Introduction
Burkina Faso offers untapped potential for investors seeking growth in emerging markets. With a young, dynamic population, rich natural resources, and strategic access to regional trade corridors, the country is steadily positioning itself as a hub for agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. For forward-thinking businesses, Burkina Faso represents a unique opportunity to shape growth in a market poised for transformation.
EOR & PEO Solutions in Burkina Faso
If you’re looking to hire employees in Burkina Faso without setting up a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Empleyo is the simplest and most compliant path forward. An EOR in Burkina Faso acts as the official legal employer on your behalf, managing everything from payroll and HR administration to employment contracts and statutory employee benefits.
This model allows you to expand into Burkina Faso quickly, while remaining fully compliant with local labor laws without the complexity or cost of registering a local entity.
What Is an Employer of Record in Burkina Faso?
An Employer of Record Burkina Faso (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard Burkina Faso employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:
- Employment contracts in Burkina Faso
- Monthly payroll and tax filings
- Statutory benefits in Burkina Faso (like social insurance and leave)
- Ongoing HR and compliance responsibilities
What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?
A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in Burkina Faso, offering co-employment solutions for HR, payroll, and benefits. An EOR, however, is ideal when you don’t have a legal presence in Vietnam but still want to hire full-time staff.
Whether you choose an EOR or PEO depends on your Burkina Faso hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.
Benefits of Using an EOR Service in Burkina Faso
- Hire employees in Burkina Faso faster, with no setup delays
- Stay compliant with labor and tax laws
- Avoid the cost of forming and maintaining a local entity
- Access local expertise in employment law and payroll in Burkina Faso
- Simplify HR management while maintaining control over your team
By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in Burkina Faso, access top talent in Burkina Faso, and stay focused on business growth without getting tangled in bureaucracy.
Hiring in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a thriving market with a growing pool of skilled professionals, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand globally. But to hire in Burkina Faso successfully, it’s important to understand your options especially when you don’t have a legal entity in Burkina Faso.
That’s where using an Employer of Record in Burkina Faso makes all the difference.
Your Hiring Options in Burkina Faso
Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in Burkina Faso:
- Register a local entity, manage payroll and HR directly, and take on full legal responsibility.
- Use an Employer of Record (EOR) a third-party EOR provider that acts as the legal employer in Burkina Faso on your behalf.
The second option is faster, lower-risk, and ideal for companies that want to test the market, launch quickly, or hire remote employees without permanent infrastructure.
Why Use an EOR to Hire in Burkina Faso?
- Drafting and executing employment contracts in Burkina Faso
- Managing Burkina Faso payroll and mandatory contributions
- Handling employee benefits as required under labor law
Employment in Burkina Faso
Understanding how employment in Burkina Faso works is key to managing your team successfully and staying compliant. Whether you’re hiring directly or using an Employer of Record (EOR), companies must follow labor laws closely especially when it comes to employment contracts, payroll, and employee benefits.
That’s why many growing businesses choose to use an EOR in Burkina Faso to handle these responsibilities with confidence.
Employment Contracts in Burkina Faso
All employees in Burkina Faso must be hired under a written employment contract, clearly outlining the job role, salary, benefits, working hours, and duration of employment. Contracts must comply with the Labor Code of Burkina Faso, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.
By working with a Burkina Faso employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in Burkina Faso are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements without having to hire a full in-house HR team.
Payroll & Employer Contributions
Payroll in Burkina Faso involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:
- Social Security (CNSS)
- Universal Health Insurance Contribution
These deductions and employer contributions are calculated based on the employee’s gross monthly salary, and must be submitted on time to remain compliant. An EOR in Burkina Faso handles this for you, managing all payroll, tax filings, and reporting on your behalf.
Employee Benefits and Leave
labor law mandates several employee benefits, including:
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Paid Public Holidays
- Absence Leave
Using an employer of record service ensures your team in Burkina Faso receives all required benefits and that your business remains fully compliant with employment law.
Termination & Notice Periods
Ending an employment contract in Burkina Faso requires adherence to clear labor regulations that balance employer obligations and employee rights. Notice periods typically range from 8 days for hourly or daily workers to up to 3 months for senior or managerial staff, depending on role and length of service.
Termination must be justified whether for economic, disciplinary, or performance-related reasons and employees are entitled to severance pay where applicable, especially in cases of redundancy or dismissal without serious misconduct. Partnering with an Employer of Record ensures compliance with these requirements, mitigating legal risk while maintaining fairness and transparency in workforce transitions.
Visas & Permits in Burkina Faso
If you’re planning to hire employees in Burkina Faso or bring in foreign talent, understanding Burkina Faso’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in Burkina Faso makes it much easier.
An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in Burkina Faso with confidence.
Work Permits for Foreign Employees in Burkina Faso
Foreign nationals who plan to work in Burkina Faso must obtain the appropriate work and residence permits, a process that involves both employer sponsorship and approval from local labor authorities. Employers are required to demonstrate that the role cannot readily be filled by a local candidate, and permits are typically issued for fixed durations tied to the employment contract.
By partnering with an Employer of Record, businesses can streamline compliance with these regulations, ensuring a smooth onboarding process for international talent while reducing administrative and legal risks.
Types of Visas for Foreign Talent
There are several types of visas used to work or do business in Burkina Faso, including:
- Short-Stay Visas
- Long-Stay Visas
- Business Visas / e-Business Visas
- Visas on Arrival
- Group / Cooperation Visas
Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in Burkina Faso or send international staff temporarily, an EOR Burkina Faso solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.
Business Permits for Foreign Companies
To operate directly in Burkina Faso, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in Burkina Faso and apply for a business license. This can be a time-consuming process that includes office registration, investment approvals, and compliance with labor laws.
Alternatively, you can use an EOR in Burkina Faso to bypass the need for a local entity. The Burkina Faso employer of record is already registered and authorized to employ staff and manage payroll, contracts, and local compliance making it easier and faster to hire employees in Burkina Faso.
Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring
If you’re hiring foreign employees in Burkina Faso, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:
- Avoid visa delays or permit denials
- Ensure alignment with employment law
- Quickly hire and onboard top talent without risk
- Operate legally, even without a registered entity in Burkina Faso
Common Questions on EOR in Burkina Faso
Onboarding through an EOR is generally faster than setting up a local entity, often achievable within 2–4 weeks, depending on document readiness, visa status (if applicable), and local labor office requirements.
The EOR drafts and signs employment contracts in compliance with Burkina Faso’s labor code, but terms such as compensation, benefits, and job responsibilities are aligned with the client company’s requirements.
Both fixed-term and indefinite contracts are supported. Fixed-term contracts are typically used for project-based work and cannot exceed 2 years (renewable once), while indefinite contracts are the norm for ongoing employment.
Employees must be paid in West African CFA francs (XOF), the local currency. However, the EOR can coordinate with client companies to manage international transfers, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
Sectors such as agriculture, mining, infrastructure, renewable energy, and NGOs often leverage EOR solutions, as they allow rapid market entry, flexible staffing, and reduced compliance risk without the need for immediate local incorporation.
