Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a critical aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in North Macedonia. The country's labor law sets clear standards for various types of leave, ensuring employees receive adequate time off for rest, personal events, and health 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 other specific types of absence. These entitlements are designed to protect employee well-being and are mandatory 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 specific duration depends on factors such as length of service, working conditions, and job complexity, but a legal minimum is established.
- Minimum Entitlement: The minimum duration of paid annual leave is 20 working days per calendar year.
- Maximum Entitlement: The maximum duration of paid annual leave is 26 working days per calendar year. Collective agreements or employment contracts may specify longer periods, but the legal maximum remains 26 days unless otherwise stipulated by law for specific professions or conditions.
- Accrual: Leave is typically accrued based on the period of employment.
- Usage: Annual leave is generally taken in full days. It can be taken in parts, but one part must consist of at least 12 working days. The leave for the current year must generally be used by June 30th of the following year.
- Payment: During annual leave, employees are entitled to compensation equal to their average salary from the previous 12 months.
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 or compensatory time off.
Here are the standard public holidays observed in North Macedonia in 2025:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 7 | Christmas (Orthodox) |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 24 | Saints Cyril and Methodius Day |
| August 2 | Republic Day |
| September 8 | Independence Day |
| October 11 | Day of the People's Uprising |
| October 23 | Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle |
| December 8 | Saint Clement of Ohrid Day |
Note: Some religious holidays (like Easter, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) have variable dates each year. Specific communities may also have additional recognized holidays.
Sick Leave
Employees who are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury are entitled to sick leave. The duration and payment structure for sick leave are regulated by law.
- Entitlement: Employees are entitled to sick leave upon presenting a medical certificate.
- Duration:
- For short-term illness (up to a certain number of days, typically 30 days), the employer is responsible for paying compensation.
- For longer periods of illness, the payment responsibility shifts to the Health Insurance Fund of North Macedonia.
- Payment:
- For the first 30 days of absence due to illness or injury, the compensation is typically 80% of the employee's average salary from the previous 12 months, paid by the employer.
- For absence exceeding 30 days, the compensation is paid by the Health Insurance Fund, usually at a rate of 80% of the average salary, though this can vary based on the nature of the illness or injury (e.g., 100% for work-related injuries).
Parental Leave
North Macedonia's labor law provides entitlements for parental leave, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, to support families.
- Maternity Leave:
- Duration: Typically 9 months for the first two births and 1 year for the third and subsequent births. This leave can start 45 days before the expected due date but no later than 28 days before.
- Payment: During maternity leave, the employee is entitled to compensation paid by the Health Insurance Fund, usually at 100% of the average salary from the previous 12 months.
- Paternity Leave:
- Duration: The father is entitled to 7 days of paid leave upon the birth of a child.
- Payment: Paid by the employer.
- Adoption Leave:
- Duration: An employee who adopts a child is entitled to leave from the date of adoption until the child reaches 9 months of age (or 1 year for the third and subsequent adopted child), provided the child is under 5 years old at the time of adoption.
- Payment: Paid by the Health Insurance Fund, usually at 100% of the average salary.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to the main categories, North Macedonian law provides for other specific types of paid leave for employees under certain circumstances.
- Paid Leave for Personal Reasons: Employees are entitled to up to 7 working days of paid leave per year for specific personal reasons, such as:
- Marriage (3 days)
- Death of a close family member (father, mother, spouse, child, brother, sister) (2 days)
- Moving house (2 days)
- Taking professional exams (up to 5 days)
- Other reasons specified by collective agreement or employment contract.
- Unpaid Leave: Employees may request unpaid leave. The conditions and duration are typically agreed upon between the employer and employee, often regulated by internal company policies or collective agreements.
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing education may be entitled to paid or unpaid leave for attending classes or taking exams, as regulated by law, collective agreements, or employment contracts.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not a standard legal entitlement for all employees, provisions for extended leave for professional development or other purposes may exist in specific sectors or through collective bargaining.
