In Romania, the Labor Code stipulates that all employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid vacation leave each calendar year. This leave entitlement is calculated proportionally for employees who have not worked a full calendar year. Additional vacation days may be granted to employees working in difficult, dangerous, or hazardous conditions, workers with disabilities, and young employees under the age of 18.

Vacation Leave Usage & Carry-Over

Employees have the option to carry over unused vacation leave into the following year. However, this can only be done up to a maximum of 18 months from the year it was accrued. It is the responsibility of both employers and employees to schedule vacation leave in a manner that accommodates business needs and the employees' right to rest. It is mandatory for employees to take at least one continuous block of vacation leave consisting of two weeks.

Vacation Leave Payment

The Labor Code requires employers to pay employees their regular salary for their vacation leave at least five working days before the leave period commences. In the event of termination of employment, employers are obligated to pay employees for any unused vacation leave.

While the law sets the minimum standards, employers have the discretion to offer additional vacation days or other leave benefits. These additional benefits are usually outlined in the employment contract or collective bargaining agreements.

Romania observes a mix of national and religious public holidays throughout the year.

National Holidays

Romania celebrates several national holidays, which include:

• New Year's Day (Anul Nou): Celebrated on January 1st & 2nd
• Unification Day (Ziua Unirii Principatelor Române): Celebrated on January 24th, this day commemorates the unification of Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859.
• Labor Day (Ziua Muncii): Celebrated on May 1st
• National Day (Ziua Națională a României): Celebrated on December 1st, this day marks the Great Union of 1918, when Transylvania united with Romania.
• Christmas (Crăciunul): Celebrated on December 25th & 26th

Religious Holidays

Romania primarily follows the Orthodox Christian calendar, and several major religious holidays are also recognized as public holidays:

• Orthodox Easter (Paștele): The Sunday of Easter and the following Monday are public holidays. The exact dates vary each year based on the Orthodox calendar.
• Pentecost (Rusaliile): The 50th day after Orthodox Easter (Sunday) and the following Monday are public holidays.
• Assumption of Mary (Adormirea Maicii Domnului): Celebrated on August 15th

Other Significant Days

In addition to national and religious holidays, Romania also observes other significant days:

• Children's Day (Ziua Copilului): Celebrated on June 1st
• Navy Day (Ziua Marinei Române): Celebrated on August 15th, this day coincides with the Assumption of Mary
• Saint Andrew's Day (Sfântul Andrei): Celebrated on November 30th, this day honors the patron saint of Romania.

In Romania, employees have access to various types of leave, both paid and unpaid, as stipulated by the Romanian Labor Code and other relevant regulations.

Paid Leave

• Annual Vacation Leave: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid vacation per year, pro-rated for partial years of service.

• Sick Leave: With a medical certificate, employees can avail of paid sick leave. The duration and compensation rate vary depending on the nature of the illness.

• Maternity Leave: Female employees are granted 126 days of paid maternity leave, typically divided between pre-natal and post-natal periods.

• Paternity Leave: Fathers can take 10 working days of paid paternity leave, which can be extended to 15 days upon completion of a childcare course.

• Marriage Leave: Employees receive 5 days of paid leave for their own marriage.

• Bereavement Leave: Paid leave is provided for the death of close family members, with the duration varying based on the relationship with the deceased.

Unpaid Leave

• Parental Leave: Employees can take unpaid parental leave for up to two years per child (three years for children with disabilities).

• Leave for Urgent Family Reasons: Short-term unpaid leave may be granted for urgent family matters.

• Educational Leave: Unpaid leave may be granted for pursuing education or training, subject to the employer's approval.

Other Leave Provisions

• Leave for Blood Donation: Employees are entitled to paid leave on the day of blood donation.

• Quarantine/Isolation Leave: Paid leave may be granted in cases of mandatory quarantine or isolation due to communicable diseases.

Employers may offer additional benefits, such as more generous vacation allowances, extended parental leave, or other types of leave negotiated through employment contracts or collective agreements.