What are employer social security costs in Benin?

Employers pay 16.4% to 19.4% of gross salary to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). That covers family benefits, pensions, and work injury insurance, with the injury rate set by job risk. Employees pay 3.6% toward their pension, withheld through payroll.

How much severance is due in Benin?

Under the 2005 collective agreement, a dismissed employee receives 30% of average monthly salary per year for the first 5 years, 35% for years 6–10, and 40% after that. Rates are higher for collective dismissals. Nothing is due after serious misconduct, and an unjustified dismissal can cost 3–9 months of salary.

How does Good Balance Global hire employees in Benin?

As your Employer of Record (EOR), we act as the legal employer in Benin. We issue a local contract, register the employee with the CNSS, run payroll in XOF, and withhold tax and contributions. You set the role and priorities, and we help you stay compliant with local labor law.

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Payroll and benefits guide

Benin

CapitalPorto-Novo

Fiscal Year1 January - 31 December

Date Formatdd/mm/yyyy

CurrencyXOF (West African CFA Franc)

Payroll FrequencyMonthly

Employer Taxes16.4% – 19.4%

Employee Costs3.6%

Overview

Languages: French
Income tax: 0% – 30%
VAT: 18%; Single rate harmonized across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)

Contributions

Employer

Family benefitsIncludes 0.2% for maternity cash benefits

6.4%

Old age, disability, and survivors pension

1% – 4%

Work accidents and occupational diseasesRate depends on the risk level of the job

16.4% – 19.4%

Total employer cost

Employee

3.6%

Old age, disability, and survivors pension

3.6%

Total employee cost

Minimum Wage & Working Hours

Minimum wage: XOF 52,000 / Monthly; Guaranteed minimum wage (SMIG) for a 40-hour week, in effect since 1 January 2023
Standard working hours: 40 hours per week; 8 hours a day; Overtime between 9 pm and 5 am is paid at 150%, and night overtime on Sundays or public holidays at 200%
Overtime: Requires prior approval from the labor inspector and is capped at 240 hours a year. Paid at 112% for hours 41–48 and 135% beyond the 48th hour.

Leave

Annual leave24 working days per yearAccrues at 2 working days per month. Extra days after 20, 25, and 30 years of service, up to 30 working days.
Sick leaveUp to 6 months (12 months after 2 years of service)Pay depends on seniority; employees with more than 5 years of service keep full salary for 6 months
Maternity leave14 weeks6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth, on full salary. Social security and the employer each fund half.
Public holidaysAbout 13 days per yearMuslim holiday dates follow the lunar calendar

Leave type	Duration	Notes
Annual leave	24 working days per year	Accrues at 2 working days per month. Extra days after 20, 25, and 30 years of service, up to 30 working days.
Sick leave	Up to 6 months (12 months after 2 years of service)	Pay depends on seniority; employees with more than 5 years of service keep full salary for 6 months
Maternity leave	14 weeks	6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth, on full salary. Social security and the employer each fund half.
Public holidays	About 13 days per year	Muslim holiday dates follow the lunar calendar

Termination

Notice period: 15 days for hourly-paid workers, 1 month for most employees, and 3 months for supervisors and managers
Severance pay: After dismissal: 30% of average monthly salary per year for years 1–5, 35% for years 6–10, and 40% from year 11
Notes: Not due for serious misconduct. Dismissal needs a legitimate reason, and the labor inspector must be notified in writing.

Benefits

Social security (CNSS)Mandatory
Pension, family benefits, maternity, and work-injury cover

FAQ

Sources

Last updated: November 1, 2026

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