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The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, formerly known as the Ivory Coast, is a West African country full of cultural richness and natural beauty.
The country’s growing tech ecosystem and the government’s investment efforts make the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire an ideal global employment choice for companies hiring remote workers.
Key takeaways:
- The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire is home to a young population and tech community with a growing number of startups and innovation centers.
- The government has implemented several reforms, including a $3 billion investment to improve internet access.
- The country’s minimum wage of CFA franc 75,000 makes it an affordable option for hiring skilled remote workers while ensuring compliance with local laws and payroll regulations.
Advantages of Hiring in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire has a fast-growing economy projected to grow by 6.4% in 2025, and it makes up 39% of West Africa’s GDP.
The country has made significant progress in its education efforts over the past decade, with a literacy rate now at 89% and a growing pool of educated professionals.
The Ivorian government also implemented incentives and programs to increase youth employment (77% of the country’s population is under 35), particularly in the digital and IT sectors.
When you add it all up, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire is home to a young, educated population hungry for remote work opportunities.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the country:
- Language: French
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Capital City: Yamoussoukro
- Population: 32 Million
- Cost of Living Rank: 80th
Boosting Digital Skills and Infrastructure in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
The government has prioritized improving internet access and digital literacy, resulting in a 38.4% internet penetration rate, with approximately 11.23 million users online.
Additionally, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire invested $3 billion in developing a national strategy for digital transformation to enhance internet and mobile phone services even in rural areas, encouraging global companies to hire local remote talent.
Common remote job sectors in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire include:
- Data Analysis
- Digital Marketing
- Customer Support
- Software Engineering
- IT Support and Cybersecurity
- Web Design & Development
Employment Laws: Hiring Compliantly in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
Employment Contracts
There are two primary employment contract types in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
- Fixed-term contracts must be in writing, specify an end date, and can be renewed for a maximum of two years.
- Permanent or Indefinite-term contracts can be verbal or written (although written is recommended to avoid potential misunderstandings) and last indefinitely until terminated by either party.
Working Hours & Pay
The standard work week is 40 hours across five days. Overtime of 41-48 hours is paid at 115% of the regular hourly wage; if weekly hours exceed 48, the pay is 150%.
As of 2024, the minimum monthly salary is CFA franc 75,000.
Probation Periods
In the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, the probation period varies based on the type of role as follows:
- 8 days: Daily or hourly workers
- 1 month: Workers paid monthly
- 2 months: Supervisors, technicians, and similar roles
- 3 months: Engineers, managers, and senior technicians
Employer Taxes
Employers must contribute 15.75% - 18.45% of an employee’s salary to social security (CNPS), which is divvied up as follows:
- Retirement fund: 7.7%
- Family allowances: 5.75%
- Work-related injuries: 2 to 5% (dependent on industry risk level)
Termination Process & Severance Pay
In the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, employers can terminate contracts for various reasons, such as business needs, personal circumstances, or employee misconduct.
The notice period required for termination varies based on the type of work, if the employee is paid hourly or monthly, and the length of service, and ranges from eight days to four months.
The severance pay in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire varies depending on the employee’s years of service. It’s calculated as a percentage of the base salary multiplied by years of service as follows:
- 1-5 years: 30%
- 6-10 years: 35%
- 10+ years: 40%
Paid Leave Laws in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
Vacation and Holiday
Employees receive at least 26 days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service, and workers are required to take 14 consecutive days off each year.
The number of vacation days increases with the length of service, ranging from one extra day after five years of service to eight extra days after 30.
The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire observes several paid public holidays throughout the year, including:
- New Year’s Day
- Labor Day
- Independence Day
- National Day of Peace
- All Saint’s Day
Sick Leave
Employees are eligible for five days of paid sick leave per year after submitting a medical certificate.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. Six weeks must be taken before the due date and the remainder after birth.
Paternity Leave
New fathers receive 10 days of paid paternity leave following the birth of their child.
The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire/Ivory Coast for Remote Workers
The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire does not offer a digital nomad visa, but remote workers can stay for up to 90 days with an E-visa.
The country’s economic capital, Abidjan, boasts a vibrant social scene, modern infrastructure, and coworking spaces — attractive to digital nomads. Other popular cities for working visitors include Bouake, Yamoussoukro, and Grand-Bassam.
How to Pay Remote Workers in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire/Ivory Coast
Options for paying your remote team include PayPal, Wise, Payoneer, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers.
However, you should be aware of these potential challenges:
- You must adhere to local labor regulations to avoid legal complications regarding payroll taxes and benefits.
- Exchange rate changes could affect your employees’ pay after conversion.
- Wage calculation errors could lead to disputes or compliance issues.
Want to avoid these international payroll headaches? When you work with an Employer of Record (EOR), they handle all human resources tasks, including remote payroll for your employees in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
Hire in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire with RemoFirst
Hiring remote workers can be challenging, but an EOR helps by managing payroll, benefits, and compliance with local labor laws. This includes avoiding misclassifying employees as independent contractors.
With expertise in countries like the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (and 180+ others), RemoFirst ensures a smooth experience when hiring employees and managing onboarding.
Book a demo today if you’re looking to hire the best talent in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire or anywhere in the world.
