Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a critical aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in Latvia. Understanding the specific regulations governing various types of leave, from annual holidays to sick time and parental leave, is essential for employers. Latvian labor law provides clear guidelines on minimum entitlements and procedures that employers must follow to ensure fair treatment and legal compliance for their workforce.
Navigating these regulations can be complex, especially for international companies employing staff in Latvia. This guide provides an overview of the key leave policies applicable in Latvia, helping employers understand their obligations and manage employee time off effectively in 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Latvia are entitled to a minimum amount of paid annual leave. This leave is intended for rest and recuperation and is regulated by the Labor Law.
- Minimum Entitlement: The minimum paid annual leave entitlement is four calendar weeks per year. This does not include public holidays.
- Accrual: Employees typically accrue vacation time based on their length of service. The full entitlement is usually available after six months of continuous employment with the same employer, although agreements can vary.
- Scheduling: The timing of annual leave is generally agreed upon between the employer and the employee. Employers must prepare a vacation schedule for the year, taking into account both the needs of the company and the wishes of the employees.
- Payment: Vacation pay must be calculated and paid to the employee before the start of their leave.
- Carry-over: Unused annual leave can generally be carried over to the next year, but there are limitations on how long it can be accumulated.
Public Holidays
Latvia observes several public holidays throughout the year. On these days, employees are generally entitled to a day off with pay. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to increased compensation, often double their usual rate.
Here are the expected public holidays in Latvia for 2025:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| April 18 | Good Friday |
| April 20 | Easter Sunday |
| April 21 | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 4 | Restoration of Independence Day |
| May 5 | Day after Restoration of Independence Day |
| June 23 | Midsummer's Eve (Līgo) |
| June 24 | Midsummer's Day (Jāņi) |
| November 18 | Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Second Day of Christmas |
| December 31 | New Year's Eve |
Note: If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the government may declare the following Monday a day off, but this is announced closer to the date.
Sick Leave Policies
Employees in Latvia are entitled to sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Entitlement: Employees are entitled to sick leave for the duration of their incapacity to work, as certified by a medical professional.
- Medical Certificate: A medical certificate (sick note) is required to justify sick leave, typically from the first day of absence.
- Sick Pay: Sick pay is regulated by law and involves contributions from both the employer and the state social insurance.
- Employer Responsibility: The employer pays sick pay for the first 10 calendar days of illness. The rate is typically 80% of the employee's average earnings.
- State Responsibility: From the 11th day onwards, sick benefit is paid by the state social insurance agency (VSAA), provided the employee is socially insured. The rate is generally 80% of the employee's average insured earnings.
- Duration: State-paid sick benefit can be received for a maximum of 26 weeks within a one-year period, or up to 52 weeks within a three-year period in certain cases.
Parental Leave
Latvian law provides comprehensive parental leave options, including maternity, paternity, and parental leave, to support families.
- Maternity Leave:
- Entitlement: Expectant mothers are entitled to 56 calendar days of maternity leave before the expected birth date and 56 calendar days after the birth, totaling 112 days. In case of complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or if two or more children are born, the post-natal leave is extended to 70 days, resulting in a total of 126 days.
- Payment: Maternity benefit is paid by the state social insurance agency (VSAA) at a rate of 80% of the average insured earnings.
- Paternity Leave:
- Entitlement: Fathers are entitled to 10 calendar days of paternity leave, which can be taken within six months of the child's birth.
- Payment: Paternity benefit is paid by the state social insurance agency (VSAA) at a rate of 80% of the average insured earnings.
- Parental Leave:
- Entitlement: Either parent (or another person caring for the child, like a grandparent) is entitled to parental leave until the child reaches the age of 1.5 years. This leave can be taken in parts.
- Payment: Parental benefit is paid by the state social insurance agency (VSAA). The amount depends on the chosen duration of receiving the benefit (until the child is 1 year old or 1.5 years old) and the parent's previous insured earnings.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to the main categories, Latvian law also provides for other types of leave under specific circumstances:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically granted leave in the event of the death of a close family member, though the duration may be subject to internal company policy or collective agreements beyond basic legal provisions.
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing education may be granted study leave, particularly if the studies are related to their work or if stipulated in a collective agreement. The terms (paid or unpaid, duration) can vary.
- Leave for State and Public Duties: Employees are entitled to time off to perform state or public duties, such as serving on a jury.
- Unpaid Leave: Employees may request unpaid leave for various personal reasons, which is subject to employer approval.
Understanding and correctly applying these leave policies is vital for maintaining compliance and fostering positive employee relations in Latvia.
