Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a crucial aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in any country. In Albania, the labor code outlines specific requirements regarding various types of leave, ensuring employees receive adequate time off for rest, illness, family matters, and other significant life events. Understanding these regulations is essential for employers to maintain legal compliance and foster a positive working environment.
Employers in Albania must adhere to the statutory minimums for annual leave, recognize official public holidays, and provide mandated leave types such as sick leave and parental leave. Navigating these requirements can be complex, particularly for foreign companies employing staff in the country.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Albania are entitled to a minimum amount of paid annual leave. The standard entitlement is four calendar weeks per year. This leave generally accrues based on the length of service. The timing of annual leave is typically agreed upon between the employer and employee, taking into account the operational needs of the business. Unused annual leave may be carried over to the following year under specific conditions, but generally, it should be taken within the year it is accrued or shortly thereafter.
Public Holidays
Albanian law designates several days throughout the year as official public holidays. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to premium pay or compensatory time off, as stipulated by the labor code or collective agreements. The public holidays observed in Albania for 2025 are expected to include:
| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 2 | New Year's Day |
| March 6 | Teacher's Day |
| March 8 | Mother's Day |
| March 14 | Summer Day |
| March 22 | Nevruz Day |
| April 20 | Catholic Easter |
| April 27 | Orthodox Easter |
| May 1 | International Workers' Day |
| Eid al-Fitr | End of Ramadan (Date varies) |
| Eid al-Adha | Feast of Sacrifice (Date varies) |
| September 5 | Mother Teresa Beatification Day |
| October 19 | Mother Teresa Canonization Day |
| November 28 | Flag and Independence Day |
| November 29 | Liberation Day |
| December 8 | National Youth Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Note: The exact dates for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha depend on the lunar calendar and should be confirmed closer to the time.
Sick Leave
Employees in Albania are entitled to paid sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The process typically requires the employee to provide a medical certificate from a qualified healthcare professional. The duration and payment of sick leave are regulated by law. Generally, the employer is responsible for paying the employee's salary for the first 14 days of sick leave in a calendar year. For sick leave exceeding 14 days, payments are typically covered by the social security system, provided the employee meets the eligibility criteria. The amount paid by social security is a percentage of the employee's average wage, as defined by law.
Parental Leave
Albanian law provides for various types of parental leave to support employees welcoming a new child.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave. The standard duration of maternity leave is 365 calendar days. This leave can typically be taken starting before the expected date of birth and continuing after the birth. During maternity leave, the employee is entitled to receive benefits from the social security system, calculated as a percentage of her average wage.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are also entitled to paternity leave upon the birth of a child. The duration of paternity leave is significantly shorter than maternity leave, typically 2 days. This leave is usually paid by the employer.
Adoption Leave
Employees who adopt a child are also entitled to adoption leave, providing time to bond with the newly adopted child. The duration and conditions for adoption leave are generally similar to those for maternity leave, allowing the primary caregiver time off, with benefits potentially provided through the social security system.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, Albanian labor law or common practice may recognize other types of leave, although specific statutory entitlements can vary. These may include:
- Bereavement Leave: Leave granted to employees in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration is typically short, often a few days.
- Marriage Leave: Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave for their own marriage.
- Study Leave: In certain circumstances, employees may be granted leave to attend educational programs or exams, though this is often subject to employer policy or collective agreements rather than strict statutory entitlement for all cases.
- Unpaid Leave: Employees may request unpaid leave for personal reasons, subject to employer approval.
Specific entitlements and conditions for these types of leave should be confirmed based on the applicable labor code provisions, collective bargaining agreements, or individual employment contracts.
