The government of Seychelles has launched financial support to help eligible businesses pay the compulsory 13th-month salary. The scheme follows an announcement made by the President in November 2025.
The Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment launched the support on Thursday, 8 January 2026. The assistance targets micro and small businesses only.
However, companies that hold government contracts will not qualify. These include security firms and cleaning contractors working for the state.
Patrick Payet, Secretary of State for the Minister for Finance, Trade and Investment, said the scheme will cover only the second 50% of the 13th-month salary.
“The first 50% already existed and was compulsory under the law,” Mr Payet said.
He added that the ministry has set up an online portal for applications. The portal will open on Monday, 12 January 2026. Applicants will submit all required documents through the system.
Rama Lesperance, Senior Policy Analyst at the ministry, said eligibility criteria are based on the Enterprise Seychelles Agency Act of 2018.
For micro businesses, annual revenue must be equal to or less than two million Seychelles rupees. In addition, the business must employ at least two people.
For small businesses, total annual revenue must not exceed 10 million rupees. The number of employees must not be more than 15.
Mr Lesperance said all applicants must meet several conditions. They must hold a valid tax clearance certificate and a valid tax identification number. They must also show that they have no serious violations under the Employment Act.
In addition, businesses must prove that they cannot afford to pay the additional 50% of the 13th-month salary.
“The assistance is not automatic,” Mr Lesperance said.
Applicants must submit cashflow data for November and December 2025. They must also provide projections for January 2026. In addition, they must submit details of all business bank accounts for 2025.
Mr Lesperance said businesses must demonstrate limited liquidity compared with 2024. They must also submit a payroll and their current end-of-year performance evaluation system for employees.
A verification committee will assess applications. The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Seychelles Revenue Commission, and the Ministry of Employment, Industry and Enterprises.
The committee will have 10 days to approve or reject applications.As part of transparency measures, the government will publish a list of businesses that qualify and receive support under the scheme.
Businesses have until 21 January 2026 to apply for the assistance.