Managing employee leave entitlements in Paraguay requires a clear understanding of the country's labor laws. These regulations define the minimum rights employees have regarding time off for various reasons, including annual vacation, public holidays, illness, and family events. Compliance with these statutory requirements is essential for businesses operating in the country to ensure fair treatment of employees and avoid potential legal issues.
Paraguayan labor law provides a framework for different types of leave, ensuring employees have protected time away from work for rest, personal matters, and health needs. Employers must adhere to these minimum standards, which vary based on factors such as an employee's length of service and the specific type of leave requested.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Paraguay are entitled to paid annual vacation leave, with the minimum duration depending on their length of service with the same employer. This leave accrues over time and must be granted by the employer.
The minimum annual leave entitlements are as follows:
| Length of Service | Minimum Vacation Days |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 years | 12 working days |
| Over 5 years up to 10 years | 18 working days |
| Over 10 years | 30 working days |
Vacation must generally be taken consecutively, although exceptions may be agreed upon by both parties. The employer is responsible for scheduling the vacation period, typically within the year following the accrual period. Employees receive their regular salary during their vacation period.
Public Holidays
Paraguay observes several national public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these dates. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to premium pay, often double their regular rate.
The public holidays observed in Paraguay in 2025 include:
| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| March 1 | National Heroes' Day |
| April 18 | Maundy Thursday |
| April 19 | Good Friday |
| May 1 | International Workers' Day |
| May 14 | Independence Day |
| May 15 | Independence Day |
| June 12 | Chaco Armistice Day |
| August 15 | Founding of Asunción |
| September 29 | Battle of Boquerón Day |
| December 8 | Immaculate Conception Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Note that some holidays may be moved to a Monday for a long weekend, depending on the official calendar published each year.
Sick Leave
Employees in Paraguay are entitled to paid sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. To qualify for sick leave pay, employees are typically required to present a medical certificate from a registered physician.
The duration and payment of sick leave are often covered by social security (Instituto de Previsión Social - IPS). The IPS provides a subsidy to the employee after a certain waiting period, usually starting from the fourth day of absence. The employer is generally responsible for paying the first few days of sick leave, although specific rules and collective agreements may vary. The amount of the IPS subsidy is a percentage of the employee's average earnings.
Parental Leave
Paraguayan law provides specific entitlements for parental leave, primarily focusing on maternity leave.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees are entitled to paid maternity leave. The standard duration is 16 weeks, which can be taken starting from six weeks before the expected delivery date and continuing for ten weeks after the birth. In cases of multiple births or complications, the leave period may be extended. Maternity leave is typically paid through the social security system (IPS), covering a significant portion of the employee's salary.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are entitled to a short period of paid paternity leave upon the birth of their child. The standard duration is two working days.
Adoption Leave
Female employees who adopt a child are also entitled to adoption leave, similar in duration to maternity leave, to care for the newly adopted child.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the primary categories, Paraguayan labor law and common practice recognize other situations requiring employee absence.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically granted a short period of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member (e.g., spouse, child, parent, sibling). The duration is usually two or three working days.
- Study Leave: While not a universal statutory right for all employees, some collective bargaining agreements or company policies may provide for paid or unpaid leave for employees pursuing further education or training relevant to their work.
- Marriage Leave: Some employers may grant a few days of paid leave for an employee's marriage, although this is not a statutory requirement under general labor law.
- Leave for Civic Duties: Employees are entitled to time off to fulfill civic duties, such as serving on a jury or voting.
