,503,902.46: 32%

1,503,902.47 to 4,511,707.37: 34%

Over 4,511,707.38: 35%

Dismissal in Mexico

Employees can only be dismissed for a limited number of reasons amounting to gross misconduct. The burden of proof is high and the employee should be notified within 30 days of the offence.

Most terminations in Mexico are without cause and employees have to be paid full severance. This consists of 3 months’ salary, plus 20 days’ salary for each year of service, plus an additional “seniority premium” of 12 days’ salary for each year of service (capped at twice the minimum wage) plus accrued salary and vacation, vacation bonus and Christmas bonus. For severance purposes salary includes all elements including any additional bonus and any benefits given. It is usual to give 2 weeks’ notice unless the contract provides for more.

During Probation in Mexico             

Employees can be dismissed during probation without a reason but will be entitled to severance.

Annual Leave in Mexico 2025:

Number of Paid Public Holidays in Mexico: 8

New Year’s Day – 1st January

Day Given in Lieu: No

Constitution Day – 3rd February

Day Given in Lieu: No

Benito Juarez Birthday – 17th March

Day Given in Lieu: No

Labour Day – 1st May    

Day Given in Lieu: No

Independence Day – 16th September

Day Given in Lieu: No

Revolution Day – 17th November

Day Given in Lieu: No

Christmas Day – 25th December

Day Given in Lieu: No

Comment: * During an election year only.

Whilst employees are not entitled to a day off in lieu when a holiday falls on the weekend, many employers will give an additional day off.

Leave Entitlement in Mexico (Working Days)

In Mexico the basic leave entitlement is 12 working days which employees are not technically entitled to until they have completed 1 year of service. This rises by 2 days for each year of service, up to 22 days for 6 years’ service. Thereafter 2 additional days are given for every 5 years of service, capped at 32 days. A premium of 25% must be paid whilst the employee is on leave.

Is Carry Over Permitted in Mexico?

Carry over is not a legal requirement in Mexico.

Is Payment in Lieu Allowed in Mexico?

Unused leave should be paid out on termination unless the employee is dismissed for gross misconduct.

Holiday Allowance in Mexico         

A premium of 25% is paid whilst employees are on leave.

Sick Leave in Mexico       

Sick pay extends for up to 52 weeks paid at 60% of salary by Social Security.

Maternity Leave in Mexico

New mothers in Mexico are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave. 6 weeks must be taken before the birth and 6 weeks thereafter. 6 weeks is available to adopting mothers. The leave is paid by Social Security at full pay, though the amount is capped. Pregnant women have protection of employment.

Paternity Leave in Mexico            

In Mexico new fathers are entitled to 5 days’ paid leave.

Parental Leave in Mexico             

There is no parental leave in Mexico.

Bereavement Leave in Mexico    

There is no legal entitlement to bereavement leave though some employers will allow paid time off.

Medical Insurance in Mexico

It is very common for medical insurance to be offered in Mexico. Typical policies have high deductibles and co-payments.

Life Insurance in Mexico    

Life insurance is often offered as a benefit. Usually, it will cover a lump sum rather than a multiple of salary. Underwriting can be onerous for larger sums.

Other   

Other common benefits are internet and phone allowance, typically 1,500 MXN per month each, meal vouchers of 2,600MXN per month and computer allowance if appropriate.

Hong Kong Contract Types 

In Hong Kong, employment contracts can be Fixed Term or Indefinite.

Probation Periods in Hong Kong           

Probation is typically 1 to 3 months but can be 6 months or longer.

Working Hours in Hong Kong

Working hours are between 40 and 48 per week. Employment contracts will lay down the terms for working hours as there is no statutory maximum. There is also no statutory requirement to pay overtime, but it would be usual for overtime to be paid in accordance with the contract terms.

Other

There is no mandatory requirement for a 13th month salary but a bonus before Chinese New Year is often given.

Hong Kong Tax rates valid for 2025

Corporation Tax in Hong Kong               

16.5%

Hong Kong Employers’ Costs            

5% Mandatory Provident Fund

c.2% employment insurance

Hong Kong Employees’ Cost

5% Mandatory Provident Fund

Hong Kong Income Tax Rates

0-50,000 HK$                                   2%

50,000-100,000 HK$                      6%

100,000-150,000 HK$                    10%

150,000-200,000 HK$                    14%

Over 200,000 HK$                           17%

The Hong Kong Employment Ordinance provides several valid reasons for termination including poor performance (though a PIP will be required first).

Notice Periods in Hong Kong   

Typical notice period is 30 days but the contract may specify more.  No notice is required during probation.

Severance Pay in Hong Kong

Severance pay is payable when employees are made redundant if they have more than 2 years’ service or when the cause for termination is not redundancy and one of the following conditions are met:

Termination is not due to misconduct;

• The employee dies;
• The employee resigns on health grounds;
• The employee is aged 65 or over and resigns.

Payment is 2/3 of the average wage earned in the previous 12 months, per year of service, capped at a total of HKD 390,000.

Hong Kong Annual Leave 2025

Paid Entitlement in Hong Kong: 16 days

New Year’s Day – 1st January     

Day off in Lieu: Yes

Chinese New Year – 29th – 31stJanuary 

Day off in Lieu: Yes

Tomb Sweeping Day – 4th April 

Day off in Lieu: Yes

Good Friday – 18th April              

Day off in Lieu:  NA

Easter Monday – 21st April         

Day off in Lieu: NA

Labour Day – 1st May    

Day off in Lieu: Yes

Buddha’s Birthday – 5th May     

Day off in Lieu: Yes

Dragon Boat Festival – 31st May              

Day off in Lieu: Yes

Hong Kong SAR Day – 1st July    

Day off in Lieu: Yes

National Day – 1st October         

Day off in Lieu: Yes

Day after Chinese mid Autumn Festival – 7th October    

Day off in Lieu:  Yes

Chung Yeung Festival – 29th October     

Day off in Lieu: Yes

Christmas Day – 25th December              

Day off in Lieu: Yes

First weekday after Christmas – 26th December

Day off in Lieu: NA

*A day in lieu must be provided within 60 days

After one year of service employees are entitled to 7 days’ annual leave. This rises by 1 day per year for each year of service up to an entitlement of 14 days.

Carry over permitted in Hong Kong

Carry over is permitted by mutual agreement for one year but not beyond this.

Sick Leave in Hong Kong        

Employees accrue entitlement to paid sick leave at the rate of 2 days for each month worked during the first year and 4 days per month thereafter. The maximum which can be accrued is 120 days whether on a fixed term or permanent contract. 36 days can be used with a valid medical certificate; and the remaining 84 days may be used once the 36 days are exhausted. After one month’s service, employees are entitled to payment during sick leave at 80% of the average wage in the preceding 12 months (or since the beginning of employment if they have worked for less than 12 months. Sick leave is payable after 4 days of absence.

Maternity Leave in Hong Kong          

New mothers in Hong Kong are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave paid at 80% by the employer (capped between weeks 11 and 14 at HKD 80,000). Payment for weeks 11 to 14 are reimbursed by the government. Between 2 and 4 weeks may be taken before the birth, the remainder being taken after. Employees are entitled to maternity leave and pay after 40 weeks of employment so long as they work a minimum of 18 hours per week. Maternity leave can be taken in separate blocks. More leave is available if there are medical complications.

Paternity Leave in Hong Kong            

New fathers are entitled to 5 days’ paternity leave with the same payment and conditions as for maternity leave.

Other Leave in Hong Kong  

There is no statutory requirement to give any other paid leave, though many employers will give bereavement and marriage leave. Employees must be allowed leave for jury service, though there is no stipulation to provide payment.

Medical Insurance in Hong Kong          

Public healthcare in Hong Kong is very good, though some employers will offer private medical insurance.

Life Insurance in Hong Kong    

Life insurance is not commonly offered as a benefit.

Pensions in Hong Kong             

This is not a usual benefit but is provided under the government’s Mandatory Provident Fund.

Costa Rica Contract Types

In Costa Rica, employment contracts can be Fixed Term or Indefinite. Fixed Term contracts are generally used for specific projects or temporary work and must clearly define the duration and reason for the temporary nature of the contract. They can only be renewed once for the same position; otherwise, the contract becomes indefinite.

Indefinite contracts are the most common and have no predetermined end date. Employment relationships are governed by Costa Rica’s Labor Code and specific company policies, with some industries having Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).

Probation in Costa Rica

The probation period is typically 3 months for new hires, though it may vary by industry or CBA. During this period, either party may terminate the contract without justification.

Working Hours in Costa Rica

The standard working hours in Costa Rica are 8 hours per day, typically distributed over 6 days.

Overtime in Costa Rica

Overtime is allowed in Costa Rica but should not exceed 4 hours per day or 12 hours per week. Overtime is paid at 150% of the regular hourly wage for any hours beyond the contracted working hours. Overtime worked on holidays is paid at 200%.

Other Financial

Costa Rica mandates a 13th-month salary (known as Aguinaldo) that must be paid by employers by 20^th December. This amount is equivalent to one-twelfth of the employee’s total earnings for the year.

Other

Non-compete clauses are not standard in Costa Rica, but if agreed upon, they must be reasonable in scope and duration and provide fair compensation.

Costa Rica Tax Rates Valid For 2025:

Costa Rica Corporation Tax

30%

Costa Rica Consumption Tax        

13%

Costa Rica Employers’ Social Security    

26.67%

Costa Rica Employees’ Contributions      

10.67%

Costa Rica Income Tax Rates:         

Up to 4,094,000 – 0%

4,094,000 to 6,115,000 – 10%

6,115,000 to 10,200,000 – 15%

10,200,000 to 20,442,000 – 20%

Over 20,442,000 – 25%

Notice Periods in Costa Rica

Termination notice is required based on length of service:

Up to 3 months: no notice

3 months to 6 months: 1 week’s notice

6 months to 1 year: 2 weeks’ notice

Over 1 year: 1 month’s notice, plus an additional day for every additional year worked

Whilst working their notice employees are entitled to 1 paid day per week of leave to look for work.

During Probation in Costa Rica

No notice or justification is required during probation.

Dismissals in Costa Rica

Employers must have just cause for dismissal under Costa Rican labor law. Grounds for termination must be clearly documented, and employees have the right to contest dismissals. If there is no just cause then severance should be paid. Employers will strive to avoid litigation in Costa Rica as court cases can be costly and take years to be heard.

Severance Pay in Costa Rica

Severance pay (known as Cesantía) is required for dismissals without just cause and is based on length of service.

3 to 6 months: Seven days of pay

6 months to one year: 14 days of pay

Thereafter severance is approximately 20 days per year of service.

Employees should also receive any salary due, compensation for accrued and unused holiday and the 13th month salary pro rated.

Costa Rica Annual Leave 2025:

Paid Public Holidays: 10

New Year’s Day – 1st January

Day Given in Lieu: No

Battle of Rivas – 11th April

Day Given in Lieu: No

Maundy Thursday – 17th April              

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Good Friday – 18th April           

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Easter Monday – 21st April     

Day Given in Lieu: NA

May Day – 1st May       

Day Given in Lieu: No

Annexation of Guanacaste – 25th July             

Day Given in Lieu: NA

Mother’s Day – 15th August    

Day Given in Lieu: No

Independence Day – 15th September              

Day Given in Lieu: No

Christmas Day – 25th December        

Day Given in Lieu: No

Comment:

Each year the government decides whether a day in lieu will be offered.

Paid Legal Entitlement in Costa Rica

Employees are entitled to 2 weeks (10 working days) of paid vacation per year after 50 weeks of work. Vacation days must be taken consecutively unless otherwise agreed.

Is Carry Over Permitted in Costa Rica?

There is no requirement to allow carry over but it is usual to allow unused vacation days to be taken within the first 6 months of the next year.

Is Payment in Lieu Allowed in Costa Rica?

Employees can receive payment in lieu of vacation only upon termination of employment.

Sick Leave in Costa Rica

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave, covered equally by the employer and social security for the first 3 days. Thereafter social security pays 60% of salary for up to 1 year.

Maternity Leave in Costa Rica

Maternity leave is 4 months (1 month before and 3 months after childbirth) and is fully paid, with the salary split between the employer and CCSS.

Paternity Leave in Costa Rica

There is no statutory paternity leave in Costa Rica, though some companies offer 5 days of paid leave.

Parental Leave in Costa Rica

There is no statutory parental leave, but employees may negotiate unpaid time off.

Child Care Leave in Costa Rica

Employees are entitled to unpaid leave to care for a sick child, depending on the CBA or company policy.

Bereavement Leave in Costa Rica

Employees are entitled to 3 days’ paid leave in the event of the death of an immediate family member.

Medical Insurance in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a universal public healthcare system (CCSS), but private health insurance is commonly offered as an additional benefit by employers.

Pension Schemes in Costa Rica

Many employers also offer private pension plans as an additional benefit.

Greece Contract Types

In Greece, contracts can either be indefinite or fixed term. Fixed term contracts must be renewed in writing, or they will be considered as permanent contracts. They can only be renewed twice over a 3 year period. A break in employment of at least 45 days is required for a new fixed term contract after this period.

Probation Periods in Greece           

The standard probation period in Greece is up to six months and most companies give a 3 month probation period.

Working Hours in Greece

40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.

Overtime in Greece            

Between 40 and 45 hours per week should be compensated at 120% of the normal wage, above this threshold 140% of the normal salary is due. The maximum overtime allowed legally is 3 hours per week or 150 hours per year.

Other Financial Information    

A 13th and 14th month salary is mandatory but can be prorated over the year. Note that one half month of these additional salary entitlements is not due if the employee has taken sick leave.

Employers are required to make additional payments for remote workers standing at Euro 28 per month.

Greece Tax Rates Valid For 2025:

Greece Corporation Tax:

22%

Greece Consumption Tax:

24%

Greece Employers’ Social Security Contributions:

21.79%

Greece Employees’ Contributions:

13.37 %

Greece Income Tax Rates:            

Up to 10,000: 9%

10,000 to 20,000: 22%

20,000 to 30,000: 28%

30,000 to 40,000: 36%

Over 40,000: 44%

Notice Periods in Greece                   

Fixed term contracts may only be terminated for reasons such as gross misconduct. Otherwise the contract should be paid to the end unless the contract stipulates the possibility to terminate the contract early and the severance to be paid, which should be the same as under an indefinite duration contract.

In Greece, the notice period depends on length of service:

Less than 12 months: no notice

Up to 2 years: 1 month

Up to 5 years: 2 months

Up to 10 years: 3 months

Over 10 years: 4 months

No notice is required during probation or for dismissal when the employee has committed an offence.

Dismissal Process in Greece            

Employers should give written notice of termination including an explanation as to the reason. In cases of misconduct a warning should be given, and the employee should be given the opportunity to explain their actions.

Severance Pay in Greece    

This is payable based on service in cases where the reason for termination may be considered illegal, such as redundancy or performance related reasons. After 1 year of service the amounts payable are:

1 to 4 years’ service      

2 months salary

4 to 6 years’ service    

3 months’ salary

6 to 8 years’ service      

4 months’ salary

8 to 10 years’ service    

5 months’ salary

10  years’ service

6 months’ salary rising by 1 month per year of service up to 16 years’ service when 12 months’ salary is due. Note these severance amounts include notice payment due. No severance is due for a termination made during probation.

Greece Annual Leave 2025:

Number of National Public Holidays in Greece:

12

New Year’s Day – 1st January     

Day given in lieu: No

Epiphany – 6th January 

Day given in lieu: No

Clean Monday – 3rd March

Day given in lieu: NA

Independence Day – 25th March

Day given in lieu: No

Orthodox Good Friday – 18th April

Day given in lieu: NA

Orthodox Easter Monday – 21st April

Day given in lieu: NA

Labour Day – 1st May

Day given in lieu: No

Orthodox Pentecost Monday – 9th June

Day given in lieu: NA

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 15th August

Day given in lieu: No