Employees in Monaco are entitled to various types of leave, ensuring time off for rest, public holidays, illness, and significant life events. Understanding these entitlements is crucial for both employers and employees operating within the Principality's legal framework. These provisions aim to balance business needs with employee well-being, contributing to a stable and productive work environment.
Compliance with Monaco's labor laws regarding leave is mandatory for all employers. This includes adhering to minimum requirements for paid annual leave, recognizing official public holidays, managing sick leave according to established procedures, and providing statutory parental leave. Navigating these regulations effectively is key to smooth operations and employee satisfaction.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Monaco are entitled to paid annual leave based on their length of service. The minimum legal entitlement is 2.5 working days per month of actual work. This accrues over a reference period, typically from June 1st of the previous year to May 31st of the current year.
- Minimum Entitlement: 2.5 working days per month of service.
- Total Annual Leave: This translates to a minimum of 30 working days (5 weeks) for a full year of service.
- Accrual Period: Typically June 1st to May 31st.
- Taking Leave: Leave is generally taken during the period from June 1st to May 31st following the accrual period.
- Agreement: The timing of leave is determined by agreement between the employer and employee, taking into account business needs and employee preferences.
- Carry-over: Generally, leave must be taken within the designated period and cannot be carried over to the next year unless agreed upon or specified in a collective agreement.
- Payment: Employees receive their normal salary during paid annual leave.
Public Holidays
Monaco observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these dates. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is typically observed on the following Monday.
Here are the public holidays expected in Monaco for 2025:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 27 | Saint Devota's Day |
| April 21 | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 29 | Ascension Day |
| June 9 | Whit Monday |
| June 19 | Corpus Christi |
| August 15 | Assumption Day |
| November 1 | All Saints' Day |
| November 19 | Prince's Day |
| December 8 | Immaculate Conception |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Note: Dates for Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and Corpus Christi are variable.
Sick Leave
When an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury, they are entitled to sick leave. Specific procedures must be followed to ensure the leave is recognized and compensated.
- Notification: Employees must inform their employer as soon as possible of their absence due to sickness.
- Medical Certificate: A medical certificate from a doctor is required, usually within 48 hours of the start of the absence, stating the nature of the illness and the expected duration of absence.
- Compensation: Compensation for sick leave involves contributions from both the employer and the social security fund (Caisses Sociales de Monaco - CSM).
- The employer is typically responsible for paying a portion of the salary for a certain initial period (often the first few days, though this can vary).
- The CSM provides daily allowances to compensate for lost wages after a waiting period (usually 3 days), provided the employee meets eligibility criteria (e.g., sufficient contributions).
- The total compensation from the employer and CSM combined aims to replace a significant portion of the employee's regular salary, though it may not be 100%.
- Duration: Sick leave can continue for the duration certified by a doctor, subject to review and social security regulations regarding long-term illness.
Parental Leave
Monaco provides statutory leave entitlements for employees welcoming a child, covering maternity, paternity, and adoption.
- Maternity Leave:
- Entitlement: Typically 16 weeks (6 weeks before the expected date of birth and 10 weeks after). This can be extended in case of multiple births or medical complications.
- Payment: Maternity leave is compensated through the social security fund (CSM), provided the employee meets eligibility requirements.
- Paternity Leave:
- Entitlement: A short period of leave granted to the father around the time of the birth. The specific duration is defined by law.
- Payment: Paternity leave is also compensated through the social security fund (CSM).
- Adoption Leave:
- Entitlement: Leave is granted to employees adopting a child, similar in principle to maternity leave, allowing time to integrate the child into the family. The duration depends on the child's age and the number of children adopted.
- Payment: Adoption leave is compensated through the social security fund (CSM).
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the main categories, employees in Monaco may be entitled to other types of special leave, often defined by law or collective bargaining agreements.
- Bereavement Leave: Leave granted upon the death of a close family member. The duration varies depending on the relationship.
- Marriage Leave: Leave granted to an employee for their own marriage.
- Leave for Family Events: Short periods of leave may be granted for other significant family events.
- Study Leave: In certain circumstances, employees may be granted leave for educational or training purposes, though conditions and compensation vary.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not a statutory right for all employees, longer periods of unpaid leave or sabbatical arrangements may be agreed upon between the employer and employee, or provided for in collective agreements.
Specific entitlements and conditions for these types of leave can vary, and it is advisable to consult the relevant labor laws or applicable collective agreements.
