Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a crucial aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in North Macedonia. The country's labor laws provide clear guidelines on various types of leave, ensuring employees receive adequate rest, time off for personal events, and support during illness or family needs. Understanding these regulations is essential for employers to maintain legal compliance and foster a positive working environment.
Employers in North Macedonia must adhere to the provisions outlined in the Labor Law regarding annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and various forms of parental and special leave. These entitlements are designed to protect employee well-being and are mandatory requirements for all employers operating within the country.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in North Macedonia are entitled to a minimum amount of paid annual leave. The standard minimum entitlement is 20 working days per calendar year. This minimum can be increased based on factors such as length of service, complexity of work, working conditions, and other criteria defined in collective agreements or individual employment contracts. The maximum annual leave entitlement is typically capped at 26 working days, although certain categories of employees (e.g., those working in particularly difficult conditions) may be entitled to up to 30 working days.
Annual leave is generally taken as a continuous block, but it can be split into parts with the employee's consent. However, one part of the annual leave must consist of at least 12 working days. The timing of annual leave is determined by the employer in consultation with the employee, taking into account the needs of the work process and the employee's preferences. Employees are generally required to use their annual leave within the calendar year, although unused leave may be carried over to the following year under specific conditions outlined in the Labor Law.
Public Holidays
North Macedonia observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to paid time off on these days. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to increased compensation. The public holidays for 2025 are expected to include:
| Date | Day of Week | Holiday Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year's Day | |
| January 7 | Tuesday | Christmas Day (Orthodox) | |
| April 20 | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Orthodox) | |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday (Orthodox) | |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | |
| May 24 | Saturday | Saints Cyril and Methodius' Day | |
| August 2 | Saturday | Republic Day | |
| September 8 | Monday | Independence Day | |
| October 11 | Saturday | Day of the Macedonian Uprising | |
| October 23 | Thursday | Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle | |
| December 8 | Monday | Saint Clement of Ohrid's Day |
Note: Some holidays may have specific observances for different religious or ethnic communities, granting additional days off for members of those communities.
Sick Leave
Employees who are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury are entitled to sick leave. The procedure for taking sick leave requires the employee to notify the employer and provide a medical certificate from a licensed healthcare provider.
During sick leave, employees are entitled to compensation. The compensation is typically paid as follows:
- For the first 30 days of absence, the compensation is paid by the employer, usually at a rate of 80% of the employee's average salary over the previous 12 months.
- For absences exceeding 30 days, the compensation is paid by the Health Insurance Fund, also typically at a rate of 80% of the average salary, subject to specific regulations and procedures of the fund.
The duration of sick leave can extend for as long as medically necessary, as certified by healthcare professionals, up to a maximum period defined by health insurance regulations, after which disability status may be considered.
Parental Leave
North Macedonia's labor law provides entitlements for parental leave, primarily focusing on maternity leave.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to maternity leave for a duration of nine months. In the case of multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.), the entitlement is extended to one year. Maternity leave can commence 45 days before the expected date of birth, but no later than 28 days before. During maternity leave, the employee receives compensation, typically paid by the Health Insurance Fund, calculated based on her average salary.
- Paternity Leave: While there isn't a separate, extensive paternity leave entitlement comparable to maternity leave, fathers may be entitled to a short period of paid leave upon the birth of a child, often covered under provisions for leave due to family circumstances or specific collective agreements.
- Adoption Leave: Employees who adopt a child are also entitled to leave. The duration of adoption leave is typically granted until the child reaches the age of nine months, or one year in the case of adopting multiple children, mirroring the duration of maternity leave. Compensation during adoption leave is also typically provided by the Health Insurance Fund.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to the main categories, employees in North Macedonia may be entitled to other types of paid or unpaid leave for specific personal circumstances:
- Leave due to Family Circumstances: Employees are entitled to paid leave for important personal or family events, such as marriage (typically 3-5 days), moving house (typically 1-2 days), or death of a close family member (typically 3-5 days). The exact duration is often specified in collective agreements or internal company rules.
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing further education related to their work may be granted paid or unpaid leave for exams or attending classes, as agreed upon with the employer or stipulated in collective agreements.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not a statutory entitlement, longer periods of unpaid leave (sabbatical) may be granted at the employer's discretion, often for personal development or rest, depending on company policy.
- Leave for Public Duties: Employees required to perform public duties (e.g., jury duty, serving on election committees) are typically entitled to paid leave for the duration of the duty.
