Trinidad and Tobago is a twin-island nation located in the Caribbean.
Payroll and Benefits Guide - Trinidad & Tobago
Fun Facts
The national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago is the steelpan.
The world’s largest collection of hummingbird species can be found in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Pitch Lake in Trinidad is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world.
The national bird of Trinidad and Tobago is the scarlet ibis.
Home to one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India, the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima.
Contributions
Employee Payroll Tax
| Contribution Type | Rate |
| PNational Insurance Scheme | $11.90 TTD to $138.10 TTD |
| Health Surcharge | 8.25% |
Employer Payroll Tax
| Contribution Type | Rate |
| PNational Insurance Scheme | $23.80 TTD to $276.20 TTD |
Payroll
Payroll Cycle
The payroll cycles are Monthly.
13th Salary
A 13th-month salary payment in Trinidad and Tobago is not mandatory, and bonuses are granted at the employer’s discretion; these tend to be performance-based.
Work Hours and Week
The standard working week consists of 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.
Overtime
All work more than the standard working hours a week is to be paid as overtime and is regulated by employment contract/collective agreements.
Leave
Paid Time Off
Commonly, private sector employees who have worked 220 days for one employer should be entitled to two weeks of paid annual leave.
Public Holidays
Public holidays falling on weekends are usually moved to a weekday in lieu.
Sick Days
Commonly, state employees should be entitled to two weeks of paid sick leave.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave following one year of continuous service within an organization.
In Trinidad and Tobago, pregnant employees are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, provided they have completed at least one year of continuous service within an organization. This means that if an employee meets the eligibility criteria, they can take 14 weeks off from work to care for their newborn child.
Paternity Leave
There is no law that provides paternity leave.
Parental Leave
There are no provisions in the law regarding parental leave.
Termination
Termination Process
The termination process in Trinidad and Tobago can vary depending on the specifics of the employment agreement, collective agreement (if applicable), and the type of contract in place.
Notice Period
The notice period for all employees should be presented in writing at least 45 days before termination.
Severance Pay
If an employee has retired or has been made redundant in that case severance pay is not required.
Severance pay is dependent on the employee’s length of service.
Probation Period
Probation Period
In general, probation periods are typically between three and six months.
Immigration
Business Visa: Foreign nationals who are not visa-exempt must obtain a business visa before traveling to Trinidad and Tobago for business purposes. The visa is typically issued with a 90-day authorized stay and allows a single entry into the country.
Visa-Exempt Nationals: Some nationals are exempt from obtaining a visa for entry into Trinidad and Tobago for business purposes. The duration of the visa exemption can vary depending on the nationality, allowing stays of up to 30 days, 90 days, 90 days within 180 days, or as determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. However, in practice, the period of stay is often granted for 21 days.
For Work Permits
Work Permit Requirement: Foreign nationals who are not citizens or permanent residents of Trinidad and Tobago must obtain a work permit to engage in gainful employment in the country.
VAT
The standard rate of VAT in Trinidad and Tobago is 12.50%