Employment contracts in Trinidad & Tobago can be either oral or written and for a fixed or indefinite duration. Fixed-duration contracts are common. The terms of an employment contract can include identification of the parties, type of work, salary, working hours and contract duration (if it is for fixed term). Collective agreements may also apply.

The minimum wage is 17.50 TTD per hour.

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.

When an employee is requested to work overtime or work on holidays, there are maximums in relation to the number of hours allowed.

All overtime hours of more than eight hours per day are paid at an overtime compensation rate of 150.00% of the employee’s regular pay rate for the first additional four hours of overtime.

For hours performed more than the extra four, the overtime is paid 200.00% of the employee’s regular salary.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the sick leave entitlement depends on the employee’s industry and sector with the entitlement stipulated in the employment contract/collective bargaining agreement. 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.

Maternity leave can be extended by four to twelve additional weeks of leave in the event of pregnancy-related illnesses.

Paternity Leave

There is no law that provides paternity leave.

Parental Leave

There are no provisions in the law regarding parental leave.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the annual leave entitlement depends on the employee’s industry and sector with the entitlement stipulated in the employment contract/collective bargaining agreement.

Commonly, private sector employees who have worked 220 days for one employer should be entitled to two weeks of paid annual leave.

There are no additional statutory leave entitlements in Trinidad and Tobago.

Public holidays falling on weekends are usually moved to a weekday in lieu.

Date Day Holiday Note

1 Jan 2024 - Monday - New Year’s Day

29 Mar 2024 - Friday - Good Friday

30 Mar 2024 - Saturday - Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day

31 Mar 2024 - Sunday - Easter

1 Apr 2024 - Monday - Easter Monday

10 Apr 2024 - Wednesday - Eid ul-Fitr

30 May 2024 - Thursday - Corpus Christi

30 May 2024 - Thursday - Indian Arrival Day

19 Jun 2024 - Wednesday - Labor Day

1 Aug 2024 - Thursday - Emancipation Day

31 Aug 2024 - Saturday - Independence Day

24 Sep 2024 - Tuesday - Republic Day

31 Oct 2024 - Thursday - Festival of Lights

25 Dec 2024 - Monday - Christmas Day

26 Dec 2024 - Tuesday - Boxing Day

Trinidad & Tobago provides universal healthcare, but companies may offer supplementary private insurance.

The termination process varies according to how the employment agreement and collective agreement are in place and is based on the type of contract and reason for termination.

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 as specified below:

• For more than 1 year of service but less than 5, an employee is entitled to 2 weeks’ pay for each year of service

For more than 5 years of service, an employee is entitled to 3 weeks’ pay for each year of service

Probation Period

The probationary period in Trinidad and Tobago is dependent on the type of role and is stipulated within the employment agreement.

In general, probation periods are typically between three and six months.

Employer Payroll Contributions

$23.80 TTD to $276.20 TTD - National Insurance Scheme (weekly contribution dependent on the employee’s weekly earnings – The maximum rate is 414.30 TTD per week for monthly income over 13,600 TTD)

23.80 TDD to 276.20 TDD - Total Employer Cost

Employee Payroll Contributions

$11.90 TTD to $138.10 TTD - National Insurance Scheme (weekly contribution depending on the employee’s weekly earnings – The maximum rate is 414.30 TTD per week for monthly income over TTD 13,600 TTD)

8.25% Health Surcharge (maximum weekly contribution income over 470 TTD)

11.90 TDD to 138.10 TDD + 8.25% - Total Employee Cost

Employee Income Tax

25.00% up to 1 million TTD (Trinidad and Tobago Residents pay no taxes on their first $84,000 of income)

30.00% 1 million TTD and above

Payroll Cycle

Wages must paid at least once a month.

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.

Unless exempt by treaty or other agreement, foreign nationals must apply for a business visa before arrival to conduct business activities in Trinidad and Tobago.

Visas are generally issued with a 90-day authorized stay and allow a single entry into the country.

Visa-exempt nationals do not require a visa for entry for business purposes for up to 30 days, 90 days, 90 days within 180 days, or for the period allowed by the immigration officer at the port of entry, depending on their nationality.

In practice, the period of stay is generally granted for 21 days.

Foreign nationals entering Trinidad and Tobago for gainful employment may do so without a work permit for a single entry for a period of up to 30 days every 12 consecutive months. Otherwise, a work permit is required. Work permits may be granted initially for up to three years.

They must usually be accompanied by a Multiple-Entry Visa, except for Canada and European Union passport holders.

The standard rate of VAT in Trinidad and Tobago is 12.5%.