Hiring staff in Malawi: employer obligations
If you employ people in Malawi, employment is governed by the Employment Act, with social-security contributions to pension contributions under the Pension Act. Put every employee on a written contract from day one, register as an employer, and withhold and remit employee taxes monthly.
Your obligations
- 1 Written employment contracts and statutory minimums under the Employment Act.
- 2 Register as an employer and contribute to pension contributions under the Pension Act.
- 3 Withhold and remit employee taxes to Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
Frequently asked questions
What labour law applies in Malawi?
Employment in Malawi is governed by the Employment Act, with contributions to pension contributions under the Pension Act.
More on Malawi
- Register a company — Malawi
- Company tax — Malawi
- VAT / sales tax — Malawi
- Start a business — Malawi
- Data protection — Malawi
- Tax clearance — Malawi
- Empowerment / B-BBEE — Malawi
- Licences & permits — Malawi
- Payroll & employee tax — Malawi
- Importing & customs — Malawi
- Annual returns — Malawi
- Full Malawi compliance guide
Hiring staff elsewhere in SADC
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Reviewed June 2026 from official sources. General information only — confirm with Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) or a registered professional.