Understanding Serbian leave entitlements is crucial for businesses employing individuals in Serbia. Serbian labor law provides a framework of minimum standards for various types of leave, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave. Employers must adhere to these regulations and may offer more generous leave policies to attract and retain talent. This guide outlines the key aspects of vacation and leave policies in Serbia for 2025, providing a clear overview for employers.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Serbia are entitled to annual vacation leave, which is a statutory right designed to allow for rest and recuperation. The minimum duration of annual leave is 20 working days. However, collective agreements or individual employment contracts may stipulate a longer period of leave.
- Entitlement: Minimum of 20 working days per year.
- Accrual: Employees accrue the right to annual leave proportionally to the length of their employment during the calendar year.
- Usage: Leave is typically taken in one or two segments, with at least one segment lasting a minimum of two weeks.
- Carryover: Unused vacation days can usually be carried over to the next calendar year, subject to certain limitations.
- Compensation: Employees are entitled to compensation during their annual leave, equivalent to their average salary in the preceding 12 months.
Public Holidays
Serbia observes a number of public holidays each year. Employees are generally entitled to paid time off on these days. The following table outlines the public holidays in Serbia for 2025:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 & 2 |
| Orthodox Christmas | January 7 |
| Statehood Day | February 15 & 16 |
| Labour Day | May 1 & 2 |
| Victory Day | May 9 |
| Orthodox Easter (varies) | Varies |
| Armistice Day in World War I | November 11 |
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following working day is typically a non-working day.
Sick Leave
Serbian law provides for sick leave entitlements to protect employees who are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Entitlement: Employees are entitled to sick leave, the duration of which depends on the nature and severity of the illness.
- Pay: During sick leave, employees typically receive compensation. The amount of compensation varies depending on the reason for the sick leave:
- Up to 30 days: The employer pays sick leave at a rate of at least 65% of the employee's average salary.
- Beyond 30 days: The compensation is typically covered by the state health insurance fund.
- Documentation: Employees are usually required to provide a medical certificate from a healthcare professional to validate their sick leave.
Parental Leave
Serbian law provides for various types of parental leave to support parents in caring for their children.
Maternity Leave
- Entitlement: Mothers are entitled to maternity leave, which typically begins 28 to 45 days before the expected date of childbirth.
- Duration: Maternity leave lasts for a total of 365 days for the first and second child. For the third and any subsequent child, maternity leave lasts for 2 years.
- Pay: During maternity leave, the employee receives compensation, usually covered by the state. The amount is based on the employee's average earnings in the preceding 12 months.
Paternity Leave
- Entitlement: Fathers are entitled to paternity leave.
- Duration: Fathers are entitled to 7 days of paid leave after the birth of a child.
- Pay: During paternity leave, the employee receives compensation, usually covered by the state.
Adoption Leave
- Entitlement: Adoptive parents are entitled to adoption leave.
- Duration: The duration of adoption leave is similar to maternity leave, allowing adoptive parents time to bond with and care for their adopted child.
- Pay: During adoption leave, the employee receives compensation, usually covered by the state.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, Serbian law and employer practices may provide for other types of leave.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically entitled to several days of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Some employers may offer study leave to employees pursuing further education or professional development. The terms of study leave, including whether it is paid or unpaid, vary depending on the employer and the specific circumstances.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not legally mandated, some employers may offer sabbatical leave to employees for personal or professional development purposes. The terms of sabbatical leave are typically determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Marriage Leave: Employees are typically entitled to several days of paid leave upon getting married.
