Tajikistan ‒ Payroll and HR-Service
Hiring employees without a permanent establishment
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Population
Tajikistan has a population of approximately 10 million people (as of 2023). The majority of the population, around 84%, are Tajiks, followed by Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and other minorities. Tajikistan is predominantly rural, with nearly 70% of the population living in rural areas.
Capital
The capital of Tajikistan is Dushanbe, which serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Dushanbe hosts key government buildings, universities, and is the economic heart of Tajikistan.
Economic Strength
Tajikistan’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and remittances from Tajiks working abroad, which make up a significant portion of the country’s GDP. Major exports include cotton, fruits, and aluminum. However, the country’s economic development is hindered by infrastructure deficiencies, poverty, and reliance on international aid. Efforts have been made in recent years to diversify the economy, focusing on energy, mining, and hydropower sectors.
Culture
Tajikistan’s culture is deeply influenced by Persian traditions, as Tajiks share ethnic ties with Persians. The country has a rich tradition in poetry, music, and art. Islam, particularly Sunni Islam, plays a significant role in the daily lives of the Tajik people. Important festivals such as the Persian New Year (Nowruz) are celebrated nationwide. Tajik is the official language, while Russian is widely used in administration and trade.
Currency
The official currency of Tajikistan is the Tajikistani Somoni (TJS). The exchange rate has remained relatively stable in recent years, although the country’s economy is influenced by global fluctuations. One Somoni is divided into 100 Dirams.
Health Insurance and Social Security System
Tajikistan has a basic public healthcare system, which is significantly underfunded. There is no universal health insurance, and many health services are paid for privately or out of pocket. Access to quality healthcare is limited, especially in rural areas. However, a social security system exists that provides pension, disability, and unemployment benefits, though these are often inadequate. Both employers and employees contribute to the social security funds.
Employer Costs
Employers in Tajikistan are required to contribute about 25% of an employee’s gross salary to social security, which covers pensions, disability, and unemployment benefits. Employees themselves contribute about 1% of their income. Employers are also responsible for providing other benefits such as paid leave and sick leave.
Salary and Bonuses
Salaries in Tajikistan are low compared to international standards. The minimum wage is around 600 TJS per month (as of 2023), but higher wages are paid in many sectors. End-of-year bonuses are not mandated by law but are sometimes provided by larger or international companies.
Payslip
In Tajikistan, salaries are typically paid monthly, and employers are required to issue payslips detailing gross pay, deductions for taxes, and social security contributions. These payslips must clearly show all payments and deductions.
Public Holidays
Tajikistan observes several national holidays, including religious and cultural celebrations. Key holidays include:
- Nowruz (Persian New Year, March 21)
- Independence Day (September 9)
- Constitution Day (November 6)
- Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
- Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
Employees are entitled to a day off on these holidays, or additional pay if required to work.
Working Hours
The standard workweek in Tajikistan is 40 hours, spread over 5 days. Overtime is permitted but must be compensated at a rate of 50% above the regular wage. Special regulations apply for young workers and pregnant women, who are entitled to reduced working hours.
Leave
Employees in Tajikistan are entitled to a minimum of 24 days of paid annual leave. There are also provisions for maternity leave, which can last up to 126 days (70 days before and 56 days after childbirth). Maternity leave is paid through the social security fund.
Sick Leave
In the event of illness, employees are entitled to sick pay, which is covered by the social security fund. The amount of sick pay depends on the employee’s length of service and contribution to the social security system. A medical certificate is required to claim sick leave benefits.
Termination/Severance
Termination of employment in Tajikistan must comply with labor laws. The typical notice period ranges from two weeks to one month, depending on the length of service. Severance pay is required in certain cases, especially in redundancy or economic layoffs. The standard severance payment is one month’s salary for each year of service.