In Moldova, the labor laws ensure that employees are provided with specific vacation leave entitlements. These provisions are outlined in the Labor Code of the Republic of Moldova.

Annual Paid Leave

As per Article 115 of the Labor Code, every employee is entitled to a minimum of 28 calendar days of paid annual leave. This vacation right is non-negotiable and any unused vacation time can be carried forward to the subsequent year.

Additional Leave Entitlements

There are certain categories of employees who may be entitled to additional paid leave days. These include:

• Employees working under specific conditions: Those who work in hazardous or difficult conditions may be granted additional leave days.
• Employees who are under 18 years old: Minors are entitled to a longer minimum vacation period.
• Employees with disabilities: Employees with disabilities may be granted additional vacation leave.

Key Points

• Scheduling: The vacation schedules must be mutually agreed upon by employers and employees, in accordance with the Labor Code.
• Vacation pay: Employees should receive their vacation pay at least three days prior to the commencement of their leave period.

Important Note

It is always recommended to refer to the specific employment contract or company policies for any variations or additional leave benefits that may be offered by the employer.

Moldova celebrates a variety of national and religious holidays throughout the year.

New Year's Celebrations

• New Year's Day (January 1) marks the start of the calendar year.
• Orthodox Christmas (January 7) is a major religious holiday celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Spring Holidays

• International Women's Day (March 8) is a global celebration of women's achievements and a call for gender equality.
• Easter Monday (Variable) is a religious holiday following Easter Sunday, celebrated by Christians.
• Memorial Day / Parent's Day (After Easter) is a day for remembering deceased loved ones.
• Labour Day (May 1), also known as International Worker's Day, celebrates the working class.

Summer Holidays

• Independence Day (August 27) commemorates Moldova's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
• Limba Noastră (Our Language Day) (August 31) celebrates the Romanian language and its significance in Moldovan culture.

Autumn Holidays

• Chisinau Day (October 14) celebrates the founding of Moldova's capital city, Chisinau.

December Holidays

• Western Christmas (December 25) is celebrated by some in Moldova, recognizing the birth of Jesus Christ.

Important Notes

Orthodox religious holidays follow the Julian calendar and may differ from dates observed by Western Christian churches. Some holidays may have multiple days of observance.

In Moldova, employees have access to various types of leave, each with its own set of rules and entitlements.

Annual Leave (Vacation)

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 28 calendar days of paid annual leave each year. Leave is accrued throughout the year, and employees may be eligible for partial leave in proportion to the time worked within a year. Employers and employees should mutually agree on the timing of annual leave, and the employer must adhere to a vacation schedule. Annual leave can be taken in parts, but at least one of those parts must be no less than 14 calendar days.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave benefits, the amount and duration of which is determined by the social insurance system according to illness severity. To claim sick leave, employees must generally provide a medical certificate from a doctor confirming their illness or incapacity to work.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 126 calendar days of paid maternity leave. This includes 70 days of prenatal leave and 56 days of postnatal leave. During maternity leave, employees generally receive a percentage of their salary determined by Moldova's social insurance system.

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to 14 calendar days of fully paid paternity leave following the birth of their child.

Other Types of Leave

Employees may be entitled to paid or unpaid leave for education or training purposes, depending on the agreement with their employer. Employees may also be able to take unpaid leave for personal reasons, with approval at the discretion of the employer. In the event of the death of a close family member, employees may be entitled to a short period of leave, the duration of which varies depending on company policy.