The new Syrian pound
Decree 293 of 2025 redenominated the Syrian pound (SYP). From 1 January 2026, 100 old pounds equal 1 new pound. Every statutory amount set before 2026 must be divided by 100, and many guides still quote old-pound figures.
Official and parallel exchange rates still diverge (about 122 new pounds per USD was reported in mid-2026). The government ended USD salaries in the public sector in April 2026; private and NGO USD contracts still exist.
Income tax on salaries
Salary tax is a monthly final withholding tax under Income Tax Law No. 24 of 2003, as amended by Legislative Decree No. 30 of 2023.
- Exempt minimum. Decree 67 of 2026 set the monthly tax-exempt minimum equal to the minimum wage: SYP 12,560 new (1,256,000 old).
- Bands. LD 30/2023 has six monthly bands from 5% to 15%. Press summaries confirm the range, but not every band edge. The raised exemption now exceeds the old top band edge, so it is unclear how the bands apply in practice. Get the Ministry of Finance circular before you calculate tax.
- Draft reform. A 2025 draft Income Tax Law proposes 6% and 8% wage rates. It is often reported as if in force, but we found no confirmation of enactment.
Social insurance
The General Organization for Social Insurance runs the scheme under Social Insurance Law No. 92 of 1959, as amended.
| Branch | Employer | Employee |
|---|---|---|
| Old age, invalidity and survivors (incl. 0.1% admin) | 14.1% | 7% |
| Work injury | 3% | – |
| Total | 17.1% | 7% |
Sources differ on work injury: ISSA lists 3% of payroll, while the NRC guide applies it to hazardous jobs. Sickness and maternity are employer liabilities with no contribution.
These rates pre-date the change of government in December 2024, and we found no later circular changing them. We did not find the 2026 insurable earnings ceiling. Contributions are due within the first 15 days of the following month.
Coverage depends on working in Syria, not citizenship, so ordinary expatriate employees are generally covered like nationals.
End of service
For insured employees, social insurance (a pension or lump-sum settlement) replaces an employer gratuity. Uninsured employees earn one month’s last wage per year of service, pro rata, under Labour Law No. 17 of 2010.
One secondary source reports compensation for unjustified dismissal at two months’ wage per year of service, with a cap. Confirm with local counsel, as Labour Law amendments are also being drafted.
- Notice: 2 months’ written notice for indefinite contracts, from either party. The employee gets one paid day off a week during notice.
- Final pay: within 7 days if the employer ends the contract, or 15 days if the employee resigns.
- Resignations are valid only once registered with the Directorate of Social Affairs and Labour.
Wage payment rules
There is no wage protection system. Wages are paid on a working day at the workplace or through local banks. Monthly payroll is customary.
Working time and leave
- Hours: 8 a day and 48 a week, spread over at most 10 hours a day.
- Overtime: 25% extra by day and 50% at night (19:00–07:00), doubled on official holidays.
- Annual leave: 14 working days for 1–5 years’ service, 21 for 5–10 years and 30 from 10 years or age 50. Arduous or remote work adds 7 days.
- Maternity leave: fully paid, 120 days for the first child, 90 for the second and 75 for the third, after 6 months’ service. The employer pays.
- Public holidays: 13 days a year. Holiday work is paid at double.
Minimum wage
The minimum wage is SYP 12,560 a month in new pounds (1,256,000 old) from 1 May 2026, under Decree No. 67 of 2026, based on press reports. Public-sector pay rises do not automatically apply to private employers.
Sanctions and banking
- United States: E.O. 14312 revoked the Syria sanctions program from 1 July 2025, and the Caesar Act was repealed in December 2025. OFAC no longer maintains comprehensive sanctions on Syria, but list-based sanctions remain under PAARSS and the 50% rule applies.
- EU and UK: the EU lifted most economic sanctions in May 2025 but keeps Syria on its AML high-risk list, so banks apply enhanced due diligence. The UK eased its regime in 2025. Check current measures before you fund payroll.
Expect slow cross-border salary funding. Many employers use an Employer of Record.
Gotchas for foreign employers
- Divide any pre-2026 amount by 100, and label the unit in every payroll document.
- Decide and document the exchange rate used to convert USD pay for tax and social insurance.
- Register staff for social insurance from day one. Labour inspections enforce it.