Trinidad and Tobago PEO & Employer of Record

WeHG provides an International PEO and vglobal Employer of Record service in Trinidad and Tobago to companies wishing to enter the Trinidad and Tobago market or hire local/expat employees in this country.

The general approach requires establishing a subsidiary in Trinidad and Tobago.  However our solution allows you to start the operations in Trinidad and Tobago within days hence save time and money.  WeHG would recruit candidates on your behalf while you maintain full operational control of their work. So legally they would be our employees, on our local payroll, 100% compliant but will work on your behalf. 

Trinidad and Tobago fast facts

Population, million: 1,399,488
Land area, sq. km: 5,131 km² 
Capital: Port of Spain
Local currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$)

GDP per capita:$ 14900.00
GDP in currency:$ 23 billion
Economic growth percentage: 3.2%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1%
Volume of export: $ 2.026 billion
Import of goods and services: $ 8 million
Total population: 1,399,488
Population of working age (15 -64): 76.5%

Trinidad and Tobago is a small island state with a trade surplus thanks to hydrocarbon and petrochemical wealth. Its population is accustomed to a high and steadily increasing standard of living, but the country is without capacity to meet most of its needs internally, so it must import. Trinidad and Tobago imports over 70 percent of its food, primarily from the U.S.

There is a small but vibrant light manufacturing sector and maritime services sector. A high crime rate creates a need for safety and security products. Information and Communication Technology are in demand. Entertainment and tourism related equipment and services may have potential.

Hiring, Negotiating and Doing Business in Trinidad and Tobago

Necessity of written employment contract

Ideally, employment contracts should be in writing, however, there is no general rule to this effect.  In practice, they are often partly oral and partly in writing.  Frequently the basic terms and conditions of employment are set out in a letter of appointment which usually contains a job description or indication of the required tasks along with a general provision that the employee is to do such other tasks as may be required.  Where employees are represented by a recognised majority union, the terms of any collective agreement between the employer and the union may also govern the employment relationship.

Trinidad and Tobago Employment Contract

Types of employment agreements

Contracts can be short term (6 mths, 1 yr.); fixed term (3 years); temporary; or permanent.

Trinidad and Tobago working hours

A normal workday is 8 hours and a normal workweek is 40 hours.

Overtime

Overtime as any work in excess of 8 daily hours. For the first 4 hours of overtime, an employee is entitled to 150% of their normal hourly rate. Work performed after the first 4 hours of overtime is entitled to 200% of their normal rate. Any overtime after this is 300% of their normal rate.

Employees who work on public holidays and off days are entitled to be paid 200% of their normal wage.

Vacation leave in Trinidad and Tobago

Vacation leave is generally governed by the terms of the employment contract or collective agreement.  In general, in practice employees are typically entitled to between two to five (2-5) weeks paid vacation after completing one (1) full year of service, depending on the nature of the job and the particular market practice within the industry.  Upon termination, employees are entitled to payment in lieu of accrued vacation.

Sick leave

Employees are entitling to 14 days of sick leave.

Trinidad and Tobago Maternity Leave

Maternity leave 

Pregnant employees are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. During the leave, the employer is responsible for paying the employee 1 month fully and 2 months at half pay.

Paternity Leave

There is no law that provides paternity leave.

Trinidad and Tobago Severance Laws

Termination Process

To terminate an employee, an employer must provide sufficient reasons as well as the proper written notice.

Notice Period

The notice should be presented in writing at least 45 days before termination.

Severance Pay

Severance is not required unless an employee has been made redundant or retired.

In cases where severance is required:

• More than 1 year but less than 5 – 2 weeks’ pay for each year of service
• More than 5 years – 3 weeks’ pay for each year of service

Trinidad and Tobago Tax

Employer Payroll Tax

$23.80 – $276.20 – National Insurance Scheme (weekly contribution depending on the employee’s weekly earnings)

Employee Payroll Taxes

$11.90 – $138.10 – National Insurance Scheme (weekly contribution depending on the employee’s weekly earnings)

Employee Income Tax

25% – Less than TTD$1 million

30% – More than TTD$1 million

Health Insurance Benefits in Trinidad and Tobago

Additional Benefits in Trinidad and Tobago

Production and efficiency bonuses are considered earnings in Trinidad and Tobago. As such, they must appear on an employee’s paystub and be reported along with wages to tax officials and the NIBTT.

Trinidad and Tobago Holidays

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day (March 30)
• Good Friday (varies)
• Easter Monday (varies)
• Eid al-Fitr (varies)
• Indian Arrival Day (May 30)
• Corpus Christi (June 11)
• Labour Day (June 19)
• Emancipation Day (August 1)
• Independence Day (August 31)
• Republic Day (September 24)
• Divali (varies)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)

Why Choose WeHireGlobally

WeHG takes care of all the onboarding hurdles, payroll, compensation and benefits, tax filing, and termination of employment. Our Employer of Record solution allows you to manage your overseas teams efficiently while minimizing cost and risk.