How to Hire Employees in Belize (2026): Contracts, Social Security and Pay

Belize is English-speaking and uses a straightforward Labour Act, which makes it one of the easier places in Central America to start hiring. Here is what employers need to know in 2026.

Employment contracts

Employment is governed by the Labour Act. Put the terms in writing: the role, pay, hours, leave and the notice that applies.

Minimum wage in 2026

The statutory minimum wage is BZ$5.00 an hour for all categories of workers, in force since 1 January 2023 (Statutory Instruments 169 and 170 of 2022). No further increase has been enacted.

Social Security contributions

Total weekly contributions to the Social Security Board are 10% of insurable earnings, up to a weekly earnings ceiling of BZ$520. The split between employer and employee depends on the earnings band. The employee’s share ranges from 1.88% in the lowest band to 4.50% in the highest, and the employer pays the rest. The employer pays the total contribution by the 14th of the following month.

Annual leave

Workers are entitled to at least two working weeks of paid annual leave for each completed year of service.

Notice and severance

• Notice (indefinite contracts): one week after 2 weeks to 6 months of service, two weeks after 6 months to 2 years, four weeks after 2 to 5 years, and eight weeks after 5 years.
• Severance: generally one week’s wages per completed year of service for 5 to 10 years of service, and two weeks’ wages per year after 10 years. Service before 1 May 2011 is calculated at one week per year.

Hiring foreigners

A foreign worker needs a Temporary Employment Permit, applied for through a Labour Department office, before starting work.

Employer of record or your own company?

If you want to hire before you have a local entity, an employer of record can employ staff on your behalf. For a long-term team, local invoicing or contracts in your own name, it is usually better to set up your own company in Belize and run payroll there.

Get help from Easyco

Easyco coordinates the company setup in Belize up to the tax ID, and supports companies afterwards with tax, accounting, payroll and company compliance, including a registered office address. Contact us to discuss your hiring plans.