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23 Jobs in Beirut

Employment in Lebanon revolves around the calendar month and the 13th-month bonus, with residency permits and the tanouba security requirement shaping every hire.

Questions

• What residency and work permit requirements apply in Lebanon?

  Lebanese nationals can work freely; foreign nationals must hold a valid residency permit (iqama) sponsored by an employer. The employer typically covers permit costs and renewal fees. Work permits are employer-specific and non-transferable between companies.

• What types of employment contracts are standard?

  Written contracts specifying salary, duties, probation period, and benefits are standard for formal employment. Probation typically lasts one to three months. Some sectors and smaller employers operate with oral agreements, though written terms are increasingly expected.

• What working hours and overtime rules apply?

  Full-time work is typically 40 to 48 hours per week, often spread across five or five-and-a-half days. Overtime is compensated at increased rates, though informal arrangements vary by employer. Daily start and end times vary by sector and company policy.

• What is the tanouba and how does it work?

  The tanouba is a mandatory security deposit deducted from salary and held by the employer as collateral. It is typically refunded when employment ends, provided no breaches of contract occur. Amounts vary by employer and sector but generally equal one month's salary or less.

• When and how is salary paid?

  Salaries are paid monthly, typically between the 25th and 30th of each calendar month. Payment is made by bank transfer to employee accounts or in cash, depending on employer policy. The 13th-month bonus is paid annually, usually in December or during summer.

• What is the 13th-month bonus and when is it paid?

  The 13th-month bonus is an additional month's salary paid annually as a standard employment benefit. It is typically distributed in December or during summer months, depending on employer practice. It is considered part of standard compensation across most sectors.

• What documents do employers typically request?

  Employers request a valid national identity document, residency permit (for non-Lebanese), educational certificates, employment references, and often a clean criminal background check. Medical certificates may be required for certain sectors. References from previous employers are common, though not always mandatory.

• How is the working year structured and when are breaks taken?

  The working year follows the calendar, with most enterprises closed on Sundays and public holidays. Annual leave is typically 15 to 20 days, accrued and taken by mutual agreement. Summer closures or reduced hours are common in some sectors and regions.

• Are there restrictions on who can work in Lebanon?

  Lebanese nationals have unrestricted work rights. Foreign nationals must obtain sponsorship and residency permits; eligibility depends on job market needs and employer capacity to sponsor. Certain positions may be reserved for nationals by law or policy.

• What happens if an employer withholds pay or the tanouba?

  Employee disputes over withheld wages or the tanouba can be pursued through labour courts or the Ministry of Labour. Documentation of employment terms and payment records is essential for legal claims. Labour inspectorates can intervene if violations are reported, though enforcement varies.