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22 min read

Biweekly vs Monthly Pay: Country-by-Country Comparison Guide

Global HR

Legal & compliance

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Author

Jemima Owen-Jones

Last Update

October 02, 2025

Table of Contents

Albania

Angola

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Belarus

Belgium

Benin

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Chad

Chile

China

Colombia

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia (Czech Republic)

Denmark

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Estonia

Eswatini

Ethiopia

Finland

France

Gabon

Gambia

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Guatemala

Guinea

Honduras

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Latvia

Lesotho

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Madagascar

Malawi

Malaysia

Mali

Malta

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mexico

Moldova

Montenegro

Morocco

Mozambique

Namibia

Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Niger

Nigeria

North Macedonia

Norway

Oman

Pakistan

Panama

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Tanzania

Thailand

Togo

Tunisia

Turkey

Uganda

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Uruguay

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Pay your teams on time, anywhere in the world with Deel

Key takeaways

  1. Payroll frequency isn’t universal—while the US favors biweekly, most of Europe mandates monthly pay, and countries like Russia or Ukraine require semi-monthly cycles. For global employers, keeping track of these differences creates compliance risks, added admin, and employee frustration.
  2. Companies need a clear, country-by-country understanding of payroll frequency rules and best practices to avoid penalties and ensure employees are paid correctly and on time—no matter where they work.
  3. Deel streamlines global payroll by managing compliance, payments, and workforce administration in 130+ countries. Whether through our Employer of Record (EOR) entities or your own, everyone gets paid on time, faster, and in full compliance with local laws—so you can focus on scaling with confidence.

When global companies search for payroll guidance, one of the biggest questions is how often to pay employees—biweekly or monthly? The answer isn’t the same everywhere. Some countries mandate monthly pay, others allow biweekly or semi-monthly cycles, and a few require salaries to be split into two installments each month.

Get this wrong, and the consequences are serious: compliance fines, employee dissatisfaction, or payroll teams buried in unnecessary admin. A misstep in one market can ripple across your entire global operation.

At Deel, we manage payroll in 130+ countries and see these challenges play out every day. In the US, biweekly is most common, while much of Europe mandates monthly. Latin America often mixes both, and some regions add unique requirements like 13th-month pay. Knowing the rules isn’t optional—it’s critical for protecting your business and supporting your people.

This guide is for HR leaders, payroll managers, and founders scaling globally. It provides clear country-by-country breakdowns of payroll frequency, legal requirements, and best practices. Our goal is to cut through the complexity, build trust with your teams, and help you run payroll confidently anywhere in the world.

Let’s jump in…

Albania

In Albania, payroll is straightforward, with salaries paid exclusively on a monthly basis.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly (the only legally permitted option)
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not allowed; only monthly payments are permitted
  • Other Notes: None specified

Angola

Payroll in Angola offers flexibility, as multiple payment schedules are legally permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: All options are legally allowed — weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 26th of each month
  • Legal Requirements: No restrictions on frequency; employers may choose
  • Other Notes: Market practice generally centers around monthly payments, despite broad legal flexibility

Argentina

Argentina allows several payroll frequencies, though monthly remains the norm for most employers.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: All common payroll frequencies are legally supported
  • Other Notes: Employers typically standardize on monthly cycles for ease of compliance and reporting
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Armenia

Armenia permits multiple payroll schedules, though monthly is most commonly used.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are allowed; weekly is not permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: Last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must adhere to the allowed payment frequencies
  • Other Notes: Market practice leans strongly toward monthly payroll

Australia

Australia offers flexibility in payroll cycles, with weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly options all supported.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly are allowed; semi-monthly is not permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must ensure payments meet minimum national standards, but can choose between allowed frequencies
  • Other Notes: Industry agreements often shape whether weekly or bi-weekly is used, especially in trades and hospitality

Guide

New to Australian payroll?
This guide will provide you with a better understanding of what running payroll in Australia involves and how to strengthen your compliance at every step

Austria

Payroll in Austria is highly standardized, with monthly as the only legal option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not allowed; only monthly is supported
  • Other Notes: Compliance requires adherence to the monthly cycle without exceptions

Bahrain

Employers in Bahrain benefit from a wide range of legally accepted payroll frequencies.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: Salaries are usually paid between the 25th of the current month and the 5th of the following month, most often between the 28th and 30th
  • Legal Requirements: Flexible framework allows employers to choose payment frequency
  • Other Notes: Payroll timing often depends on company policy and industry norms

Bangladesh

Payroll in Bangladesh is highly standardized, with only monthly payments permitted by law.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not allowed; only monthly is supported
  • Other Notes: Employers must ensure timely payments to remain compliant

Belarus

Belarus requires more frequent salary distribution compared to most countries.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Legally, salaries must be paid twice per month with no more than 15 days between payments
  • Typical Pay Date: Commonly the 15th and the last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers are required to make two payments each month; monthly-only cycles are not compliant
  • Other Notes: This semi-monthly structure is mandatory, not optional

Belgium

Payroll in Belgium is tightly regulated, with monthly as the only permissible frequency.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Typically the last working day of the month; legally no later than the 5th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not permitted
  • Other Notes: Employers must adhere strictly to statutory payment deadlines

Benin

In Benin, payroll is highly standardized, with monthly payments as the only legally permitted option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not allowed; only monthly is supported
  • Other Notes: None specified

Bolivia

Bolivia provides flexibility in payroll scheduling, though most employers rely on a monthly cycle.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Flexible — weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly are all allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: All common payroll frequencies are permitted by law
  • Other Notes: Market practice strongly favors monthly pay despite legal flexibility

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Payroll in Bosnia and Herzegovina is strictly regulated, with only monthly pay permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not allowed
  • Other Notes: None specified

Botswana

In Botswana, payroll is monthly, with fixed dates that adjust for weekends or holidays.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month. If these dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, payment is made the prior business day
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not permitted
  • Other Notes: Employers must adjust payroll timing to avoid late payments when dates coincide with non-working days

Brazil

Brazil mandates regular salary payments, with both monthly and bi-weekly structures permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly and bi-weekly are legally supported
  • Typical Pay Date: Commonly the 30th of the month; law also permits payments on the 15th and 30th
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must adhere to statutory timing rules. Weekly and semi-monthly payments are not allowed
  • Other Notes: A “13th salary” is also common practice, typically paid in two installments (November and December)

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Bulgaria

Payroll in Bulgaria follows a monthly cycle, though the pay date is typically in the following month.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Between the 1st and 15th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers are expected to pay wages on a monthly basis
  • Other Notes: Off-cycle payments are uncommon; one payslip per month is typical

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso allows broad payroll flexibility, with multiple payment frequencies legally supported.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Commonly the 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers can choose any legally permitted frequency
  • Other Notes: Practice may vary depending on industry or employer size

Cambodia

Cambodia requires more frequent wage payments, mandating semi-monthly payroll.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Semi-monthly (the only legally permitted option)
  • Typical Pay Date: 15th and last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must pay employees twice per month; weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly-only cycles are not permitted
  • Other Notes: This bi-part payment schedule is mandatory across industries

Cameroon

Payroll in Cameroon is monthly, with statutory rules around timing to ensure timely payments.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: End of the month, and no later than the 8th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not allowed; employers must comply with monthly timing rules
  • Other Notes: Flexibility exists within the statutory deadline, but payments beyond the 8th are non-compliant

Canada

In Canada, payroll is flexible, with several payment frequencies legally permitted. Semi-monthly and bi-weekly are the most common, though monthly cycles are also supported.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Semi-monthly and bi-weekly, with monthly also permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 15th and the last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly payments are not allowed, but semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly cycles are legally recognized
  • Other Notes: Payroll timing requirements vary slightly by province, but monthly or more frequent cycles are standard practice

Guide

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Chad

Payroll in Chad is highly standardized, with monthly pay as the only permitted frequency.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th and 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not permitted
  • Other Notes: Employers typically issue monthly payments split into two dates

Chile

In Chile, payroll practices are straightforward, with monthly pay cycles being the sole option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid on a monthly basis
  • Other Notes: None specified

China

China enforces a strict monthly payroll system, with clear statutory rules on timing.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly (the only legally permitted option)
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month. Employers must pay no later than the final calendar day
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not permitted; salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: Compliance requires strict adherence to payment deadlines

Colombia

Colombia allows flexibility between monthly and bi-weekly cycles, though monthly is the standard.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly (bi-weekly also legally permitted)
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose monthly or bi-weekly payroll structures
  • Other Notes: Market practice strongly favors monthly payments for administrative simplicity

Costa Rica

Payroll in Costa Rica is legally restricted to monthly payments, with fixed deadlines for employers.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: First day of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not permitted. Employers must process payroll on a monthly basis
  • Other Notes: None specified

Croatia

Payroll in Croatia is straightforward, with monthly payments as the only legally permitted option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 1st day of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not allowed. Salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: Employers must ensure timely payments in line with the legal schedule

Cyprus

Cyprus provides flexibility in payroll frequency, with all common cycles legally allowed, though monthly is most widely used.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: By the last banking day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Under the Protection of Wages Laws of 2007 and 2012, wages must be paid at least weekly or monthly (no later than the last working day of the month). Any delay beyond the agreed schedule is a legal violation
  • Other Notes: Employers and employees may agree on a preferred frequency, provided statutory deadlines are observed

Czechia (Czech Republic)

In Czechia, payroll is standardized with monthly payments as the only option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Up to the 15th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly cycles are not allowed; wages must be paid monthly within the statutory window
  • Other Notes: Employers must ensure compliance with the latest date of the 15th

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Denmark

Employers in Denmark have significant flexibility in payroll scheduling, with all common frequencies permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all legally supported
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: No restrictions on frequency; payment schedules are typically guided by collective agreements and employer–employee contracts
  • Other Notes: Market practice leans toward monthly pay for professional roles, while weekly or bi-weekly cycles are more common in hourly or unionized industries

Dominican Republic

Payroll in the Dominican Republic allows multiple frequencies, though semi-monthly and monthly are the most common.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Semi-monthly and monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 15th and last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all allowed; weekly is not permitted
  • Other Notes: Employers typically choose semi-monthly cycles to align with labor expectations

Ecuador

Ecuador offers flexibility in payroll cycles, with several frequencies legally supported.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Semi-monthly and monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly pay is not permitted, but semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are allowed
  • Other Notes: Employers often prefer monthly schedules for simplicity, though semi-monthly is also common in some industries

Egypt

Payroll in Egypt is flexible, with multiple payment schedules legally permitted, provided employees are paid at least once per month.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must pay staff at least monthly. Bi-weekly and semi-monthly cycles must not exceed 15 days between payments. Salaries must be paid within five days after the end of the pay period
  • Other Notes: The system allows flexibility, but employers must strictly observe timing rules to remain compliant

El Salvador

Payroll in El Salvador follows a monthly cycle, with most employers standardizing on two common payment dates.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Commonly the 15th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: The Labor Code requires salary to be paid on a fixed and regular basis
  • Other Notes: Employers have discretion to set the schedule, but consistency is legally required

Equatorial Guinea

Payroll in Equatorial Guinea is standardized, with monthly pay as the only legal option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th and 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not permitted
  • Other Notes: None specified

Estonia

In Estonia, payroll is monthly, with employers allowed some flexibility on exact dates.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month, or up to the 10th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must pay at least once per month, with timing agreed in the employment contract.
  • Other Notes: Practices may vary slightly across employers but must comply with minimum legal standards

Eswatini

Payroll in Eswatini is straightforward, with monthly as the sole legal payment cycle.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not permitted
  • Other Notes: None specified

Ethiopia

Payroll in Ethiopia is standardized, with employees paid monthly on set dates.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Other payroll frequencies are not permitted by law
  • Other Notes: None specified

Finland

Finland provides significant flexibility in payroll frequency, though monthly payments are most common.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all legally allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may select the frequency in line with employment contracts and collective agreements
  • Other Notes: While multiple options are legally valid, monthly cycles dominate for professional and salaried roles

France

Payroll in France is tightly regulated, with monthly pay as the only legal option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Two days before the end of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly cycles are not permitted
  • Other Notes: Employers must adhere to the statutory monthly schedule without exceptions

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Gabon

Payroll in Gabon follows a standardized monthly cycle, with fixed payment dates.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Only monthly payroll is permitted; other cycles are not allowed
  • Other Notes: None specified

Gambia

Payroll in Gambia is highly standardized, with monthly pay as the only legal option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly cycles are not permitted
  • Other Notes: None specified

Georgia

Georgia offers full flexibility in payroll frequency, though monthly payments are the most common in practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Flexible (weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on contract). Monthly is typical
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day or last calendar day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Payment schedules are determined by the labor contract, but salaries must be issued at least once per month
  • Other Notes: Flexibility allows employers to adapt payroll frequency to workforce needs

Germany

Payroll in Germany is strictly monthly, with clear legal expectations around timing.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not permitted; salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: Many employers also pay additional allowances or a 13th-month salary as part of standard compensation packages

Ghana

Payroll in Ghana provides some flexibility, with both monthly and bi-weekly schedules legally allowed.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly and bi-weekly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly and semi-monthly pay are not allowed. Employers may choose between monthly and bi-weekly cycles
  • Other Notes: Market practice generally favors monthly pay cycles

Greece

Payroll in Greece is strictly regulated, with monthly payments as the standard.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month; some contracts allow payment up to the 10th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid by the last working day of each month. A late payment of even one day can be a criminal offense, particularly for holiday bonuses. Employees may take legal action if salaries are overdue for two months or more
  • Other Notes: Employers must pay special attention to holiday bonus deadlines (Christmas and Easter)

Guatemala

Guatemala allows significant payroll flexibility, with all major frequencies legally permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all allowed. Monthly is typical
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may select from all permitted cycles
  • Other Notes: Despite flexibility, monthly payroll is the most common practice across industries

Guinea

Payroll in Guinea is standardized, with monthly pay as the only legal option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th and 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not permitted
  • Other Notes: None specified

Guide

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Honduras

Payroll in Honduras offers flexibility, with several payment frequencies legally supported, though requirements differ by worker type.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Contracts set the schedule. Manual workers must be paid at least every 7 days, while intellectual workers must be paid at least every 30 days
  • Other Notes: Employers should carefully align payroll schedules with employee classification to remain compliant

Hungary

Payroll in Hungary is standardized around a monthly cycle, with clear deadlines for employers.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Commonly before the last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid no later than the 10th of the following month. If that date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment must be made on the prior working day
  • Other Notes: None specified

Iceland

In Iceland, payroll is exclusively monthly, with simple and predictable pay schedules.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month, or the first working day of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not allowed
  • Other Notes: None specified

India

Payroll in India is strictly monthly, with statutory rules defining the permissible payment window.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Generally the 28th of the month; legally permitted between the 26th and the last day
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly cycles are not permitted. Employers must pay within the legally defined window
  • Other Notes: None specified

Indonesia

Indonesia allows broad payroll flexibility, with multiple payment frequencies supported by law.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all legally permitted. Monthly is the most common
  • Typical Pay Date: On or before the last working day of each month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may set the frequency, provided employees are paid regularly and on time
  • Other Notes: Collective agreements or company policy often shape payroll timing

Ireland

Payroll in Ireland provides flexibility, with weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly schedules permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on industry and role
  • Typical Pay Date: Last day of the month or last day of the week
  • Legal Requirements: Semi-monthly pay is not allowed, but other common cycles are legally supported
  • Other Notes: Weekly payroll is common in hourly or unionized sectors; monthly cycles dominate for salaried staff

Israel

Payroll in Israel is highly standardized, with monthly as the only legally supported option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month; legally, no later than the 10th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not allowed. Employers must meet the statutory monthly deadline
  • Other Notes: None specified

Italy

Payroll in Italy is highly standardized, with monthly pay as the only legal option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Between the 27th and 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not permitted. Salaries must be paid on a monthly cycle
  • Other Notes: Employers must comply with fixed monthly deadlines; parallel payroll runs are possible if needed

Jamaica

Jamaica provides payroll flexibility, with several payment frequencies permitted by law. While all cycles are legally allowed, monthly is most commonly practiced.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly is typical, though weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly are also allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose from all common frequencies
  • Other Notes: Industry practices often shape the chosen cycle, with monthly more common for salaried employees

Japan

Payroll in Japan is strictly monthly, with very limited flexibility in pay schedules.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly cycles are not allowed; salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: Employers are expected to maintain strict compliance with monthly payroll timing

Jordan

Jordan follows a standardized monthly payroll cycle, with no alternative frequencies permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid monthly; weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly pay are not allowed
  • Other Notes: Employers must ensure consistent compliance with statutory deadlines

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan requires monthly payroll but allows a grace period into the following month.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Commonly the last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid monthly and no later than the 10th of the following month
  • Other Notes: Employers have some flexibility but must not exceed the statutory deadline

Kenya

Kenya provides flexibility in payroll frequency, with multiple options legally allowed.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly is most common, though semi-monthly and bi-weekly are also permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly payroll is not allowed, but employers can choose semi-monthly, bi-weekly, or monthly cycles
  • Other Notes: Employers often align payroll schedules with sector norms and operational needs

Latvia

Payroll in Latvia provides some flexibility, with both monthly and semi-monthly payments permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, though semi-monthly is also allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Last day of the month, or up to the 10th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must pay wages at least once a month. Semi-monthly schedules are allowed, but weekly and bi-weekly cycles are not permitted
  • Other Notes: Employment contracts typically define the precise pay date within the legal window

Lesotho

In Lesotho, payroll is highly standardized, with monthly pay as the only legally supported option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th and 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not allowed
  • Other Notes: None specified

Lithuania

Payroll in Lithuania allows for monthly or semi-monthly pay, though monthly cycles are most common.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, with semi-monthly also legally permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must comply with either monthly or semi-monthly cycles; other frequencies are not allowed
  • Other Notes: Monthly is the prevailing market practice across industries

Luxembourg

Luxembourg follows a uniform monthly payroll system, with fixed payment schedules.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 26th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly cycles are not allowed; salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: Employers are expected to comply strictly with the set monthly date

Madagascar

Payroll in Madagascar is standardized, with salaries issued on a monthly basis.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Only monthly payroll is permitted
  • Other Notes: None specified

Malawi

In Malawi, payroll is monthly, with rules in place to avoid conflicts with weekends or holidays.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month. If these dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, payment is made on the prior working day
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not permitted
  • Other Notes: Employers must adjust dates proactively to maintain compliance

Malaysia

Payroll in Malaysia is strictly monthly, with no alternative cycles permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly pay cycles are not permitted. Employers must pay salaries monthly
  • Other Notes: None specified

Guide

A Guide to Running Payroll in Malaysia
New to running payroll in Malaysia? Get clear guidance on tax, EPF, SOCSO, and more in this step-by-step guide.

Mali

Payroll in Mali is standardized, with monthly as the only legally supported option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th and 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not allowed
  • Other Notes: None specified

Malta

Malta provides flexibility in payroll frequency, with multiple options legally supported, though monthly is common in practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Weekly is not permitted, but semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and monthly are all allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day or last Friday of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must calculate payroll on fixed schedules of 52, 26, 13, or 12 payments per year, depending on frequency chosen
  • Other Notes: Choice of cycle is at the employer’s discretion, provided consistency is maintained

Mauritania

Payroll in Mauritania is strictly monthly, with no flexibility in payment frequency.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly pay cycles are not allowed
  • Other Notes: None specified

Mauritius

In Mauritius, payroll is standardized as monthly, with fixed timing close to month-end.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Three working days before the last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly cycles are not permitted. Salaries must be paid on a monthly basis
  • Other Notes: Employers must comply with the statutory deadline to remain compliant

Mexico

Mexico allows multiple payroll schedules, with semi-monthly being the most common in practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Semi-monthly and monthly are most widely used, though weekly and bi-weekly are also legally permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 15th and 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose from all major frequencies; the chosen schedule must be consistent
  • Other Notes: Many companies adopt semi-monthly to align with labor expectations and administrative norms

Moldova

Moldova offers broad flexibility in payroll frequency, though monthly pay is the standard practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly (other frequencies, including weekly, bi-weekly, and even daily, are permitted)
  • Typical Pay Date: Within 10 business days following the last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must follow the contractual payroll frequency agreed with employees
  • Other Notes: Monthly remains the dominant approach despite broad legal flexibility

Montenegro

Payroll in Montenegro is highly standardized, with monthly pay as the only legally permitted option.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Monthly, as defined in employment contracts
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payments are not allowed. Employers must issue salaries on a monthly cycle
  • Other Notes: None specified

Morocco

Morocco allows flexibility in payroll frequency, though monthly cycles are most common.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, with semi-monthly and bi-weekly also legally permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: Commonly from the 26th of the month, though there are no statutory fixed dates. Employers may set pay dates at their discretion
  • Legal Requirements: Employers are free to choose the payroll schedule, provided it aligns with contractual agreements
  • Other Notes: Market practice leans strongly toward monthly payroll for ease of administration

Mozambique

Payroll in Mozambique is simple and standardized, with salaries issued only on a monthly basis.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid on a monthly cycle; other frequencies are not permitted
  • Other Notes: None specified

Template

Get your 2026 payroll calendar
This payroll calendar tempate includes weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll schedules with start and end dates, paydays, and adjustment notes when paydays fall on weekends.

Namibia

Namibia provides flexibility in payroll cycles, though monthly pay is the prevailing practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, with semi-monthly and bi-weekly also legally allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose from among permitted cycles, provided they remain consistent
  • Other Notes: Monthly payroll remains the standard in most industries

Nepal

Payroll in Nepal is standardized as monthly, with rules tied to the local calendar system.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Within 7 days after month-end under the Nepali calendar, which often falls mid-month in the Gregorian calendar (e.g., around the 22nd)
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not permitted. Employers must comply with the monthly deadline
  • Other Notes: Deel follows Nepal’s local calendar requirements to align with statutory obligations

Netherlands

Payroll in the Netherlands is straightforward, with monthly as the only permitted and practiced schedule.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: Employers typically standardize on the 25th to align with compliance and employee expectations

New Zealand

New Zealand provides full flexibility in payroll cycles, though monthly pay is the most common in practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Flexible — employers may choose weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly. Monthly is typical
  • Typical Pay Date: Commonly the 15th and 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: No restrictions on payroll frequency; employers can determine schedules in line with employment contracts
  • Other Notes: Collective agreements often influence payroll cycles in certain industries

Nicaragua

Nicaragua allows multiple payroll cycles, though most employers standardize on monthly pay.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, with weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly also legally permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: All common payroll frequencies are permitted by law
  • Other Notes: Despite flexibility, monthly pay is strongly favored in practice

Niger

Payroll in Niger is strictly monthly, with standard payment dates set close to month-end.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month. If these dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, payment is made on the prior working day
  • Legal Requirements: Only monthly payroll is permitted
  • Other Notes: Employers must ensure adjustments when payment dates coincide with non-working days

Nigeria

Nigeria allows some payroll flexibility, though monthly remains the prevailing approach.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly is most common; bi-weekly and semi-monthly are also allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose among legally permitted cycles, but monthly is the default standard
  • Other Notes: Practices can vary depending on industry norms

North Macedonia

Payroll in North Macedonia is monthly, with specific tax reporting deadlines tied to payroll submission.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must submit payroll to the tax office by the 10th of the following month, with payments due by the 15th
  • Other Notes: Employers must align payroll with both payment and reporting obligations

Norway

Norway allows full flexibility in payroll schedules, though monthly pay dominates in practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Flexible, though monthly is typical
  • Typical Pay Date: Commonly the 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: No statutory restrictions on payroll frequency; agreements set the schedule
  • Other Notes: Collective bargaining agreements often influence payroll timing

Oman

Payroll in Oman is monthly, with employers given a legally defined payment window.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Between the 25th of the current month and the 5th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must issue monthly salaries within this statutory timeframe
  • Other Notes: None specified

Pakistan

Payroll in Pakistan is strictly monthly, with no alternative frequencies permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly cycles are not allowed; salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: None specified

Panama

Panama permits multiple payroll frequencies, though monthly is the most widely practiced.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, though bi-weekly and semi-monthly are also allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: 15th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose any of the permitted frequencies
  • Other Notes: Market practice favors monthly payroll, especially for salaried employees

Paraguay

Paraguay provides flexibility in payroll, with weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly schedules permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, though weekly and bi-weekly are legally allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Monthly, aligned with employer policy
  • Legal Requirements: Semi-monthly pay is not permitted. Employers must choose among the approved frequencies
  • Other Notes: Monthly payroll is the prevailing practice across industries

Peru

Peru enforces a standardized payroll system, allowing only monthly pay cycles.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Typically the last working day of the month, as defined in the employment contract
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not permitted
  • Other Notes: Employers should ensure clear contractual agreements to avoid disputes

Philippines

The Philippines allows multiple payroll frequencies, with semi-monthly being the standard in practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Semi-monthly is typical, though monthly and bi-weekly are also permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 15th and the last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must comply with the Labor Code, which requires employees to be paid at least twice per month
  • Other Notes: Semi-monthly payroll aligns with statutory requirements and is the norm nationwide

Poland

Payroll in Poland is monthly, with strict deadlines and compliance requirements tied to tax implications.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: By the end of the month, though best practice is not the final working day, since late payments can create tax recalculation issues
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid no later than the 10th of the following month (or the prior working day if the 10th falls on a non-working day). All employees must be paid on the same date
  • Other Notes: Holiday allowances are paid on the last working day. Payroll timing has direct tax implications, so employers must plan carefully

Portugal

Portugal operates on a straightforward monthly payroll cycle.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: End of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid at least once per month. For terminations or resignations, employees must be paid in full by their last contract date to avoid litigation
  • Other Notes: Employers must ensure prompt settlement of end-of-service payments

Qatar

Qatar requires monthly payroll with a defined legal payment window.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Salaries are usually paid between the 25th of the current month and the 5th of the following month, with most employers paying between the 28th and 30th
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid within 10 days after the due date (e.g., June payroll must be paid by July 10)
  • Other Notes: Employers should maintain consistent payment dates to align with Wage Protection System (WPS) compliance

Romania

Romania mandates monthly payroll but allows flexibility in timing, often extending into the following month.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Typically between the 6th and 10th of the following month to allow timesheet and absence reconciliation. Deel EOR pays on the last working day of the current month, with re-runs for adjustments
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid at least once per month, with timing agreed in the employment contract, collective agreement, or internal regulations
  • Other Notes: Employers must balance statutory requirements with practical considerations for capturing payroll data accurately.

Russia

Payroll in Russia is legally structured around semi-monthly payments, ensuring employees receive wages twice each month.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Semi-monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 15th and last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must issue salaries twice a month, with no more than 15 days between payments
  • Other Notes: Monthly-only payroll is not compliant under Russian law

Rwanda

Rwanda provides payroll flexibility, though monthly remains the standard practice across most organizations.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, though bi-weekly and semi-monthly are also permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose among permitted cycles, but monthly dominates in practice
  • Other Notes: None specified

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia follows a monthly payroll system, with a clear legal window for payment.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Between the 25th of the current month and the 5th of the following month, with most employers paying between the 28th and 30th
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid no later than 10 days after the due date (e.g., June payroll must be paid by July 10)
  • Other Notes: Employers must comply with the Wage Protection System (WPS) to ensure transparency

Senegal

Payroll in Senegal is standardized on a monthly cycle, with mid-month payment common.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 15th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: None specified

Serbia

Serbia permits both monthly and semi-monthly payroll, though monthly is most widely practiced.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: First working day of the month, covering the previous month’s work
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may also use semi-monthly schedules
  • Other Notes: Market practice strongly favors monthly pay

Sierra Leone

Payroll in Sierra Leone is limited to monthly cycles, with fixed dates near month-end.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly cycles are not permitted
  • Other Notes: None specified

Singapore

Singapore allows for monthly and bi-weekly payroll, though in practice monthly dominates. Deel supports both schedules, but not weekly or semi-monthly.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, with bi-weekly also permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: As agreed in employment contracts, typically end of month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may pay monthly or bi-weekly. Weekly and semi-monthly are not allowed
  • Other Notes: Deel payroll software supports bi-weekly and monthly schedules, though operational flexibility is limited at present

Slovakia

Payroll in Slovakia is standardized around a monthly cycle, with clear statutory deadlines.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Between the 7th and 15th of the following month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must pay salaries by the 15th of the following month at the latest
  • Other Notes: None specified

Slovenia

Slovenia enforces a monthly payroll system, with employers required to meet mid-month deadlines.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid by the 18th of the month for the previous month’s work
  • Other Notes: Employers often pay at month-end but must remain compliant with statutory cutoffs

South Africa

South Africa allows multiple payroll frequencies, though monthly cycles are the most common among employers.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, with semi-monthly and bi-weekly also legally permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly payrolls are not allowed; employers may choose semi-monthly, bi-weekly, or monthly cycles
  • Other Notes: Employers typically favor monthly payroll for administrative efficiency

Guide

A Complete Guide to Running Payroll in South Africa
From navigating local tax laws to ensuring compliance with strict labor regulations, there’s a lot to get right in South African payroll. Download our guide for a step-by-step breakdown.

South Korea

South Korea provides payroll flexibility, though monthly pay is the standard practice across industries.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, though semi-monthly and bi-weekly are also permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must ensure employees are paid at least once per month
  • Other Notes: While multiple cycles are permitted, most organizations default to monthly payroll

Spain

Payroll in Spain is standardized around monthly payments, with clear statutory rules in place.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: End of the month, in line with employment agreements
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid monthly; no other cycles are permitted
  • Other Notes: Deel can run parallel payroll in Spain, which may require two cycles depending on client needs

Sri Lanka

Payroll in Sri Lanka is straightforward, with monthly as the only recognized cycle.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers must pay employees on a monthly basis; no other payroll frequencies are allowed
  • Other Notes: None specified

Sweden

Sweden permits full flexibility in payroll scheduling, although monthly payroll is most widely used.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly is typical, though weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly are all legally allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: All major payroll frequencies are legally recognized
  • Other Notes: Collective agreements often influence payroll timing, especially in unionized sectors

Switzerland

Switzerland offers flexibility in payroll cycles, though monthly pay is the most common practice across industries.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, though weekly and bi-weekly are also legally permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may set payroll cycles in line with contracts, provided wages are paid regularly
  • Other Notes: Monthly payroll remains the standard despite legal flexibility

Taiwan

Taiwan permits multiple payroll schedules, though monthly pay dominates in practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, with semi-monthly and bi-weekly also allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: End of the month, typically on the last working day
  • Legal Requirements: Payroll timing may vary depending on company size and number of employees. Employers must ensure compliance with the Ministry of Labor’s guidelines
  • Other Notes: Collective agreements may influence payroll timing in some industries

Tanzania

Tanzania allows flexible payroll cycles, but monthly remains the most common approach.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, with weekly and fortnightly also permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 26th of each month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose among the legally permitted cycles
  • Other Notes: Monthly payroll is the prevailing practice across most organizations

Thailand

Thailand supports monthly and semi-monthly payroll cycles, with strict rules around pay frequency.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, though semi-monthly is also permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly and bi-weekly payrolls are not allowed. Employers must issue pay either monthly or semi-monthly
  • Other Notes: Employers must remain consistent with the agreed frequency outlined in employment contracts

Togo

Payroll in Togo is strictly monthly, with fixed pay dates close to month-end.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month. If these dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, payment is made on the preceding working day
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: Employers must adjust dates to avoid late payments when paydays fall on non-working days

Tunisia

Payroll in Tunisia is standardized around monthly pay, with salaries typically issued before the end of the month.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Before the end of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid monthly; other cycles are not permitted
  • Other Notes: None specified

Turkey

Payroll in Turkey is strictly monthly, with no alternative payment frequencies permitted.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last business day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not allowed. Salaries must be issued monthly
  • Other Notes: Parallel payroll is supported, with one cycle possible

Uganda

Uganda permits multiple payroll frequencies, though monthly is most widely used in practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly is standard, with semi-monthly and bi-weekly also allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: 30th or 31st of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose among permitted cycles, provided they remain consistent
  • Other Notes: None specified

Ukraine

Ukraine mandates bi-weekly payroll, requiring employees to be paid twice per month.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Bi-weekly (fortnightly)
  • Typical Pay Date: First cycle by the 15th of the month; second cycle by the 30th
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly-only payrolls are not permitted; salaries must be paid twice per month
  • Other Notes: This semi-monthly structure is mandatory under Ukrainian labor law

United Arab Emirates

Payroll in the UAE is monthly, with timing tied closely to compliance with the Wage Protection System (WPS).

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: End of the month, though companies must comply with WPS requirements, which mandate payment within 10 days of the due date
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid monthly; delays beyond the WPS window can trigger penalties
  • Other Notes: Employers should ensure payroll schedules align with both contractual and WPS obligations

United Kingdom

The UK offers full flexibility in payroll frequency, with practices varying by employer and industry.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly is standard, though weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly are all legally permitted
  • Typical Pay Date: No fixed national rule; pay dates are determined by company policy or industry norms
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose any legally supported frequency
  • Other Notes: Weekly pay is common in hospitality, retail, and trades, while monthly dominates in professional sectors

Guide

A Complete Guide to Payroll in the UK
From HMRC registration and FPS to the National Living Wage, this guide provides essential information to help you run payroll efficiently, accurately, and in full compliance with UK regulations.

United States

The US permits multiple payroll frequencies, though bi-weekly is the most common nationwide.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Bi-weekly, with semi-monthly and monthly also widely used. Weekly payroll is not permitted in many states
  • Typical Pay Date: Every other Friday (bi-weekly) or the 15th and last day of the month (semi-monthly)
  • Legal Requirements: Payroll frequency is regulated at the state level, with many states requiring at least semi-monthly pay
  • Other Notes: Industry and state laws heavily influence payroll cycles; weekly pay is common in construction and trades

See also: 4 Payroll Schedule Types and How to Choose One

Deel Payroll - US
Compliantly run payroll in all 50 states
Ensure accurate, timely payroll in every state and manage benefits admin and HR from one platform. Deel Payroll - US instantly calculates your payroll taxes and syncs direct deposits and payslips with your accounting software, with full compliance.

Uruguay

Uruguay offers full payroll flexibility, though monthly cycles are the most common in practice.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Flexible — employers may choose weekly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, or monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Within five business days following the last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may set pay cycles freely, provided they comply with labor agreements and payment deadlines
  • Other Notes: Collective bargaining agreements may influence payroll timing in specific sectors

Vietnam

Payroll in Vietnam is standardized, with monthly pay as the only legally permitted cycle.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: Last working day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payrolls are not allowed; salaries must be paid monthly
  • Other Notes: Employers must ensure payments align with statutory deadlines

Zambia

Zambia provides flexibility in payroll cycles, though monthly pay is most widely practiced.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly, though weekly and bi-weekly are also legally allowed
  • Typical Pay Date: Last day of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Employers may choose among permitted frequencies
  • Other Notes: Monthly payroll is the default approach in most industries

Zimbabwe

Payroll in Zimbabwe is standardized around a monthly cycle, with salaries typically issued toward month-end.

  • Most Common Payroll Frequency: Monthly
  • Typical Pay Date: 25th or 30th of the month
  • Legal Requirements: Salaries must be paid monthly; no other frequencies are supported
  • Other Notes: Employers must plan for early payments if these dates fall on weekends or public holidays

Pay your teams on time, anywhere in the world with Deel

Managing payroll across borders isn’t just about choosing biweekly or monthly cycles—it’s about navigating a patchwork of local laws, cultural expectations, and compliance risks. For global employers, getting it right builds trust and keeps operations running smoothly. Getting it wrong can mean fines, employee dissatisfaction, and unnecessary complexity.

Deel takes the guesswork out of global payroll. With coverage in 130+ countries, we help you stay compliant, streamline operations, and make sure your team gets paid—on time, every time. Whether through our entities or your own, we handle the complexity so you can focus on growing your business.

Ready to simplify payroll and compliance across borders? Book a free 30-minute product demo with the team today and see how Deel can make global hiring and payments effortless.

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Jemima is a nomadic writer, journalist, and digital marketer with a decade of experience crafting compelling B2B content for a global audience. She is a strong advocate for equal opportunities and is dedicated to shaping the future of work. At Deel, she specializes in thought-leadership content covering global mobility, cross-border compliance, and workplace culture topics.