Employment Law in Gabon

Contracts

In Gabon, employment contracts can be fixed-term or permanent, depending on the nature of the job and the agreement between the employer and employee. Permanent employment contracts typically include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and family allowances. Fixed-term employees are entitled to similar benefits as permanent employees, especially when their roles mirror those of permanent staff. Gabon also has apprenticeship contracts, mainly for training, which are governed by national labor regulations.

Termination and notice periods

In Gabon, labor laws generally require a written notice for termination, with periods varying based on the type of contract and length of service: 15 days for employees with less than one year of service, one month for those with one to three years, and up to four months for those with more than 10 years of service. In most cases, terminated employees are entitled to a warning and a fair hearing. Employers must have a just cause for a dismissal, which may include theft or financial irregularities, disorderly behavior, insubordination, habitual negligence of duty, and lack of capability. 

Employees with at least two years of service are entitled to severance pay, calculated based on the employee’s length of service and average monthly salary. Employees who resign after two years of service may receive a prorated portion of the severance, depending on their total years of service. As your Employer of Record (EOR) in Gabon, we can assist you in managing employee terminations by providing legal guidance and a personalized process to ensure compliance with labor laws and minimize legal risks.

Probation periods

In Gabon, probation periods are regulated by national legislation, typically set at thirty days for manual workers, and up to one hundred and eighty days for executive positions, with similar durations applicable in public service roles, as detailed in the Labor Code.

Working hours and overtime

In Gabon, the standard working week generally consists of 40 hours, distributed over five days, with a legal maximum of eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. Employees are entitled to a rest period of not less than 30 minutes after five consecutive hours of work and at least one full day off per week, typically Sunday.

Any work beyond the standard working time is considered overtime. Gabonese labor law mandates that overtime must be compensated at rates outlined in the Labor Code, varying based on the time and day the overtime is performed. Overtime is applicable for hours worked beyond eight per day or 40 per week, and for work performed on rest days and public holidays.

Taxes

In Gabon, withholding tax is known as Impôt sur le Revenu des Personnes Physiques (IRPP) and is deducted by employers before paying salaries to employees. Employers must deduct IRPP from employee salaries based on applicable income tax brackets and submit it to the tax authorities.

Employer payroll contributions

Gabon’s social security system requires employer contributions that are dependent on the total number of employees, and these contributions cover pensions, medical care, disability insurance, and gratuity payments. In addition, workers’ compensation is financed by contributions from provincial governments, employers, and employees.