Find your employer of record in Tonga

• Social Security benefits.
• Overtime pay.
• Annual leave.
• Public holidays.
• Sick leave.
• Maternity leave.
• Retirement benefits.
• Notice period.
• Severance pay.

Foreigners who desire to work in Tonga, either in the public or private sector, must obtain an Employment Visa. But in order to get this document, they must apply for it a month prior to their stay in the country. Otherwise, they may have to face penalties. On the other hand, note that this type of visa is valid for up to 2 years. But the holders can renew it after it expires.

And during the application process for this visa in Tonga, applicants must provide the following documents:

• 2 recent passport-size photos.
• A passport whose validity is of at least 6 months.
• A medical report. But note that a licensed doctor must have issued it within the past 6 months.
• It will also be necessary a national Police Clearance. However, it has to be issued within the past 3 months from the country or state of residence.
• Lastly, the applicant must provide 2 character references that include contact details.

In Tonga, the standard VAT rate is 15.00%. On the other hand, you can get more information about taxes in Tonga with an EOR. Besides, you can also improve your company if you get PEO services in this country.

Termination Process

If an employee decides to terminate their employment contract, they must give advance written notice to their employer. However, if the employer is the one who desires to terminate a contract, they can only proceed under these circumstances:

• Redundancy.
• Summary dismissal.
• Unsatisfactory conduct and performance.
• Misconduct.

Furthermore, the employer must provide a notice period and severance pay upon dismissal. Nonetheless, if the employer terminates a contract due to misconduct, they are not obliged to provide these benefits.

Notice Period

In Tonga, the length of the notice period can vary depending on the employee’s duration of service. For example, if an employee in Tonga worked for less than 2 years, the employer must provide one week’s notice in writing. But if the employee has served for more than 2 years, the employer must provide two weeks’ notice in writing.

On the other hand, the employment contract may also specify the notice period in some cases. Therefore, we suggest hiring a Professional Employment Organization or Employer of Record in Tonga to learn more about notice periods.

Severance Pay

Upon termination, employers must pay their employees’ remaining salaries and their accrued amounts of benefits. Besides, if an employer terminates an employee due to redundancy, the employer must provide severance pay. And it must not be less than one week’s worth of pay for each completed year of employment.

Furthermore, this severance pay must be given on top of the employee’s other entitlements, including unpaid wages and leaves. On the other hand, requesting payroll outsourcing solutions can help you calculate your employees’ severance pay in the case of contract termination.

Probation Period

Employees in Tonga shall serve a probationary period, which should not exceed the first 6 months of employment.

Paid Time Offs

Once employees complete their first year of service, they are eligible for a paid annual leave entitlement. And they can take a maximum of 12 working days off every year of service. However, it may not be applicable to casual and piece-rate workers.

On the other hand, employers may provide a pro-rated portion as annual leave for part-time employees. But if you desire to provide your employees with the best benefits, make sure to hire an Employer of Record in Tonga.

Public Holidays

There are 15 national holidays throughout the year.

Vacation Holidays

There are 12 vacation holidays throughout the year.

Sick Days

For every 12 months of uninterrupted service, employees in Tonga can receive at least 10 working days of paid sick leave.