U.S. demand for accountants abroad increased 4x in 2024
Read the whitepaper
Your guide to the employment landscape, working customs and local labor laws in Palau.
Capital
Ngerulmud
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Languages
Palauan, English
GDP per Capita
$11,806.89
Employer Tax
9.5%
Payroll Frequency
Fortnightly
Palau is an island country located in the Pacific whose main economic activity is agriculture and fishing. However, their government has employed most of its working population and has provided them with ample opportunities through the help of the United States of America. Plans of bolstering the country’s tourism are also being worked as an additional stream of income for Palau.
Major economic hubs:
Koror, Melekeok, Ngermid
Skills in demand:
Top Local Job Boards:
Top Local Job Boards
Number of LinkedIn users:
Number of LinkedIn users
Top Recruitment Agencies:
The below table mentions some jobs in Palau with average monthly salary:
Job Title | Average Monthly Salary(in USD) |
Accounting and Finance | 2,810 |
Software Engineer | 2,540 |
Financial Analyst | 3,380 |
Graphic Designer | 1,610 |
Project Manager | 3,120 |
Sales Manager | 4,420 |
Customer Service Representative | 980 |
The following sections will be covering the basic information that employers need to know when employing local employees in the country. The following are taken from the country’s rules and regulations of employment.
Employee Contracts in Palau contain the terms and conditions of employment and the employee’s vital information and obligations. It is written in the English language.
Probation period for Palauan employees should not exceed 6 months
Date | Name | Type |
1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Public Holiday |
2 Jan | Day off for New Year’s Day | Public Holiday |
15 Mar | Youth Day | Public Holiday |
5 May | Senior Citizens Day | Public Holiday |
1 Jun | President’s Day | Public Holiday |
9 Jul | Constitution Day | Public Holiday |
10 Jul | Day off for Constitution Day | Public Holiday |
4 Sep | Labor Day | Public Holiday |
1 Oct | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
2 Oct | Day off for Independence Day | Public Holiday |
24 Oct | United Nations Day | Public Holiday |
23 Nov | Thanksgiving | Public Holiday |
24 Nov | Family Day | Public Holiday |
25 Dec | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
Type of Leave | Time Period | Mandatory |
Annual Leave | Maximum 30 days | Yes |
Sick Leave | Maximum 30 days | Yes |
Maternity Leave | 5 months | Yes |
Payroll cycle
Salaries in Palau are released every two weeks.
Minimum wage
The minimum wage in Palau is USD 3 per hour
Overtime pay
Overtime pay rate will be based on the agreement between employer and employee, as it will be indicated in the employment contract.
Type of Contribution | Tax Rate |
Social Security Insurance | 7% |
Healthcare Financing | 2.5% |
Type of Contribution | Tax Rate |
Social Security Insurance | 7% |
Healthcare Financing | 2.5% |
Income Bracket | Tax Rate |
$0-$8,000 | 6% |
$8,001 – $40,000 | 10% |
$40,001 and higher | 12% |
Palau has replaced their VAT system with Goods and Services Tax starting January 2023. The rate for PGST will be 10%.
A 13th month pay is not a requirement in Palau
Below are some of the benefits that Palauan employees are entitled to:
Termination of employment contract in Palau may occur in the following circumstances:
A Notice period of 60 days will be observed for terminated employees in Palau.
Terminated employees in Palau will be given their final pay as their final compensation. Employers must deduct any debts or salary advances when calculating the severance pay.
Foreign employees must secure a work visa to stay in Palau for work. They will have the option to apply for the following visas base on their nature of work:
Expand globally and hire talent in 150+ countries without having to set up an entity. Use Multiplier's Employer of Record to manage the complete employee experience while having the flexibility to enter new markets.
Overtime Pay
Minimum Wage
Overtime Pay
Visa and Immigration
By use case
By team
By company size