Hire compliantly in the United States Virgin Islands Talk to an Expert

POPULATION

104k

CURRENCY

$ (USD)

Overview

The United States Virgin Islands, officially the Virgin Islands of the United States, are a group of islands in the Caribbean that are an insular area of the United States. Known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture, the United States Virgin Islands are a popular destination for tourism and relaxation. From the bustling streets of Charlotte Amalie to the serene landscapes of St. John, the United States Virgin Islands offer a wealth of cultural and natural attractions.

The United States Virgin Islands' economy is largely based on tourism, financial services, and services. The territory is a major exporter of goods and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its beautiful cities, historic sites, and world-renowned cuisine.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this content. It is not legal advice and shall not be relied on as such.

Local Employment Regulations

Last updated on March, 22nd, 2023

Employment Contracts

In USVI, an employment contract can be either written, verbal or implied. As a best practice, contracts should be in writing with the terms clearly spelled out to protect both the employer and employee. Common employment contract terms include:

  • name of the employer and employee,

  • nature and extent of service to be performed,

  • location of the work,

  • salary and intervals of payment,

  • start date and duration (if for a fixed-term), and

  • leave entitlements and other benefits.

Working Hours

The standard workweek in USVI is 40 hours. An employee must receive overtime pay for time worked that exceeds 40 hours in one week, five days in a row, or eight hours in one day. Employers must give employees 10 minutes of paid rest every four hours. The rest cannot be at the beginning or end of the work period or added to a meal period.

Public Holidays

In USVI, the public holidays are:

  • New Year's Day

  • Three Kings Day

  • Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

  • Presidents' Day

  • Transfer Day

  • Holy Thursday

  • Good Friday

  • Easter Monday

  • Memorial Day

  • Virgin Islands Emancipation Day

  • Labor Day

  • Puerto Rico Friendship Day

  • Liberty Day

  • Veterans Day

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Christmas Day

  • Christmas Second Day

Employment Termination/Severance

Employment in the USVI is at-will. An employer can terminate an USVI employee for many reasons including negligent work performance, incompetence, absenteeism, and engaging in a conflicting business. Employees are not entitled to severance pay.

Compensation

The USVI minimum wage is set yearly by the Wage Board. U.S. Federal law also sets a standard salary level for salaried workers which works like a minimum wage. Employers may use nondiscretionary bonuses to pay up to 10% of the standard salary level.

Population 104k

Population in total, including all residents regardless of legal status © 2024 - WBGEUROSTAT

96.3%

Urban Population

64.4%

Internet access

91%

Mobile phone access

DATA SOURCES

Population: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • World Population Prospects, United Nations (UN), uri: https://population.un.org/wpp/, publisher: UN Population Division; Statistical databases and publications from national statistical offices, National Statistical Offices, uri: https://unstats.un.org/home/nso_sites/, publisher: National Statistical Offices; Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, Eurostat (ESTAT), uri: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/data/database?node_code=earn_ses_monthly, publisher: Eurostat; Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), United Nations (UN), uri: https://unstats.un.org, publisher: UN Statistics Division

Urban Population: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • World Urbanization Prospects, United Nations (UN), uri: https://population.un.org/wup/, publisher: UN Population Division

Internet access: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database, ITU (ITU), uri: https://datahub.itu.int/

Mobile phone access: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database, ITU (ITU)

Social Protection & Benefits

Last updated on March, 22nd, 2023

Vacation Leave

Employers in the USVI are not required to provide paid annual leave to employees, but many employers do. The number of days can vary depending on the industry and type of employment. Employees commonly receive 10 days of annual leave, which may increase based on years of service.

Sick Leave

Employers are not required to provide sick leave to employees in USVI. However, eligible employees receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave as allowed under the U.S. Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) Act.

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Employers in the USVI do not have to provide maternity or paternity leave to employees. However, employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave as allowed under the U.S. Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) Act.

Health Insurance Benefits

Employers in USVI do not have to provide health insurance to employees. UVI offers National Health Insurance (NHI) which employers are required to contribute to. Employees can purchase NHI in addition to their private insurance policy.

Unemployment 12%

Share of the labor force that is unemployed, but available for and seeking employment © 2024 - WBGILO

54.2%

Labor force population share

49.4%

Female share of labor force

DATA SOURCES

Unemployment: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • ILO Modelled Estimates database (ILOEST), ILO (ILO), uri: https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/bulk/, publisher: ILOSTAT, type: external database, date accessed: January 07, 2025.

Labor force (total): The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • ILO (ILO), type: estimates based on external database; United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division; Staff estimates, WBG (WB)

Labor force population share: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • ILO Modelled Estimates database (ILOEST), ILO (ILO), uri: https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/bulk/, publisher: ILOSTAT, type: external database, date accessed: January 07, 2025

Female share of labor force: The World Bank: World Development Indicators: World Bank Group • ILO (ILO), type: estimates based on external database; United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division; Staff estimates, WBG (WB)

         

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