Capital: Niamey
Population: (2022 est.) 23,437,000
Monetary Unit: West African CFA franc
Language(s): French
Niger, officially Republic of Niger, French République du Niger, landlocked western African country. It is bounded on the northwest by Algeria, on the northeast by Libya, on the east by Chad, on the south by Nigeria and Benin, and on the west by Burkina Faso and Mali. The capital is Niamey. The country takes its name from the Niger River, which flows through the southwestern part of its territory.
The public holidays in Niger are as follows;
Date Holiday
- 1 Jan New Year’s Day
- 10 Apr Easter Monday
- 18 Apr Laylat al-Qadr
- 21 Apr Korité
- 24 Apr Concord Day
- 1 May Labour Day
- 28 Jun Tabaski
- 29 Jun Tabaski Holiday
- 19 Jul Islamic New Year
- 3 Aug Independence Day
- 27 Sep Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- 18 Dec Republic Day
- 25 Dec Christmas Day
Probationary periods of up to six months are permitted.
Employees are generally entitled to 22 days of paid annual leave.
Female employees are generally entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, of which six are compulsory and eight can be taken after the birth.
Fathers are entitled to one day of paid paternity leave.
In general, employees are entitled to at least five paid sick days per year.
13th / 14th Month Pay: No. There is no statutory requirement to pay the 13th or 14th month salary. However, seniority and attendance bonuses may be payable.
Foreign nationals will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Niger for any reason, including tourism and business. A few requirements apply to all foreign nationals regardless of the visa type they need. The required documents for a work visa include:
- A passport that has at least one blank page and is valid for six months or longer
- Three recent passport photos
- Three completed visa application forms
- Proof of immunization against yellow fever and cholera
- A letter of invitation from the applicant’s employer, which should include the applicant’s job position and anticipated length of stay in Niger
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as a flight itinerary or a copy of the applicant’s airline ticket
To obtain a work permit, foreign employees will need to be sponsored by a company based in Niger. After submitting the application and all supporting documents, applicants should remain in their country of residence until they receive confirmation that their visa application has been approved. Processing typically takes about a month. Upon approval and receipt of the work visa, employees may travel to Niger and begin working for the company.
Type of Visa/Permit
Tourist Visa: Foreigners seeking to visit Niger for tourism purposes must obtain a tourist visa. This visa is valid for 90 days. The requirements for a temporary work visa, are as follows;
- A passport that has at least one blank page and is valid for six months or longer
- Three recent passport photos
- Three completed visa application forms
- Proof of immunization against yellow fever and cholera
- Proof of travel arrangements
Business Visa: A passport that has at least one blank page and is valid for six months or longer. This visa is valid for 90 days. The requirements for a business visa, are as follows;
- Three recent passport photos
- Three completed visa application forms
- Proof of immunization against yellow fever and cholera
- Proof of travel arrangements
Work Permit: Foreigners seeking employment in Niger must obtain a work permit. This permit is valid for a year. The requirements for a work permit, are as follows;
- A passport that has at least one blank page and is valid for six months or longer
- Three recent passport photos
- Three completed visa application forms
- Proof of immunization against yellow fever and cholera
- A letter of invitation from the applicant’s employer, which should include the applicant’s job position and anticipated length of stay in Niger
- Proof of travel arrangements
According to the legislation, these benefits are required. These consist of the probationary term, yearly leave, federal holidays, sick leave, maternity leave, overtime pay, notice period, and severance compensation. Social Security payouts are statutory benefits as well.
The work week in Niger is 40 hours.
Overtime work is paid at a premium rate
A 2% tax on gross salary applies for Niger nationals and 4% for expatriates. This tax must be withheld and paid by employers.
Social security contributions are levied on employers and employees at 16.4% and 5.25% respectively
VAT is a flat 19% on all goods, services and imports.
- 10% withholding tax applies on dividends and royalties paid to resident and non-resident entities.
- A 7% withholding tax is levied on dividends distributed by companies listed on an approved stock exchange.
- A 20% rate is levied on interest, unless reduced under a tax treaty.
- A 16% withholding tax applies on technical services fess and amounts paid as compensation for services