HR, PEO & Employer of Record (EOR) Services in Zimbabwe

Introduction

Zimbabwe offers a strategic gateway to Southern Africa, with abundant natural resources, a skilled workforce, and a growing services and agriculture sector. Recent economic reforms and investment-friendly policies are improving the business climate, making it an attractive destination for regional expansion. With its central location and access to key trade corridors, Zimbabwe provides promising opportunities for companies seeking scalable growth in the region.

EOR & PEO Solutions in Zimbabwe

If you’re looking to hire employees in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe?

An Employer of Record Zimbabwe (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard Zimbabwe employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:

You continue to oversee your team’s day-to-day tasks, while the EOR service handles legal obligations as the official employer on paper.

What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in Zimbabwe, 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 Zimbabwe hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.

Benefits of Using an EOR Service in Zimbabwe

By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in Zimbabwe, access top talent in Zimbabwe, and stay focused on business growth without getting tangled in bureaucracy.

Hiring in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe successfully, it’s important to understand your options especially when you don’t have a legal entity in Zimbabwe.

That’s where using an Employer of Record in Zimbabwe makes all the difference.

Your Hiring Options in Zimbabwe

Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in Zimbabwe:

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 Zimbabwe?

This approach is especially useful for startups, global teams, and growing businesses that need to hire quickly and remain fully compliant.

Employment in Zimbabwe

Understanding how employment in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe to handle these responsibilities with confidence.

Employment Contracts in Zimbabwe

All employees in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.

By working with a Zimbabwe employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in Zimbabwe are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements without having to hire a full in-house HR team.

Payroll & Employer Contributions

Payroll in Zimbabwe involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:

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 Zimbabwe 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:

Using an employer of record service ensures your team in Zimbabwe receives all required benefits and that your business remains fully compliant with employment law.

Termination & Notice Periods

Ending an employment contract in Zimbabwe requires compliance with the Labour Act, which outlines notice periods, severance, and lawful grounds for termination. Notice periods generally range from one week to one month, depending on the employee’s role and length of service, while severance pay is calculated based on tenure and contractual terms.

Partnering with an Employer of Record ensures that terminations are handled in full compliance with local labor laws, mitigating legal risks and maintaining a fair and transparent offboarding process.

Visas & Permits in Zimbabwe

If you’re planning to hire employees in Zimbabwe or bring in foreign talent, understanding Zimbabwe’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in Zimbabwe makes it much easier.

An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in Zimbabwe with confidence.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees in Zimbabwe

Foreign nationals who plan to work in Zimbabwe must obtain a valid work permit, which requires sponsorship from a local employer and approval from the Zimbabwean Immigration Department. The process involves submitting an employment contract, professional qualifications, and sometimes evidence that the role cannot be filled locally.

Partnering with an Employer of Record streamlines this process, ensuring compliance with local labor and immigration laws while enabling foreign talent to start work efficiently and legally.

Types of Visas for Foreign Talent

There are several types of visas used to work or do business in Zimbabwe, including:

Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in Zimbabwe or send international staff temporarily, an EOR Zimbabwe solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.

Business Permits for Foreign Companies

To operate directly in Zimbabwe, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe to bypass the need for a local entity. The Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe.

Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring

If you’re hiring foreign employees in Zimbabwe, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:

Common Questions on EOR in Zimbabwe

Can an EOR hire both Zimbabwean nationals and foreign employees?

Yes. An EOR can onboard both local employees and expatriates. For foreign hires, the EOR manages work permits, visas, and compliance with immigration regulations, ensuring lawful employment.

How long does it take to onboard a new hire through an Employer of Record in Zimbabwe?

Onboarding a new hire through an EOR in Zimbabwe typically takes 1 to 3 weeks for local employees, depending on how quickly employment contracts are signed and registration with statutory pension or social security schemes is completed. For foreign employees, the process generally takes 4 to 8 weeks, as it includes obtaining work permits, visas, and completing immigration approvals. Partnering with an EOR ensures a smooth, compliant, and efficient onboarding process for both local and international hires.

How are employment contracts managed under an EOR in Zimbabwe?

The EOR drafts and maintains employment contracts compliant with local labor law, covering statutory provisions, company-specific terms, job responsibilities, and performance expectations.

What happens if I need to terminate an employee under an EOR?

The EOR ensures terminations comply with Zimbabwean labor laws, including statutory notice periods and severance pay where applicable, while providing proper documentation to reduce legal risk and maintain transparency.

How does an EOR ensure compliance with Zimbabwean labor laws?

An EOR stays up to date with legal changes and manages all statutory obligations, including payroll reporting, social security contributions, occupational hazard insurance, and employment documentation.

Can an EOR support short-term or project-based employment in Zimbabwe?

Yes. EORs can facilitate both permanent and temporary employment arrangements, allowing companies to scale their workforce for projects or market testing without establishing a local entity.