Capital
Islamabad
Currency
Pakistani Rupee
Languages
Urdu, English
Payroll Frequency
N/A
GDP per Capita
1.02% (2021)
Employer Tax
N/A

Employer Of Record In Pakistan

With Marzuna’s Pakistan EOR (Employer of Record) solution, you may grow your business in Pakistan without having to start from scratch, which might be a challenging task. A robust HR department is essential to the expansion of any business, particularly one that can effectively and precisely manage functions like payroll processing, attendance monitoring, compliance, and remote team onboarding. Using our automated and unified platform, you may use their global network to meet your global HR needs.

We make it easy for you to assemble exceptional remote teams, hire contractors or permanent employees, and understand the subtleties of Pakistani tax and compliance procedures.

Overview of Pakistan

  • Estimated population: 23 million
  • Currency: Pakistani Rupee
  • Capital: Islamabad
  • Languages spoken: Urdu, English
  • GDP: 1.02% (2021)

Employment In Pakistan

Pakistan’s comprehensive array of employment regulations encompasses a wide spectrum of subjects related to industrial, commercial, and labor institutions. These regulations encompass a diverse set of legal provisions, statutes, actions, directives, and guidelines applicable to both local and foreign workers. Within Pakistan, several federal labor laws include the Workmen Compensation Act, the Payment of Wages Act, and the Employer’s Liability Act. Additionally, various laws are specific to particular provinces in Pakistan, such as Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

For foreign workers intending to work in Pakistan, a valid work visa is generally required, unless an exemption is granted due to a bilateral visa abolition agreement between Pakistan and their home country. To secure a work visa, employees must submit an application to the Board of Investment in Pakistan. Pakistan’s straightforward work visa application process, in combination with its well-defined labor regulations, makes it an attractive destination for businesses seeking to expand their operations. This conducive environment contributes to the ease of conducting business in Pakistan.

Here are some important aspects of employment in Pakistan:

  • 48 hours per week are required as statutory working hours.
  • Weekly Rest Period – Between each week’s seven working days, employees are given a day off before going back to work.
  • Paid Public Holidays – 
    • Kashmir Day (February 05)
    • Pakistan Day (March 23)
    • Labour Day (May 01)
    • Eid ul Azha* (July 21-23)
    • Independence Day (August 14)
    • Eid Milad un Nabi (October 19)
    • Quiad-e-Azam Day/ Christmas (December 25)
  • Maternity Leave – According to the Maternity Benefit Act, female employees in Pakistan are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave and an extra 6 weeks of post-natal leave. This law makes sure that female workers get enough time off to rest and care for their newborns.

Additionally, the Punjab province’s Revision of Leave Rules 1981 permits male employees to take paternity leave. Fathers are entitled to a 15-day paid paternity leave that can be used at the time of the baby’s birth or right before it, with a maximum extension of three months. This forward-thinking policy recognizes the importance of fathers in raising children and gives them the freedom to be there and helpful throughout a child’s critical first few months of life.

  • Annual Leave Accrual Entitlement –

Laws

  • Factories Act, 1934 (applicable in Balochistan, ICT, and Punjab)
  • The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Factories Act, 2013
  • Sindh Factories Act, 2015

Earned annual leave

  • 14 Consecutive days

Laws

  • Shop and Establishment Ordinance 1969 (applicable in Balochistan, ICT, and Punjab)
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shops and Establishments Act, 2015
  • Sindh Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 2015

Earned annual leave

  • 14 consecutive days

Laws

  • Mines Act, 1923 (Applicable in Pakistan)

Earned annual leave

  • 1 day of leave for every 17 days of work below ground
  • 1 day of leave for every 20 days of work above ground

Laws

  • Newspaper Employees Act, 1973 (Applicable in Pakistan)

Earned annual leave

  • At least 1/11th of time spent on duty

Laws

  • Road Transport Workers Ordinance 1961 (Applicable in Pakistan)

Earned annual leave

  • At least 14 days leave with full pay
  • Overtime Compensation – Employees in Pakistan are entitled to overtime compensation at a rate that is twice as high as their normal salary when they work above their scheduled working hours. This policy makes sure that workers are adequately rewarded for any extra work they do outside of regular business hours. Paying overtime is a crucial labour-protection strategy that values employees’ time and labour and encourages companies to appreciate employees’ time and encourage a good work-life balance.
  • Employment Security – The Standing Orders Ordinance in Pakistan outlines the necessary details of written employment particulars, fixed-term contracts, and probationary periods.

Contractors vs. Full-Time Employees

As businesses expand their operations internationally, they often face a critical decision in their recruiting strategy: hiring contractors or full-time employees. Prior to making this pivotal choice, it is essential for companies to acquaint themselves with Pakistan’s prevailing regulations pertaining to the employment of contractors and full-time workers.

In Pakistan, employment regulations are defined by a series of laws, including:

  • The Industrial and Commercial Employment (Standing Orders) Ordinance of 1968 (applicable in Balochistan, ICT, and Punjab).
  • The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Industrial and Commercial Employment (Standing Orders) Act of 2013.
  • The Sindh Terms of Employment (Standing Orders) Act of 2015.

Under these legislations, workers who fall under their purview receive official employment letters outlining the terms and conditions of their employment. In Pakistan, employment can be categorized into six distinct types:

  • Permanent: Employees become permanent after completing nine months of service, including a three-month probationary period.
  • Probationers: Individuals serving a three-month probationary term at the outset of their employment.
  • Alternates: Employees appointed as temporary replacements for permanent or probationary workers who are temporarily absent.
  • Temporary: Temporary workers are those employed under contracts with durations of fewer than nine months.
  • Apprentices: Individuals who are undergoing training within the apprenticeship system.
  • Contract Workers: Workers employed on a piece-rate basis for a predefined period, with no provision for overtime compensation when working beyond regular hours.

Understanding these categories is crucial for businesses looking to operate in Pakistan and make informed choices regarding their workforce composition.

Recruiting In Pakistan

Any company’s growth in Pakistan depends on selecting and employing the top candidate for the job. Using reputable employment websites or posting job advertising in major newspapers are the main methods utilized in the recruiting process. Candidates are screened by an exam and an interview process, which requires professional attire, including a necktie. There might not always be equal employment opportunities for women due to lower literacy rates. In Pakistan, contract labor offers reasonable short-term compensation and benefits, but employment permanence is rarely guaranteed.

Probation & Termination

Probationary term – The Standing Order Ordinance of 1968 specifies that the probationary term is three months long.

Notice of Termination of Employment – Under the Standing Order Ordinance of 1968, a one-month notice period is required before ending an employment contract. (Only permanent employees are covered by this.)

Severance Pay – The employee is entitled to severance pay or gratuity if their job is terminated for any cause other than wrongdoing. For every year of service that has been completed, or any portion of a year that exceeds six months, this is the equivalent of 30 days’ pay.

EOR Solution

A service called an Employer of Record (EOR) solution allows businesses to recruit workers in Pakistan without creating a local legal company. Marzuna provides EOR services in Pakistan that let companies manage payroll, HR operations, and compliance with local legislation without establishing a separate corporation. Businesses may grow their worldwide workforce without worrying about the challenges of compliance and taxation thanks to our EOR solution in Pakistan. Businesses may easily manage their multinational teams and obtain excellent talent with the help of our EOR solution.

General Employer of Record Service Terms

  • Taxes that apply to invoices- Standard tax rate of 17%
  • Minimum duration of service – 3 months
  • Currency Accepted – PKR, USD
  • For Pakistani citizens, the following information and documents are necessary: name, address, ID proof, curriculum vitae, bank information, and work information. Personal information, employment information, educational background, technical background, CV, copy of passport, copy of ID, bank information, pictures, and employment contract on stamp paper are required for expatriates.

Different Categories of Visas in Pakistan

  • Visitor Visa – For a period of three months, you must have a visitor visa if you want to travel to Pakistan to visit family or friends, or for any other permissible reason at their request.
  • Business Visa: This type of visa is available to those whose yearly income is at least PKR 5,00,000 or whose company’s annual sales or turnover exceed PKR 30,00,000. It is valid for one year and allows holders to travel to five different locations every four months.
    Additionally, if you are a businessman earning at least PKR 50,00,000 per year or if the annual sales or turnover of your company exceeds PKR 3,00,000 per year (duration: 1-year multiple entry business visas for up to ten locations with exemption from police reporting).
  • Conference Visa: You need this visa if you want to attend a specific conference, seminar, or exhibition.
  • Pilgrim Visa – A party of pilgrims (of more than 10) travelling to a religious location is granted a pilgrim visa.
  • Medical/Medical Attendant Visa: If you need to travel to Pakistan for specialised medical care or to accompany a patient who needs such care, you will need to apply for this visa.
  • Journalist visas – given to qualified journalists so they can cover events or go to seminars, conferences, or exhibitions.
  • Student Visa: Those who want to study in Pakistan at an accredited institution of higher learning are granted a student visa.
  • An official visa – is issued to the holder of a diplomatic or official passport.
  • Assignment Visas: Only those with diplomatic or official passports stationed in Pakistan are eligible to get assignment visas.

Work Permits

It’s crucial to be aware of Pakistan’s work permit and visa regulations when establishing a subsidiary and recruiting remote teams for commercial operations there. The employee’s passport and picture, a letter of company registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and a letter of recommendation for an extension from the Board of Investors (BOI) or Ministry of Interior (MOI) are all required in order to apply for a work visa. An interview may be necessary throughout the three to four month long visa application procedure. Our EOR software may help with the application process for a work permit in Pakistan and with effectively managing staff activities for client enterprises.

Payroll & Taxes In Pakistan

In Pakistan, managing payroll and making sure tax regulations are followed may be a difficult and time-consuming process. However, you can speed up this procedure and make sure that your payroll complies with local laws by using our EOR solution. We guarantee that your payroll is done properly and promptly whether you want to manage payroll remotely or outsource to us. Furthermore, you must create a subsidiary in Pakistan in order to run your business legally and handle payroll. With our knowledge and experience, you can streamline payroll administration while concentrating on expanding your company’s presence in Pakistan.

Employer Taxation

  • Tax year-The tax year is the financial year.
  • Penalties – 0.1 % of the amount of the tax payable for each day of default.
  • Withholding Tax (For non-residents ) – 
    • Dividends: 15%
    • Interest: 10%
    • Royalties: 15%
    • Fees for technical services: 15%
    • Payroll Tax No specific payroll taxes.
  • No particular payroll taxes are imposed.
  • Social Security Contributions – On behalf of the employee, the employer might contribute up to 6% of salaries to the social security organisation. On salaries exceeding PKR 600 per day or PKR 15,000 per month, no contribution is required.
  • Health insurance – There are no healthcare benefits because they are handled by pricey private insurance firms.
  • Additional benefit –  A pilgrimage-related exceptional leave of up to 60 days is offered to the employee. Some businesses provide life insurance, health insurance, and tuition assistance.

Employee Taxation

  • Income tax
    • Up to PKR 6,00,000 – 0%
    • Over PKR 6,00,000 and up to PKR 1.2 million – 5% of the amount exceeding PKR 6,00,000
    • Over PKR 1.2 million and up to PKR 1.8 million – PKR 30,000 plus 10% of the amount exceeding PKR 1.2 million
    • Over PKR 1.8 million and up to PKR 2.5 million – PKR 90,000 plus 15% of the amount exceeding PKR 1.8 million
    • Over PKR 2.5 million and up to PKR 3.5 million- PKR 195,000 plus 17.5% of the amount exceeding PKR 2.5 million
    • Over PKR 5 million and up to PKR 8 million – PKR 670,000 plus 22.5% of the amount exceeding PKR 5 million
    • Over PKR 8 million and up to PKR 12 million-PKR 1.345 million plus 25% of the amount exceeding PKR 8 million
    • Over PKR 12 million and up to PKR 30 million – PKR 2.345 million plus 27.5% of the amount exceeding PKR 12 million
    • Over PKR 30 million and up to PKR 50 million – PKR 7.295 plus 30% of the amount exceeding PKR 30 million
    • Over PKR 50 million and up to PKR 75 million – PKR 13.295 million plus 32.5% of the amount exceeding PKR 50 million
    • Over PKR 75 million – PKR 21.42 million plus 35% of the amount exceeding PKR 75 million
  • Filing & Payment – After the tax year finishes on June 30th, it must be filed by August 31st. As of June 30th, residents are also required to file a declaration of wealth and a wealth reconciliation statement.
  • Public Pension: The Pakistan Pension Fund is responsible for overseeing pensions in Pakistan.
  • Contributions to Social Security: 0
  • Sales tax ranges from 13% to 16% for services and items.

When a corporation decides to expand its operations into Pakistan, one of the initial critical decisions is the selection of the state where it will establish its subsidiary. It is vital to bear in mind that each location within Pakistan has distinct subsidiary laws that can significantly impact the operational dynamics of the business.

Pakistan offers various forms of commercial entities for establishment, including the Limited Liability Company (LLC), Free Zone Company (EPZ Company), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Public Limited Company (PLC), and representative offices, among others. Among these options, the Limited Liability Company structure is the most commonly chosen.

Specifically, in Pakistan, forming an LLC requires an initial capital of $1,000 and a minimum of two owners and two directors. Non-resident shareholders and directors are permitted, but they must each complete a separate NTN number application with the local tax office. Additionally, when the share capital exceeds US$5,000, the Pakistani government mandates that the LLC retain legal counsel who is typically based in Pakistan.

Before establishing an LLC, you must secure approval for the company name from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The process further involves opening a bank account in Pakistan, submitting application fees at an accredited Muslim commercial bank, signing the memorandum, and providing a list of directors.

Moreover, you need to complete registration with the labor department, obtain a digital signature from the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies, endure a six-week waiting period for LLC formation, and register with the local tax office, social security agency, and region-specific social security agency.

Given the complexities and potential challenges of establishing a subsidiary in Pakistan, our Employer of Record (EOR) solution offers businesses a streamlined means to operate legally, hire employees, manage payroll, and maintain business relationships on their behalf. This can be especially valuable for navigating the intricacies of local regulations and ensuring a smooth entry into the Pakistani market.