Hire in Myanmar (Burma)

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Last updated at December 21, 2023
beautiful scenery in the country of myanmar

Currency in Myanmar

Myanmar Kyat (MMK)

The Capital of Myanmar

Nay Pyi Taw

Time Zone in Myanmar

GMT+6:30

Important Facts About the Country of Myanmar

Laws and Customs in Myanmar

The legal process in Myanmar is volatile, lacks transparency and is subject to interference from powerful political and business interests. Under Myanmar law, insulting religion is a prosecutable offense. Insulting religion is a broad term, and can include any disrespectful depiction or image of Buddha or other religious representation, including wearing a tattoo of Buddha anywhere below the waist.

Climate in Myanmar

The culture of Myanmar has been heavily influenced by Buddhism and the Mon people. Burmese culture has also been influenced by its neighbors. In more recent times, British colonial rule and westernization have influenced aspects of Burmese culture, including language and education.

Languages Spoken in Myanmar

The official language of Myanmar (also known as Burma) is Burmese. It is also the most widely spoken language in the country. English is an important foreign language. Although Burmese serves as the primary language of instruction in schools across Myanmar, English is taught as a secondary language.

Myanmar Human Resources at a Glance

Employment Law Protections in Myanmar

Labor laws in Myanmar are outdated. There is no single, uniform article of employment legislation regulating employment relationships in Myanmar. Instead, different acts and laws exist to regulate the employment sector, including the Leave and Holidays Act (1951), the Factories Act (1951), the Workman’s Compensation Act (1923), the Employment and Training Act (1950), etc. Since its political and economic opening, Myanmar has reformed its legal framework with existing laws amended or replaced and enacted new laws.

Employment Contracts in Myanmar

All employment contracts in Myanmar must follow the official Employment Contract Template prescribed by the Ministry of Labor. Under the Employment and Skills Development Law (2013), an employer must enter into written employment contracts with its employees within 30 days of employment.

The executed contract must be submitted to the relevant Township Labor Office (TLO) for registration (if the company has five or more employees) or else it might be declared void. Upon registration, the Ministry of Labor requires it to be in bilingual format (both Burmese and English). A copy must also be provided to the employee, along with a third copy for the company.

Myanmar's Contract Terms

Under Burma’s Employment Contract Template, the term of the employment must be stated in detail. However, the contract is no longer limited to a maximum term, with an option to extend. Employers must set out minor and major offenses in an appendix to the employment contract for employees’ information. Generally, the fixed retirement age in Burma is 60.

Part-time employment contracts are permitted and must specify working days, working start and end times as well as working hours per week. Part-time employees must not work more than 32 hours per week. A part-time employee is entitled to the same rights as a full-time employee unless stated otherwise in the Labor Law. This includes collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) if any, internal work rules and annual leave entitlements. The latter will be proportional to the total hours worked in any given year.

Work Rules in Myanmar

Work rules are not required but recommended. Any internal work rules and regulations mentioned in the employment contract will need to be submitted to the Township Labor Office (TLO) for approval.

Myanmar's Requirements Regarding Notice Periods

Either party can terminate the relationship by providing one months’ notice but the employer must have a basis for termination.

The employer, at its discretion, may pay salary in lieu of the notice period.

Termination

If an employee is not in compliance with work obligations, the employee must receive one oral and two written warnings of poor performance prior to any termination of employment. They must also be provided with the opportunity to rectify his or her conduct.

Myanmar's Guidelines Regarding Probation Period

The maximum statutory probation period in Myanmar must not exceed three months. An employee can be appointed without a probation period if deemed unnecessary by the employer.

Employees can resign by giving advance written notice of at least seven days. During the probation period, the employer is not required to provide reasons for termination. However, 30 days notice or one month’s salary in lieu must be given.

Rules Regarding Bonus and 13th Month Pay in Myanmar

It is a common business practice (but not statutory) in Myanmar to offer all employees yearly bonuses of one month’s salary during the Thingyan Water Festival (Myanmar New Year) in April.

Severance Pay in Myanmar

Employees terminated by notice or with payment in lieu of notice are entitled to a severance payment.

Paid Leave

Earned leave can be carried over for up to three years. Casual leave may not be carried over. Paid leave is required to be paid out on termination.

Other Standard Items

Travel allowance, meal allowance and phone allowance are common but not obligatory in Myanmar. Notably, they are subject to personal income tax (PIT) in all cases.

Many employers grant medical allowances or supplementary medical insurance to their employees, both out of corporate social responsibility and retention purposes.

Statutory Costs

Employers must pay social insurance at the rate of 3%, of which 2% is to be paid into the Health and Social Care fund and 1% into the Employment Injury Benefit fund. The maximum monthly contribution for the employer is MMK 9,000.

Regulations and Rules Regarding Working Hours in Myanmar

The maximum number of hours per week is 44 to 48 hours, or eight hours per day. This amount will depend on the setting and conditions. Any hours above the set amount will require overtime pay, which is remitted at double the worker’s normal rate.

The law stipulates a minimum break period of 30 minutes during the work day, usually taken at lunch.

Myanmar Laws Regarding Overtime

Mandatory overtime payments must be paid for every hour or day worked beyond the prescribed limits.

Tax and Social Security Information for Employers in Myanmar

Personal Income Tax in Myanmar

A foreigner who has lived in Myanmar for at least 183 days during the income year is considered a resident. Foreigners who are not working on the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) project and reside in Myanmar for less than 183 days are considered as non-resident foreigners.

The tax rates for resident and non-resident employees are now at the same progressive rates from 0% to 25%. However, for resident taxpayers, the PIT rates are applied to their worldwide income following deduction of reliefs and allowances. For non-residents, the PIT rates are applied without any deduction to their salary income sourced in Myanmar.

Deductions allowed for the calculation of PIT

Tax reliefs and allowances for Myanmar residents

A: Basic allowance of 20% of annual salary income, capped at MMK 10,000,000

B: MMK 500,000 per annum for each child living with the taxpayer who fulfills all of the following criteria:

  • unmarried
  • not earning assessable income
  • either under 18, or if over 18, must be a full-time student

C: MMK 1,000,000 for one non-working spouse who is living with the taxpayer

D: MMK 1,000,000 per parent for dependent parents living with the taxpayer. The term “parent” includes a father- or mother-in-law.

E: Premiums for life insurance of the taxpayer and taxpayer’s spouse

F: Contributions to savings funds approved by the Internal Revenue Department (IRD)

G: Social security contributions made by employees to the Social Security Board (2% of annual salary, capped at MMK 72,000)

PIT Rates Applicable to Taxable Income

Taxable Income (MMK) Tax Rate %
0 – 2,000,000 Exempt
2,000,001 – 5,000,000 5
5,000,001 – 10,000,000 10
10,000,001 – 20,000,000 15
20,000,001 – 30,000,000 20
>30,000,001 25

PIT: Employer Requirements

An employer in Myanmar is required to deduct and withhold PIT for its employees. PIT must be withheld on behalf of each employee and remitted to the Internal Revenue Department (IRD) on a monthly basis. In practice, quarterly returns are filed within 30 days after the end of either period. An annual statement of PIT withheld is due to be filed within three months from the end of the fiscal year.

Social Security in Myanmar

Employers with more than five employees fall under the purview of §11 of the Social Security Law (2012), requiring compulsory registration of its employees with the Social Security Board (SSB). The benefits provided to employees under the Social Security plan, detailed in the Social Security Law (2012), include leave entitlements and monetary amounts for each benefit. This covers sickness benefits, maternity benefits, funeral benefits, temporary disability benefits and permanent disability benefits. This is voluntary for employers with up to five employees. However, many companies choose to enroll from the first employee.

The rates of contribution by employees and employers are 2% and 3% of the total salaries and wages, respectively. The contribution must be remitted in Myanmar kyats, regardless of the currency the employee is paid with.

Effective from April 1, 2014, the maximum monthly contribution for the employer is MMK 9,000 per employee and MMK 6,000 for the employee. For tax purposes, these contributions are deductible by the employee. The employer is required to withhold the employees’ contributions from their salaries. Employees must undergo a health checkup in order to qualify for enrollment into Social Security.

Contributions cover only basic access to medical care expenses and cash benefits, such as sickness benefits, maternity benefits, funeral grants and cash transferred to the family assistance fund. Currently, there is very basic coverage under the Social Security Plan for medical care expenses and a cash benefit for sickness for work related accidents and illnesses. The Social Security Plan is still in its infancy but has been designed to later include additional benefits, such as invalidity, survivor benefit insurance, unemployment benefits and the provision of a housing fund. It is unclear when these additional benefits will be included in Myanmar’s Social Security Plan.

*The above rates serve as a broad guideline. Actual rates charged by GoGlobal will differ.

Important Information for Myanmar Employees

Salary Payment

Salaries must be paid at the end of every month for companies with up to 100 employees and within five to 10 days after the end of the month in all other cases. All salary payments must be remitted in kyat or any foreign currency recognized by the Central Bank of Myanmar. Payments can be made either by cash, check or transferred into the employee’s bank account (if the employer and employee both agree). Overseas transfer of salaries must be approved by the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Upon termination, salary is to be paid within two days from the termination date. Upon resignation, salary is to be paid by the end of employment.

Payslip

Payslips should be made available to employees monthly on a website, a PDF or on paper.

Holiday Allowance

The Leave and Holidays Act (1951) mandates a minimum of one paid rest day per week.

On average, there are 25 public holidays per year. If an employee is required to work on any official public holidays, he or she will be paid double the usual pay rate.

Annual Leave

Casual leave: Every employee is entitled to six days of annual paid casual leave. Casual leave may not be carried over to the subsequent year. It must also not be taken for more than three consecutive days at a time except in the case of religious or compulsory social events (e.g. weddings, funerals). Casual leave must not be enjoyed in conjunction with any other type of leave.

Earned leave: The employee is entitled to 10 days of earned leave after 12 continuous months of service. Earned leave may be taken for 10 days consecutively or separately per year of employment, provided the employee has completed 12 consecutive months of service with a minimum of 20 working days per month. Earned leave may be accumulated and carried over for up to three years, as agreed between the employer and the employee.

Sick Leave

Sick leave is regulated by the Leave and Holidays Act (1951). Employees contributing to the Social Security Fund might further be entitled to additional leave and other benefits as stipulated in the Social Security Law (2012).

Under the Leave and Holidays Act (1951), employees are entitled to 30 days of paid sick leave per year, if they have completed six months of service. If six months’ service has not been completed, the employee can be granted unpaid sick leave.

Employees covered by the Social Security Law (2012) are also entitled to 30 days of sick leave, if they have completed six months of service. They may also enjoy additional leave in cases of certain work injuries and illnesses. Theoretically, employees covered by the Social Security Law (2012) can receive part of their salary from the Social Security Fund. However, in practice, such sick leave is frequently granted as paid leave.

Maternity & Paternity Leave

Under the Leave and Holidays Act (1951), all female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. This is taken as six weeks before confinement and eight weeks after confinement. Employees covered by the Social Security Law (2012) are also entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave. However, employees may further take an additional four weeks in the case of twins or up to six weeks in the case of a miscarriage (except for criminal abortion). Theoretically, employees covered by the Social Security Law (2012) can receive part of their salary from the Social Security Fund. However, in practice, such maternity leave is frequently granted as paid leave.

Male employees covered by the Social Security Law (2012) can enjoy 15 days of paternity leave following confinement of their wife.

It is common practice for employees to provide a notice of three months prior to the birth to the employer.

If the employee has worked for the employer for more than one year and contributed at least six months to social security, she will be entitled to receive 70% of her salary while on maternity leave. This is paid for by social security. The employer does not have to pay the salary (or make the social security contributions) during maternity leave.

Other Leave

Funeral leave: Myanmar’s new employment contract template introduces funeral leave. Employees are entitled to leave in accordance with the law without deduction from their minimum wage in case of death of a parent or family member. If the statutory leave entitlement has been exhausted, unpaid leave can be granted upon mutual agreement between employer and employee.

Benefits to the Employee in Myanmar

Severance Payment in Myanmar

The employer must, in respect of the termination of an employment contract of an employee having worked continuously, make severance payments based on his or her last salary (without over‐time premium) as follows:

Term of Employment Severance Amount
<6 months 1 month’s salary
6 months – 1 year 1.5 months’ salary
1 – 2 years 2 months’ salary
2 – 3 years 2.5 months’ salary
3 – 4 years 4 months’ salary
4 -6 years 5 months’ salary
6 – 8 years 6 months’ salary
8 – 10 years 7 months’ salary
10 – 20 years 9 months’ salary
20 – 25 years 11 months’ salary
>25 years 14 months’ salary

Exclusions of Severance Payments in Resignations and Terminations

Mutual Agreement – No severance

Resignation with one month’s notice – no severance

Immediate termination due to grave misconduct – no severance

Immediate termination with up to three written warnings issue – no severance

Severance is paid only for all other reasons and with one month’s notice given.

Overtime Rate

Overtime must be carried out in accordance with Myanmar labor law and upon mutual agreement between the employer and the employee. Under the Shops and Establishment Law (2016), hours worked exceeding eight hours per day or 44 to 48 hours per week will be considered overtime. Overtime is restricted to no more than 12 hours per week or 16 hours in cases of special needs. Employees must not work or be permitted to work after midnight.

Mandatory overtime payments must be paid for every hour or day worked beyond the prescribed limits. This must be remitted at double the rate of the basic wage/salary. Employers must obtain permission from the relevant authorities (e.g. the Factories and General Labor Laws Inspection Department) for the implementation of a constant overtime policy.

Benefits and Pensions

There are no mandatory pension requirements in Myanmar, except for civil servants. A retired employee who has paid contributions to the Health and Social Care fund for at least 180 months is entitled to medical treatment provided by a specified clinic. Some companies voluntarily provide benefits, such as private health insurance coverage, provident funds, other savings plans and employee stock option plans (ESOPs). Voluntary benefits are not regulated and are offered through internal company policies or other documentation. Thus, official information is scarce on the extent of voluntary benefits that companies are providing.

Rules Regarding Visas and Foreign Workers in Myanmar

General requirements

Myanmar has yet to establish a comprehensive work permit system for foreign workers. Currently, foreign nationals can work in Myanmar under a business visa. In accordance with the Registration of Foreigners Act (1940) and the Registration of Foreigners Rules (1948), foreigners wishing to remain in Myanmar for more than 90 days must also apply for a foreigner’s registration certificate (FRC). However, this requirement is not always strictly adhered to in practice. There is also a stay permit available for application, which is compulsory for foreign employees working with entities registered with the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC).

FRCs are usually applied for by foreign nationals needing a Long-Term Stay Permit or employed by enterprises established under either the previous Foreign Investment Law (2012) or the new Myanmar Investment Law (2016). The additional issuance of a Long-Term Stay Permit within Myanmar, which is only available to persons holding an FRC, allows foreigners to stay in Myanmar for the full term of the visa.

Procedure for Obtaining Approval for a Business Visa

For a 70-day, single-entry business visa, an application must be submitted to the Myanmar embassy in the applicant’s country of residence. The Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population (MLIP) also allows foreign nationals to apply for a 70-day, single-entry business e-visa online at https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/.

Foreign employees who have obtained at least two 70-day, single-entry business visas can apply for a multiple-entry visa at the Myanmar embassy or consulate. This is valid for three months, six months or a year. Applications for renewals can be submitted to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.

Processing time depends on the Myanmar embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. This can range between one to five days.

Procedure for Obtaining Approval for a Foreigner Registration Certificate

Applications should be submitted to the Foreigners Affairs Department of the MLIP. The application process is cumbersome. Apart from the documents required for the application of a business visa, this process also requires a recommendation letter from the ministry related to the employer’s nature of business and company registration.

Foreign registration certificate holders are expected to report their entry and exit into the country to the immigration department and pay a fee (about US$6) for every re-entry.

Public Holidays Recognized by Myanmar in 2024

  Occasion Date
1 New Year’s Day January 1
2 Independence Day January 4
3 Kayin New Year January 4
4 Union Day February 12
5 Peasants’ Day March 2
6 Full Moon Day of Tabaung March 24 – 25
7 Armed Forces Day March 27
8 Thingyan Water Festival April 13 – 16
9 Myanmar New Year April 17
10 Labour Day May 1
11 Full Moon Day of Kasong May 22
12 Martyrs’ Day July 19
13 Full Moon Day of Waso July 20 – 22
14 Full Moon Day of Thadingyut October 16 – 18
15 Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone November 14 – 15
16 National Day November 25
17 Christmas Day December 25
18 Kayin New Year December 30
19 New Year Holiday December 31

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