Svalbard and Jan Mayen, while under Norwegian sovereignty, have unique considerations when it comes to employment and leave policies. Svalbard, in particular, has a distinct local flavor due to its treaty-based demilitarized status and unique environmental conditions. While Norwegian labor laws generally apply, certain adaptations and exceptions exist. Jan Mayen, being more sparsely populated and primarily hosting military and meteorological personnel, largely adheres to standard Norwegian regulations. Understanding the nuances of leave entitlements in these regions is crucial for employers.
Navigating the intricacies of vacation and leave policies in Svalbard and Jan Mayen requires careful attention to both Norwegian law and local practices. This guide provides an overview of the key aspects of leave entitlements in these territories for 2025, covering annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and other types of leave.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Svalbard and Jan Mayen are generally entitled to the same minimum annual vacation leave as those in mainland Norway. The standard entitlement is 25 working days of vacation per year. This translates to just over four weeks of paid time off.
- Employees over 60 years of age are entitled to an additional week of vacation.
- Vacation must be scheduled in advance, typically in consultation with the employer.
- At least two-thirds of the vacation time should be granted consecutively during the main vacation period (June 1 to September 30), unless otherwise agreed.
Public Holidays
Svalbard and Jan Mayen observe the same public holidays as mainland Norway. These holidays are typically non-working days, and employees are entitled to their regular pay.
| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| Varies | Maundy Thursday |
| Varies | Good Friday |
| Varies | Easter Sunday |
| Varies | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 17 | Constitution Day |
| Varies | Ascension Day |
| Varies | Whit Sunday |
| Varies | Whit Monday |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Second Day of Christmas |
Sick Leave
Employees in Svalbard and Jan Mayen are entitled to sick leave in accordance with Norwegian law.
- Employees are entitled to 100% of their regular salary during sick leave, up to a certain income level.
- The employer pays for the first 16 calendar days of sick leave (employer period).
- After the employer period, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) covers sick pay.
- A medical certificate from a doctor is usually required after the first few days of absence. Self-certification is often permitted for shorter absences (typically up to 3 days).
Parental Leave
Parental leave in Svalbard and Jan Mayen follows Norwegian regulations, providing comprehensive support for new parents.
- Maternity Leave: Mothers are entitled to leave for up to 3 weeks before the expected date of birth and up to 6 weeks after the birth.
- Paternity Leave: Fathers are entitled to two weeks of leave in connection with the birth of the child.
- Parental Leave: After the initial maternity and paternity leave periods, parents are entitled to a shared period of parental leave. This period can be up to 49 weeks with full pay or 59 weeks with 80% pay.
- Parents can also take out leave to care for sick children. Each parent is usually entitled to 10 days of leave per calendar year for this purpose (15 days if they have more than two children).
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, employees in Svalbard and Jan Mayen may be entitled to other types of leave, depending on their employment contract and company policies.
- Bereavement Leave: Leave may be granted in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration of the leave is usually determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Study Leave: Some employers may offer study leave for employees to pursue further education or training. The terms of study leave, including whether it is paid or unpaid, vary depending on the employer.
- Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave is less common but may be offered by some employers for longer periods of personal or professional development.
