Capital: Bissau

Population: (2022 est.) 1,644,000

Monetary Unit: West African CFA franc (XOF)

Language(s): Portuguese

Guinea-Bissau, country of western Africa. Situated on the Atlantic coast, the predominantly low-lying country is slightly hilly farther inland. The name Guinea remains a source of debate; it is perhaps a corruption of an Amazigh (Berber) word meaning “land of the blacks.” The country also uses the name of its capital, Bissau, to distinguish it from Guinea, its neighbor to the east and south.

The public holidays in Guinea-Bissau are as follows;

Date           Holiday

  • 1 Jan          New Year’s Day
  • 20 Jan        Heroes’ Day
  • 8 Mar         International Women’s Day
  • 21 Apr       Korité
  • 1 May        Labour Day
  • 28 Jun        Tabaski
  • 3 Aug         Pidjiguiti Day
  • 24 Sep        National Day
  • 14 Nov       Readjustment Movement Day
  • 25 Dec       Christmas Day

Probation period is typically 3 months.

Employees receive 21 days paid annual leave.

Female employees receive 60 days of paid leave.

There is no statutory paternity leave

Employees receive at least 5 paid days of sick leave

13th / 14th Month Salary: No. There is no statutory requirement to pay the 13th or 14th month salary. However, it is customary for employees to be given bonus regularly but they are monthly as opposed to quarterly or attached to holidays.

Foreign nationals who plan to travel to Guinea-Bissau will need to obtain a visa, and visa categories in the country include: Short-stay visas, which are valid for a maximum of 90 days and Long-stay visas for extended stays.

Most foreign nationals who travel to Guinea-Bissau for work will need to obtain a long-stay visa. Foreign nationals can generally expect the need to provide the following documents if they wish to obtain a visa and travel to Guinea-Bissau:

  • A valid passport with at least one blank page for an entry stamp
  • Recent passport photos
  • Biometric data, including fingerprints
  • Proof of vaccination against yellow fever
  • Payment of the visa fee

Type of Visa/Permit

Documentation Validity Eligibility

Tourist Visa: Foreigners who intend to visit Guinea Bissau for short term purposes must apply for a tourist visa and this is valid for 3months. Documents required to obtain a tourist visa are;

  • A valid passport with at least one blank page for an entry stamp
  • Recent passport photos
  • Biometric data, including fingerprints
  • Proof of vaccination against yellow fever
  • Payment of the visa fee

Long-stay Visa: Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Guinea Bissau for more than 3 months to work must apply for a long stay visa, and this is valid for one(1) year. Documents required to obtain a tourist visa are;

  • A valid passport with at least one blank page for an entry stamp
  • Recent passport photos
  • Biometric data, including fingerprints
  • Proof of vaccination against yellow fever
  • Payment of the visa fee
  • Employment contract
  • CV

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.

Evening overtime is paid at 25%, while weekend overtime is paid at 50%

Overtime hours must not exceed 20% of the maximum working hours (i.e. eight hours per week) and an employee must not be required to work more than a total of 12 hours per day. If an employee is required to work additional hours, they are entitled to overtime pay, for a minimum of 150% of the normal hourly wage. If circumstances require the employee to work on their weekly day off, they must be granted another day off (in lieu) and 150% off their wage for the overtime period.

There is no notice period for a dismissal. The behind severance is as follows;

  • Severance pay after a year’s service is 13 days
  • Severance pay after 5 years of service is 21.7 days and;
  • Severance after 10 years of service is around 43 days

Corporate income tax in Guinea-Bissau is imposed at a standard rate of 25%

Employers in Guinea-Bissau are obliged to submit monthly social security contributions of 14% of their employees monthly gross salaries to the Guinea-Bissau National Institute of Social Providence (INSS)

Contribution           Group 1083      National Institute of Social Providence (INSS)

Employer               Group 1083                  14%

Employee               Group 1083                  –

The Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied at a standard rate of 15%. Exports are zero rated.

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