Employer of Record in Mars

Guide to Hiring Employees in Mars

Your guide to hiring employees in Mars, covering the employment landscape, employer of record responsibilities, working customs, and local labor laws.

Hiring Employees In Mars
Employer Of Record In Mars

Capital City

Aurelia Prime

Currency

Martian Credits

 (

)

Timezone

GMT +42

Payroll Frequency

Monthly, on a Sol-based system

Tax Year

First day of the landing season (April 1) - dust storm season (October 31)

Employer Tax

0.9% - 999%

Languages

Martian

English

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How to Hire Employees In Mars

Hiring in Mars for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when navigating unfamiliar employment laws.  Whether you hire independent contractors, set up a legal entity, or use an EOR service, understanding the local employment landscape is crucial for success.  Playroll’s comprehensive guide can help you get started if you're hiring locally or relocating a team member.

Companies can hire employees in Mars in the following three ways:

  • Setting up a local entity. Entity establishment reduces risk exposure and enables direct hiring, but can be costly and time-consuming – making it less practical for companies seeking quick and flexible solutions for hiring in Mars.
  • Partnering with an Employer Of Record. An EOR, like Playroll, is a third-party entity that serves as the legal employer of your international workforce which hires, pays, and manages compliance with Mars’s labor laws and tax regulations.
  • Hiring independent contractors. Hiring contractors gives companies a flexible, affordable alternative to hiring local employees, though it involves unique misclassification risks.

Good To Know

Employees on Mars are legally allowed to bring one potato plant with them to work, as long as it does not interfere with research equipment or oxygen generators.

Some employers offer "space yoga" benefits, where employees engage in low-gravity stretching to increase flexibility and mental clarity, often done in the shadows of Olympus Mons.

Employers must provide a non-explosive, non-radioactive space suit for each employee, including a helmet with a built-in snack dispenser.

Mars runs on a barter system of oxygen tanks and NFTs of Elon’s old tweets. Good luck with tax season.

Employment and Labor Laws in Mars

Hiring on Mars is a unique challenge, and if you plan to staff up for Elon Musk's Mars colonization project (or perhaps your own), you'll need to navigate the Martian labor landscape with precision. Whether you need to know how to to hire for the SpaceX Mars mission or are recruiting for Mars colony jobs, we've got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about hiring employees in this red-tinted frontier.

Mars’ employment laws are strange yet straightforward. All contracts must include:

  • Gravity Challenge Clause: Optional. Permits employees to dispute the laws of physics during designated exercise hours.
  • Airlock Access Provisions: Mandatory. Ensures escape pod access during decompression events, unless the role is classified as “surface-remote.”
  • Meteor Shower Leave: Employees are entitled to 15 paid minutes during celestial events, unless said meteor poses an impact risk.

Tip: As you finalize your new hire’s contract, make sure to schedule a team bonding lunch at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. It's the best place to get your new hires acquainted with intergalactic fine dining (and potentially the best place to get lost in the multiverse while awaiting the next solar flare). 

Don’t forget to remind your new employees: reservations are essential unless you enjoy waiting in line while contemplating your existence on a cosmic scale.

I spent a few frustrating weeks trying to decipher the Martian Employee Rights Act. Turns out you can’t just pay people in potato tokens and call it a day, who knew? Yeah it's buried there in sub-clause 6.465676. Playroll saved me from becoming the first person to accidentally start a wage rebellion on Mars.

Jaxon Ridgewell, Talent Acquisition Manager, Red Horizon Enterprises

Onboarding Process

Starting a new job on Mars is an exciting journey. Our onboarding process ensures your new employee can dive right into their role with minimal delay. After completing their profile and submitting the required information via the Playroll platform, the onboarding process begins. This typically takes 1-2 working days. However, for Martian nationals working across multiple colonies or non-nationals, the Right to Work assessment might take an additional 3 Sols, depending on their planet of origin.

Key Note: Payroll cut-off dates can have an impact on an employee’s actual start date, so be sure to confirm this when scheduling. The Playroll payroll cut-off occurs on the 10th of each month, unless a special arrangement has been made with your local payroll station.

Once the paperwork is submitted, your new employee will undergo mandatory environmental orientation, including safety drills for microgravity work environments, familiarizing themselves with historic findings of the Curiosity Rover, and completing the always fun "Martian Sandstorm Survival" course.

Working Hours in Mars

A Martian Sol lasts 24 hours, 39 minutes. The standard work cycle is 12 hours per Sol. Due to frequent atmospheric instability, employees may bank hours to maintain operations during solar flares or Elon Musk’s emergency press conferences.

Overtime in Mars

  • Applies after 12 hours/Sol
  • Double pay in Martian credits
  • Must involve infrastructure, solar panel repair, or agricultural support (primarily potato-related)

Remote Work on Mars

With Earth-Mars travel taking 6–9 months, remote work has never been more remote! Remote work on Mars is becoming more common as technology advances, allowing employees to work from their Martian bases or orbiting moon stations. Thanks to interplanetary communication networks (though sometimes delayed by solar flares), businesses can now manage teams across Earth and Mars seamlessly.

The perks are undeniable: employees can work from space pods, sip freeze-dried coffee, and attend virtual meetings. However, challenges like adjusting to long days and managing isolation are part of the Martian remote work experience. Ensuring reliable Wi-Fi, oxygen supplies, and solar-powered devices is essential for a smooth remote work setup.

Probation Period in Mars

The probation period on Mars lasts for 6 Sols (approximately 12 Earth days). During this time, both the employer and the employee assess whether the job, the environment, and the atmosphere suit their needs. The probation period is essential for ensuring that new hires can acclimate to Martian gravity, as well as adapt to the local customs (including space etiquette and dealing with occasional close encounters with rogue asteroids).

If an employee experiences extreme difficulty adjusting to Martian gravity (i.e., constant floating off the ground), it’s standard practice to extend the probation period by an additional 3 Sols. Only after the successful completion of the probation period will an employee be eligible for full benefits, including access to the space coffee machine.

Working Hours in Mars

Employer of Record in Mars

An Employer of Record (EOR) acts as the legal employer for workers in Mars, taking on key responsibilities to ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations. The EOR facilitates the hiring process for businesses that want to employ workers without establishing a legal entity in the country.

The employer of record in Mars is responsible for:

  • Employment Compliance: Ensure all employment contracts comply with Mars's labor laws and regulations, including proper classification of employees.
  • Payroll Management: Calculate, process, and distribute employee salaries in accordance with Mars's payroll laws, including deductions for taxes and social security contributions.
  • Tax Filing and Contributions: Handle the registration, filing, and payment of employer taxes and social security contributions to the relevant authorities.
  • Employment Contracts: Draft and maintain compliant employment agreements, detailing salary, benefits, working hours, and termination terms in line with Mars's legal requirements.
  • Benefits Administration: Provide mandatory employee benefits as required by Mars's labor laws, such as health insurance, pension contributions, and statutory leave.

Why work with Playroll’s Employer of Record Solution?

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Unmatched coverage for employment across 180 countries.

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Reliable, cost-effective services with no annual commitments.

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Payroll Management in Mars

Fiscal Year in Mars

The fiscal year in Mars begins when the first Martian sunrise (known as the "Flare of Gortho") appears and ends when the first dust storm of the season settles down. The exact dates can fluctuate, as Martian seasons are determined by the solar alignment of the planet, which is still, in many ways, an unsolved mystery. Businesses are advised to track the Flare of Gortho through their local Martian Observatory for accuracy.

Payroll Cycle in Mars

Similar to Earth, the payroll cycle in Mars occurs on a monthly basis; however, due to the slightly longer Martian month (687 Earth days to complete a full orbit around the Sun), the payroll cycle tends to operate on a Sol-based schedule. Payments are made on the 10th Sol of each month unless a special arrangement has been made with the employee to receive payments in asteroid-borne gems, which is becoming increasingly popular among high-level executives.

Employees are encouraged to set up magnetic wallets for direct transfers, though some prefer physical payments in the form of rare Martian minerals, which can be bartered or used for purchasing essential supplies (like Martian dust protection goggles).

Do Martians Prefer Crypto or Oxygen Bonuses?

When it comes to employee incentives, Martians have shown a surprising preference for oxygen bonuses over crypto, despite the rise of digital currencies like Martian coin. Given the planet's thin atmosphere, breathable air is a prized commodity, and many Martian workers would rather receive extra oxygen reserves than volatile crypto payouts.

However, crypto bonuses still hold appeal for the more adventurous, especially those who plan to trade their earnings for supplies or travel between colonies. While oxygen is essential for survival, crypto offers a sense of financial freedom and potential for high rewards. It seems Martians are still weighing the benefits of fresh air versus futuristic investments.

Fun fact: Another highly desirable type of bonus for Martians include photon dust, awarded during the Great Martian Dustball Games. This is extremely rare and useful in at least three known industries.

Employment Taxes in Mars

Employer Tax Contributions

Employers in Mars are required to contribute to several unique forms of Martian tax. These include:

Tax Name Description Contribution Method Penalty for Non-Compliance
Solar Harvest Tax Tax based on solar energy usage. Per kilowatt harvested/month Power limitations or energy audits
Dust Tax Funds used to mitigate Martian dust storms and maintain surface integrity. Flat rate per surface hectare Temporary base lockdown
Martian Soil Preservation Fund Supports sustainable potato farming and soil innovation. % of agricultural revenue Quarantine or asteroid strike warning

Failure to comply with these taxes could result in your Martian base being temporarily quarantined or, in extreme cases, receiving an asteroid strike penalty.

Employee Payroll Tax Contributions

Employees in Mars are responsible for paying payroll taxes, which help fund the Martian Social Ozone Program (MSOP). Employees must contribute 7% of their salary toward planetary health initiatives, including efforts to terraform Mars and maintain breathable air in the colony.

Additionally, employees who work on Mars' surface are required to pay a “Gravitas Contribution,” which helps offset the physical strain caused by gravity fluctuations.

Tax Name Description Rate/Amount Applies To
MSOP Tax Supports the Martian Social Ozone Program and terraforming projects. 7% of salary All employees
Gravitas Contribution Offsets strain from low gravity and environmental wear on workers. 250 M-Creds/year (est.) Surface-based employees only

Did you know?

As the interplanetary workforce continues to grow, managing payroll for your team, whether they’re based on Earth or Mars, has never been more crucial. Playroll’s automated payroll solutions ensure that no matter the location, currency fluctuations (including the latest Martian currency, which is as volatile as it sounds), or the complexities of maintaining compliance across two celestial bodies, your payroll will run smoothly.

From handling Earth’s well-established currency to navigating the newest Martian credits, Playroll’s platform is designed to eliminate the confusion and potential payroll nightmares that can arise from such a diverse workforce. With the interplanetary wage gap closing, you’ll never have to worry about paying employees in outdated credits or in some distant Martian settlement’s untraceable digital tokens again.

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The tax-related information provided in this guide is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Reach out to our dedicated team for insights on remote hiring in Mars tailored to your needs.

Payroll and Employment Taxes in Mars

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Work Permits & Visas in Mars

Annual Leave & Company Policies In Mars

Employees working on Mars are entitled to mandatory leave benefits, including:

Potato Season Leave

Employees who have completed no less than 365.75 sols (or one full Martian year, rounded to the nearest microsecond) are entitled to 15 Sols of paid leave during the highly anticipated Potato Harvest Festival.

During this official leave period, employees will receive a generous 130% of their regular salary – but only if their leave request is filed in triplicate, signed by at least two Martian Council members, and submitted through the official Potato Leave Web Portal (Version 3.8).

Note: Leave cannot be cashed out. All leave must be used during the official leave period, or it will evaporate in the Martian winds.

Meteor Shower Leave

Employees are entitled to 15 paid minutes during celestial events.

Maternity & Paternity Leave

Employees are entitled to 12 Sols of maternity leave for biological parents, during which time they may either rest in the comfort of the Martian space station or enjoy a low-gravity bonding experience with their newborns.

Paternity leave lasts 6 Sols, but it’s often extended if the new parent has discovered a new potato species during their time off.

Discovering new potato species can mean special perks for employees

Sick Leave in Mars

Sick leave on Mars covers ailments related to the harsh Martian environment, including oxygen deprivation, dust lung (a common issue), and radiation exposure.

Employees are entitled to up to 10 Sols of paid sick leave per year, provided a medical assessment from the Martian Health Authority is provided.

Parental Leave in Mars

Parental leave is a combination of maternity and paternity leave, and it covers any parents caring for a newborn Martian citizen.

This leave is adjustable based on the unique needs of the child and can be extended in the event of planetary terraform complications.

Bereavement Leave in Mars

In the unfortunate event of a loss, Martian employees are entitled to up to 7 Sols of paid bereavement leave, which can be extended under special circumstances such as asteroid collisions or space station decontamination.

Compare Martian Standards Against Earth

Keeping track of interplanetary hiring norms is confusing even for those Martians blessed with three brains. We've put together detailed hiring guides for 180+ countries on Earth, for the adventurous intergalactic hiring manager.

Explore Earth Guides

Annual Leave and Company Policies In Mars

Employee Benefits in Mars

Termination and Severance Policies in Mars

Employment Termination and Severance Policies in Mars

Notice Period: 3 Sols, extended for specialists in bioengineered crops.

Severance: Paid in Martian credits or a single certified moon rock.

Termination Procedure: Must follow the Martian Employee Rights Act. Includes a final gravity adjustment review.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rhea Calderis

Rhea Calderis is Playroll's leading legal scholar and policy analyst based in Aurelia Prime, the capital city of Mars. With over a decade of experience navigating interplanetary labor law, she is widely regarded as the foremost expert on Martian employment regulations. Her bestselling guide, “Work Under the Red Sky: Employment Law on Mars,” is considered essential reading for business owners

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FAQS

FAQs About Hiring In Mars

Questions and Answers

Can I hire someone to terraform my Martian land?

Yes, but please be aware that terraforming is a rare, sought-after skill. Most labor contracts for terraforming on Mars stipulate at least five years of experience, access to a cryogenic sleep pod, and the ability to handle extreme temperatures.

How do I avoid fines for hiring an unregistered worker?

Late registration results in fines, payable in rare asteroid rocks. These have no resale value on Earth.

Can I dismiss someone on Mars if they’re caught spacewalking during work hours?

Yes, but it requires a special Oxygen Misuse Disciplinary Review, conducted by the Mars Safety Committee. Dismissal is allowed only under extreme circumstances, such as accidentally launching yourself into orbit.

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