How to Hire Employees in Venezuela (2026): LOTTT, Pay and Benefits

Venezuela is reopening to foreign investment, but its labor law (the LOTTT) is one of the most protective in the region, and pay is split between salary and bonuses. Here is what employers need to know in 2026.

Employment contracts

Employment follows the Organic Law of Labor and Workers (LOTTT, Official Gazette Extraordinary 6.076 of 7 May 2012). Indefinite employment is the norm.

Minimum wage and income in 2026

The legal minimum wage is still Bs 130 a month. On 30 April 2026, the Executive announced that the “minimum comprehensive income” would rise to the equivalent of USD 240 a month from 1 May, paid mainly through bonuses. This was an announcement, and we haven’t found it published in the Official Gazette. Treat it as announced income, not a change to the legal minimum wage, and check its current status before setting pay.

Social security

Employers register workers with the Venezuelan Social Security Institute (IVSS) and pay employer and employee contributions. Check the current rates with the IVSS before running payroll.

Vacation and bonuses

• Vacation: 15 working days after the first year, plus one day for each further year, up to 15 extra days.
• Vacation bonus: at least 15 days’ wages, plus one day per year of service, up to 30 days.
• Profit sharing (utilidades): at least 30 days’ wages and at most 120 days a year.

Severance (prestaciones sociales)

Employers guarantee 15 days of comprehensive salary per quarter, plus two days per additional year of service up to 30 days. When employment ends, the worker receives whichever is higher: that guaranteed amount or 30 days per year of service (art. 142).

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 Venezuela and run payroll there.

Get help from Easyco

Easyco coordinates the company setup in Venezuela 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.