In Armenia, the Labor Code stipulates that employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave after completing 11 months of continuous work with their employer. In certain circumstances, such as working under stressful or hazardous conditions, employees may be eligible for extended leave up to 35 days.

Accrual and Calculation

The calculation of vacation leave entitlement in Armenia is based on working days, not calendar days. For employees entitled to the minimum 20 days, this equates to approximately 1.67 working days per month.

Scheduling

The timing of vacation leave is generally determined by employers, taking into account the needs of the business and employee preferences. Vacation should be taken within the year it's accrued and generally cannot be carried over.

Unused Vacation Leave

Armenian law provides some flexibility for compensating unused vacation, particularly upon termination of employment.

Vacation Pay

During their vacation leave period, employees receive their regular salary as compensation.

Important Note

The Labor Code of Armenia establishes the minimum vacation leave standards. However, employers can opt to provide more generous leave entitlements through employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements. For your specific vacation leave rights, always refer to your employment contract and company policies.

Armenia celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. One of the biggest celebrations is the New Year, observed from December 31 to January 2, where families and friends come together for festivities.

January 6: Christmas

Armenian Christmas follows the Armenian Apostolic Church calendar and is celebrated on January 6th.

January 28: Army Day

This day commemorates the formation of Armenia's armed forces.

March 8: International Women's Day

This significant observance celebrates women's social, political, and economic achievements.

April 7: Motherhood and Beauty Day

This uniquely Armenian holiday honors women and mothers.

April 24: Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

This is a solemn day of remembrance for the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

May 1: Labor Day (International Workers' Day)

This day is a celebration of workers and the labor movement.

May 9: Victory and Peace Day

This day marks the Allied victory in World War II and the liberation of Shushi.

May 28: Republic Day

This day celebrates the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918.

July 5: Constitution Day

This day commemorates the adoption of Armenia's constitution in 1995.

September 21: Independence Day

This day marks Armenia's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Other Significant Observances

Easter (Date Varies)

Easter is a major religious holiday within the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Vardavar (Date Varies)

Vardavar is a popular summer festival with roots in ancient pagan traditions, involving water splashing.

In Armenia, employees are entitled to various types of leave. The minimum annual leave for all employees is 20 working days. If an employee's workweek is six days, they are entitled to 24 working days of annual leave.

Extended Annual Leave

Employees engaged in work under hazardous conditions, or whose work involves intellectual or emotional stress, are entitled to extended annual leave of up to 35 calendar days. In some exceptional cases, extended leave can reach up to 48 days. The Armenian government establishes the detailed list of professions/positions eligible for extended leave.

Additional Annual Leave

Employees may be granted additional annual leave based on specific categories or reasons determined by the Government.

Sick Leave

Employees in Armenia are entitled to paid sick leave, the amount of which is determined by the nature and length of illness. Generally, the Social Security Service funds sick leave.

Maternity, Paternity, and Parental Leave

Female employees are granted 140 calendar days of maternity leave (70 prenatal, 70 postnatal). This can be extended in cases of complicated births or multiple births. Fathers are entitled to 5 days of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child. Provisions exist for both mothers and fathers to take partially paid parental leave until the child reaches the age of 3.

Other Types of Leave

Employees fulfilling compulsory military service are entitled to leave with job retention rights. Employees are entitled to time off to vote during elections. Employees may be entitled to a short period of leave upon marriage (this may be determined by collective or individual employment agreements).

Important Considerations

It's important to consult individual employment contracts or collective agreements, as they may outline specific regulations regarding notice periods when taking leave. Labor laws in Armenia are subject to change. Make sure to consult the latest version of the Labor Code of the Republic of Armenia for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.