Burkina Faso EOR & PEO
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DID YOU KNOW
- Burkina Faso is known as the “Land of Honest People,” a name that reflects the country’s cultural values of integrity and hospitality.
- The country is one of Africa’s leading producers of cotton and gold, making these industries central to its economy.
- Burkina Faso is home to the International Art and Craft Fair, Ouagadougou (SIAO), one of Africa’s largest cultural events promoting local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
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Working in Burkina Faso
Financial Year Dates
Burkina Faso’s fiscal year runs from 1st January to 31st December.
Minimum Wage
As of 2025, the statutory minimum wage in Burkina Faso is XOF 34,664 per month for the formal private sector. Sectoral agreements may set higher wages depending on the industry.
Standard working hours
The legal maximum working hours are 40 hours per week, typically structured as 8 hours per day over a five-day week. Any variations must be formalized through collective agreements or company policy.
Overtime
Overtime is permitted and regulated by the Labour Code. The first eight hours of overtime are compensated at 115% of the regular rate, and hours beyond that at 150%. Work on weekends or public holidays may be paid at double time.
Holiday Allowance
Employees are entitled to 2.5 working days of paid leave per month of service, equating to 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after one year. Public holidays are observed separately and do not count against annual leave.
Sick Leave
Sick leave is granted with medical justification. For short-term illness (less than 15 days), employers cover the full wage. For longer absences, the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) may reimburse a portion of salary, depending on contributions and length of absence. Medical certification is required for all absences beyond two days.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave, paid at full salary, covered by CNSS if the employee has at least three months of prior contributions.
Paternity Leave: Fathers are entitled to 3 days of paid paternity leave.
Public Holiday
Burkina Faso observes a blend of national, religious, and historical holidays. Public holidays may vary slightly by year, especially Islamic holidays based on the lunar calendar. Common public holidays include:
- New Year’s Day
- International Women’s Day
- Labour Day
- Ascension Day
- Independence Day
- Assumption Day
- All Saints’ Day
- Proclamation of the Republic
- Christmas Day
- Tabaski (Eid al-Adha)
- Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid)
Social Contributions
Social security in Burkina Faso is administered by the Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS). Contributions are mandatory for both employers and employees.
- Employer Contributions:
- Family Benefits: 6.5%
- Work Injury Insurance: 1.5% – 5% (based on risk classification)
- Retirement Pension: 8%
- Employee Contributions:
- Retirement Pension: 5.5%
Total employer contributions typically range between 16%–20% of gross salary.
Income Tax
Personal income in Burkina Faso is taxed progressively based on income brackets:
Annual Income (XOF) | Tax Rate |
Up to 300,000 | 0% |
300,001 – 1,000,000 | 10% |
1,000,001 – 2,500,000 | 15% |
2,500,001 – 4,000,000 | 20% |
Over 4,000,000 | 25% |
Non-residents are taxed only on income earned within Burkina Faso. Residents are taxed on global income.
Health Care
Burkina Faso has a two-tiered healthcare system comprised of public and private providers. The public health sector is supported by government funding and contributions to CNSS, while the private sector is often used by expatriates and high-income earners.
Primary healthcare services are accessible across urban centers, but facilities in rural areas may be limited. Employers are expected to register staff with CNSS to ensure access to state-funded health coverage. However, private health insurance is commonly offered by employers to provide broader coverage and faster treatment.
Visas
Burkina Faso requires work and residency permits for foreign nationals seeking employment. The process includes:
- Work Permit: Sponsored by an employer and issued by the Ministry of Labour. Requires a local employment contract.
- Residence Permit: Must be obtained separately from the immigration office. Valid for up to one year and renewable.
- Business Visa: Available for short stays or investor visits; longer-term permits are required for company registration and local operations.
13th salary
There is no legal requirement for a 13th-month salary in Burkina Faso. However, some employers may offer performance-based bonuses or year-end incentives depending on company policy or collective agreements.
Cultural Information
- The country is a hub for African film and music. The FESPACO (Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou) is Africa’s most important cinema event, attracting global participation.
- Popular dishes include Tô, a thick millet or sorghum paste served with vegetable or meat sauces, and Riz gras (fatty rice) – a one-pot rice dish often cooked with tomatoes, onions, and meat. Local flavors are enhanced with spicy sauces and native herbs.
- Social life is highly communal. Greetings are an important part of daily interaction, and it’s customary to inquire about one’s family and well-being before starting a conversation. Extended families often live together, and community support is a central cultural value.
By choosing Gibson Watts Global as your Employer of Record (EOR) in Burkina Faso, you ensure full compliance with local labor and tax regulations while gaining access to a dedicated workforce in West Africa. Let us handle the administrative complexities so you can focus on growing your business in this vibrant and emerging market.