Talent Wiki - Myanmar
Your quick guide on talent and labor compliance norms in Myanmar
Capital
Naypyidaw
Currency
Burmese Kyat (MMK)
Languages
Burmese (official), English
Payroll Frequency
Daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
GDP per Capita
$1,104
Employer Tax
3%
Talent Overview
Agriculture is the main occupation of Myanmar, and it constitutes almost 65% of the GDP and employs about 65% of the population. Other prominent industries in Myanmar are copper, tin, tungsten, cement, construction, and garments.
Major economic hubs:
Naypyidaw, Yangon
Skills in demand:
Engineering (Civil and Petroleum), Sales and Business Development, Marketing and Creative design, and Software Programming.
Local Universities
The local universities of Myanmar with ranks are mentioned below;
Yangon University
Ranking
Local: 1
World: 9538
Mandalay University
Ranking
Local: 2
World: 10103
Yangon Technological University
Ranking
Local: 3
World: 10570
University of Computer Studies
Ranking
Local: 4
World: 10665
Yezin Agricultural University
Ranking
Local: 5
World: 11130
Salary Data
Average monthly salary in Myanmar:
| Job Title | Average Monthly Salary (MMK) | Average Monthly Salary (USD) |
| Accounting Manager | 810,000 MMK | 385 USD |
| Software Engineer | 510,000 MMK | 242 USD |
| Data Analyst | 489,000 MMK | 232 USD |
| UX Designer | 388,000 MMK | 184 USD |
| Product Manager | 776,000 MMK | 368 USD |
| Sales Manager | 936,000 MMK | 444 USD |
Talent Sourcing Tips
Top Local Job Boards
Number of LinkedIn Users
739,000
Top Recruitment Agencies
Employing in Myanmar
Below listed are the key points an employer must keep in mind while seeking employees in Myanmar.
Employee Contract:
Generally, a particular language is not required in the LOA (letter of appointment); however, the Ministry of Labour requires that the Employment Contract be bilingual (both Burmese and English) upon registration.
Probation Period
The probationary period for employees in Myanmar is as per the employer’s discretion, however, it should be in accordance with the local labor laws.
Public and Provincial Holidays 2023:
| Date | Holiday | Type |
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Public Holiday |
| 4 Jan | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| 12 Feb | Union Day | Public Holiday |
| 2 Mar | Peasants’ Day | Public Holiday |
| 5 Mar | Full Moon Day of Tabaung | Public Holiday |
| 27 Mar | Armed Forces Day | Public Holiday |
| 9 to16 Apr | Thingyan Water Festival | Public Holiday |
| 17 Apr | Myanmar New Year | Public Holiday |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Public Holiday |
| 3 May | Full Moon Day of Kasong | Public Holiday |
| 19 Jul | Martyrs’ Day | Public Holiday |
| 1 Aug | Full Moon Day of Waso | Public Holiday |
| 28 Oct | Full Moon Day of Thadingyut | Public Holiday |
| 29 Oct | Full Moon Day of Thadingyut | Public Holiday |
| 30 Oct | Full Moon Day of Thadingyut | Public Holiday |
| 26 Nov | Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone | Public Holiday |
| 27 Nov | Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone | Public Holiday |
| 7 Dec | National Day | Public Holiday |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| 31 Dec | New Year Holiday | Public Holiday |
Employee Leaves:
| Type of Leave | Duration | Mandatory |
| Annual Leave | 10 days | Yes |
| Sick Leave | 30 days | Yes |
| Maternity Leave | 14 weeks | Yes |
Payroll
Payroll Cycle
Employees in Myanmar can be paid daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Minimum Wage
As of 2022, the minimum wage followed in Myanmar is 4800 MMK per Day.
Overtime Pay
Maximum overtime permitted in Myanmar is 12 hours a week, paid at 200% of the standard hourly wage.
Bonus
13th Month Pay:
There is no legal provision for 13th-month pay in Myanmar. However, the employers can provide the bonus on their discretion.
Employee Benefits:
- Maternity Leave
- Paternity Leave
- Social Security
- Medical Insurance
Taxes
Employer Payroll Tax:
| Type of Tax | Rate |
| Social Security | 3% |
Employee Payroll Tax:
| Type of Tax | Rate |
| Social Security | 2% |
Employee Income Tax:
| Employee Type | Tax Rate |
| For Resident foreigners | Progressive rates from 1% to 25% |
| For Non-resident foreigners | Progressive rates from 1% to 25% |
VAT:
There is no VAT in Myanmar; however, commercial tax is generally rated at 5%.
Offboarding & Termination
To terminate an employee for misconduct, the employer must state a list of misconduct offenses in the employment contract and ensure that the employee has had 3 written prior warnings and had the time to improve their performance before the termination.
The notice period in Myanmar is dependent on a mutual discussion between the employer and the employee, and should be in accordance with the labor laws of Myanmar.
| Service length | Severance Pay |
| Six months to One year | Half month |
| One to two years | One month |
| Two to three years | One and Half months |
| Three to four years | Three months |
| Four to six years | Four months |
| Six to eight years | Five months |
| Eight to ten years | Six months |
| Ten to twenty years | Eight months |
| Twenty to Twenty five years | Ten months |
| Above Twenty five | Thirteen months |
Visa and Immigration
The Stay Permit allows a foreigner to work for three months or one year without re-entry to Myanmar. A Stay Permit and a valid Multiple Journey Special re-entry Visa will enable a foreigner to work while traveling in and out of Myanmar.
