Along with the benefits of expanding globally, there are also potential HR issues that you may face along the way. Whether you’re hiring local citizens or employing international workers, you need to understand how to add employees to your payroll, pay the applicable taxes, and ensure all workers have the right work permits and visas to live and work in Honduras.
Types of work visas in Honduras
Honduras’ work visas and permits are decided based on duration and the nature of the work assignment. Some individuals can come to the country for 90 days and perform unremunerated activities without a work permit. However, it’s best to work with the government before traveling to assess your specific needs.
Certain visa-exempt nationals can travel to the country and stay for periods of up to 90 days. However, international workers may need a Consular Visa or a Consulted Visa for business visits. Most employees will need a Special Stay Permit with a Work Contract or a Temporary Residence Work Permit. The Special Stay Permit is valid for at least 1 year and may be issued for up to 5 years at the authorities’ discretion. Individuals who have had a Special Stay Permit for at least 5 years are eligible to seek permanent residency.
Requirements to obtain Honduras work visas
Employees will face many requirements to obtain a Honduras working visa, including:
- A valid passport
- Police clearance certificates from their country of origin and country of residence
- A medical certificate issued within 6 months prior to the application
- A copy of all passport pages
- 4 passport-size photos
- Police clearance certificates from Honduras issued by the Dirección General de Investigación Criminal
- Payment of the residence card fee
- Payment of registration fees
Honduras also has vaccination requirements that applicants must adhere to. For example, all travelers coming to Honduras from areas infected with yellow fever must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate within 6 days. The World Health Organization (WHO) changed its cholera vaccination guidelines in 1973, so applicants do not need a cholera vaccination certificate. However, cholera cases were reported in 1996 and 1999, so it’s best to seek up-to-date advice before traveling to the country. Typhoid and malaria are also potential issues in Honduras, especially in rural areas.
Application process
The process involved with obtaining a work permit in Honduras can be divided into 5 main steps:
- Entering Honduras
- Getting employment contract approval as well as a statement of compliance application at the Labor Ministry
- Getting temporary residence approval
- Obtaining registration, a residence card application, and fingerprints
- Obtaining residence card approval and collection
It is advisable to start collecting documents prior to entering Honduras to reduce the processing time, which may take a few months. Once all the documents are ready, the employee may enter Honduras after having obtained an entry visa, if required, depending on the nationality.
Other important considerations
Not everyone requires a visa to enter Honduras, but everyone needs a work permit. Honduras is a signatory of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4). That means citizens of Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala can travel to Honduras without obtaining any documentation.
Discover how G-P can help you manage your global teams.
At G-P, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to global business, enabling opportunity for everyone, everywhere, and helping companies tap into the fullest potential of their workforce. We help you maintain full compliance with local laws and ensure everything from hiring and onboarding to paying your employees is quick and easy, regardless of where they are in the world.
Find out more about how our Global Growth Platform™ can help you grow your team across the globe.