Capital: Victoria
Population: (2022 est.) 100,100
Monetary Unit: Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Language(s): English, French, Seychellois Creole.
The Republic of Seychelles, sometimes referred to as Seychelles, is an archipelago of islands in East Africa. The capital and largest city of the Seychelles is Victoria. Seychelles is an island nation in the western Indian Ocean with over 115 islands, lush tropical flora, stunning beaches, and a diverse range of marine life.
The public holidays in Seychelles are;
- 1 Jan New Year’s Day
- 2 Jan New Year Holiday
- 3 Jan New Year Holiday
- 7 Apr Good Friday
- 10 Apr Easter Monday
- 1 May Labour Day
- 8 Jun Corpus Christi
- 18 Jun Constitution Day
- 19 Jun Constitution Day Holiday
- 29 Jun Independence (National) Day
- 15 Aug Assumption Day
- 1 Nov All Saints’ Day
- 8 Dec Immaculate Conception
- 25 Dec Christmas Day
The maximum probationary term is six months.
Employees are generally entitled to 21 days of paid annual leave, or 1.75 days per month worked.
Female employees are generally entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. 12 additional weeks may be taken unpaid either before or after the paid leave.
Male employees are entitled to 10 days of paternity leave
In general, employees are entitled to 30 days of paid sick leave per year, or in cases of hospitalization, 60 days.
Regarding redundancy allowances, the employer must pay to any employee who is subject to a downsizing and who benefits from the unemployment insurance regime, an amount of compensation equal to three (3) months’ salary. (Cf. Art. 22 of the Decree 94-09.). As per Article 23 of the Decree 94-09, this allowance is calculated based on the average gross monthly wage received during the twelve (12) months preceding the termination of the employment relationship. In addition, Article 21 of the same Decree provides that employees to be terminated in the framework of a reduction in the workforce and who are compensated by means of a job, or admission to retirement or early retirement are not entitled to any compensation other than that due to them for paid leave. In specific cases of serious fault, the dismissal allowance can be null.
13th / 14th Month Pay: Yes (Mandatory). There is a statutory requirement to pay the 13th month salary. This is equivalent to one month salary. The payment is relegated to nationals. Some employers may decide to pay the 14th month but that is discretionary.
All foreign nationals visiting Seychelles are granted visa free access. They must be in a possession of a valid passport, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. The Visitor’s Permit is issued free of charge and is initially valid for up to three months but it can be extended for a fee for a period of up to three months with further extensions not exceeding total period of twelve months.
Every foreigner trying to work in Seychelles needs a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP), also known as a work permit. This document allows the person to be gainfully occupied in Seychelles, either as an employee or a self-employed person. Either the prospective employer or the employee, in the case of a self-employed person, must fill out the application at least 10 weeks before work starts. A foreigner cannot enter the country with the purpose of employment before obtaining a GOP. Employees will also need a resident permit to live in the country. These permits are typically granted to people who are not prohibited immigrants, those not connected with Seychelles through family or other domestic options or to those making a special contribution to the country’s economic, social, or cultural life
Throughout the application process, Seychelles considers certain factors before giving out Seychelles work permits or GOPs, including, the technical or professional qualifications of the applicant, the applicant’s reputation, health, and character, the availability of local people for the job, protection of any local interests, the social and economic benefit the applicant can bring to the country.
Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP): Validity – 1 year
Requirements
- A valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- CV
- Academic Qualifications
Eligibility: Foreigners who wish to work in Seychelles must obtain a Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP).
If terminating an employee for just cause, the employer must give the following notice:
- Casual worker: one day
- Worker on probation: seven days
- Any other Seychellois worker: one month’s notice
- Non-Seychellois worker who is also not a casual worker and not on probation: term as specified in the employment contract, or if none specified, one month’s notice
Severance pay may be due to the employee and depends upon the method of termination.
According to what the legislation stipulates, these advantages are required. These include the probationary period, yearly leave, public holidays, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, overtime pay, notice period, and 13th month pay. Social security payouts, such as the supply of a vehicle, food stipends, and medical care, are also included as statutory benefits.
The standard work week may not exceed 60 hours or 12 hours per day.
Overtime is allowed of up to 60 hours per month, or 15 extra hours per week.
If terminating an employee for just cause, the employer must give the following notice:
- Casual worker: one day
- Worker on probation: seven days
- Any other Seychellois worker: one month’s notice
- Non-Seychellois worker who is also not a casual worker and not on probation: term as specified in the employment contract, or if none specified, one month’s notice
All individuals, whether resident or non-resident in Seychelles, are subject to personal income tax on their gross income derived from Seychelles. Residents are subject to tax on worldwide income. Taxable income includes income from employment (and fringe benefits), gains on the disposal of business assets, income from the exercise of a business or profession and investment income (dividends, interest, royalties, fees, rental income, etc.).
Benefits in kind are subject to the non-monetary benefits tax on the value as prescribed in the law. The taxable amount depends on the kind of benefits. Individual income tax is levied on employment income at progressive rates up to 30% as per the above table. Tax also is levied on non-monetary benefits paid to the employee at a rate of 20%, which is paid by the employer under the monthly payroll tax filing.
Taxable Income (SCR) – Citizens Rate
0 – 8 555.50 0%
8 555.51 – 10 000 15%
10 000.01 to 83 000 20%
Above 83 000 30%
Non-monetary benefits 20%
Taxable Income (SCR) – Non-Citizens Rate
0 – 10 000 15%
10 000.01 to 83 000 20%
Above 83 000 30%
Non-monetary benefits 20%
Expenses may be deducted only if they are incurred by an individual in gaining assessable business income. No deduction is allowed for losses or costs (including commuting costs) incurred by an employee in deriving emoluments.
VAT is levied on the supply of goods or services in Seychelles, and on the import of goods or services. The standard VAT rate is 15%. A 0% rate applies to certain supplies.
The domestic WHT on various types of payments are as follows (the tax is a final tax for non-residents, but the rate may be reduced under an applicable tax treaty):
Payment Residents Non-residents
Dividends 0% 15%
Interest 0% to 33% 0% to 33%
Royalties/Technical service fees 15% 15%
Management fees 15% 15%/33%