From the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the lush tropical forests teeming with unique wildlife, such as the elusive okapi and bonobo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers a wealth of natural attractions.
The country’s reliable internet connectivity and strong infrastructure make it an increasingly appealing option for businesses seeking to hire talented and cost-effective remote workers.
Key takeaways:
- Bolstered by a diverse workforce, the DRC is a top choice for businesses looking to tap into the remote talent pool and grow their global team.
- Employers embarking on global hiring should take the time to understand the local labor laws and regulations regarding employment contracts, paid leave, and taxation before hiring in the DRC.
- There are several options for compensating employees in the DRC. However, partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) can significantly streamline the payment process and ensure adherence to local legal requirements.
Advantages of Hiring in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The DRC is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, with a real GDP growth of 7.8% in 2023, making it a strategic choice for sourcing remote employees.
One of the benefits of hiring Congolese workers is that they are bilingual, with proficiency in both French and English.
Key stats about the DRC include:
- Languages: French, English
- Currency: Congolese Franc (CDF)
- Capital City: Kinshasa
- Population: 109 million
- Cost of Living Rank: 88th
Strategic Investments and Rich Heritage
While mining and agriculture are still the two primary industries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the large population of younger Congolese workers is learning in-demand remote work skills perfect for global employment through vocational and other training.
Common job sectors for sourcing remote talent in the DRC include:
- Accounting and Financial Services
- Web Development
- Engineering
- IT and Software Development
- Customer Support
Employment Laws: Hiring Compliantly in the DRC
Employment Contracts
There are two types of employment contracts: fixed-term and indefinite-term contracts.
- Fixed-term contracts are used for specific projects and have a maximum duration of 24 months.
- Indefinite-term contracts have no set end date and continue until either party terminates the agreement.
Working Hours & Pay
The labor code in the DRC stipulates a maximum work week of 45 hours per week and no more than nine hours per day. Any additional hours are considered overtime and are paid at 130% of the regular salary.
As of 2024, the minimum wage is set at CDF 7,075 per day.
Probation Periods
In the DRC, the length of the probation period is dictated by the type of employment. For unskilled workers, the probation period can be one month at maximum.
Skilled workers may have a more extended probation period, lasting up to six months.
Employer Taxes
Employers are responsible for several mandatory tax contributions and must contribute a percentage of gross salaries to the Institut National de Sécurité Sociale (INSS), which includes:
- Pensions: 5%
- Family allowances: 6.5%
- Occupational risks: 1.5%
Employers also contribute 0.2% to the Office National de l’Emploi (ONEM) for employment-related programs.
Termination Process & Severance Pay
DRC labor laws mandate that employers provide 14 days’ notice for employees with less than one year of service. Employers must add seven days to the notice period for each additional year of continuous service.
Employees wishing to resign must provide written notice equal to half of the employer’s required period, capped at the employer’s notice timeframe.
Employees’ severance pay depends on their salary and years of service and can’t exceed 36 months of their last salary.
Paid Leave Laws in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Vacation and Holiday
In the DRC, employees receive 12 days of paid annual leave, accrued at one day per month worked. Paid leave increases by one day per month for every five years of service with the same employer.
The DRC also observes several national paid public holidays throughout the year.
Sick Leave
Employees with at least six months of service are eligible for up to 10 days of paid sick leave. Beyond that, their pay will gradually decrease every 10 days, up to a maximum of 30 days. Employees may be temporarily suspended if they cannot return to work after 30 days.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees receive up to 14 weeks of partially paid maternity leave: six weeks of prenatal leave and eight weeks of postnatal leave.
Paternity Leave
There is no formal paternity leave mandate in the DRC. However, fathers are entitled to two working days of leave following the birth of their child.
Why Digital Nomads Love the Democratic Republic of Congo
Digital nomads and independent contractors are drawn to the DRC for several reasons. The country offers a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for freelancers and expats looking to stretch their budgets.
Kinshasa, the capital, provides a vibrant urban environment with a growing community of remote workers, essential amenities, and internet access.
Although there is no specific digital nomad visa, short-stay options like tourist visas allow flexibility in living and working in this diverse country.
How to Pay Remote Workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo
There are several payment options available for companies to pay remote workers in the DRC:
- Bank transfers: Secure and reliable for direct payments to local bank accounts, but transfers may incur high fees and take several days to process
- Online payment platforms: Easy to use and with support for multiple currencies for quick transactions, but they can have high fees and may require both parties to have accounts
- Cryptocurrency: Decentralized and borderless, offering low transaction fees and fast transfers, but with volatility in value and limited acceptance for everyday transactions
- EOR: EORs eliminate potential hassles in the payment process by guaranteeing timely payments in employees’ preferred currencies
Hire in the Democratic Republic of Congo with Remofirst
Hiring employees in the DRC can present complexities for international companies.
An Employer of Record like Remofirst simplifies the process of building a global workforce by managing all human resource functions, from onboarding new team members to ensuring compliance with local labor laws and payroll and providing health insurance for remote teams.
Book a demo today to ease your hiring process across 180+ nations, including the DRC.
