Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a critical aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in Armenia. The Labor Code of the Republic of Armenia outlines the fundamental rights and obligations concerning various types of leave, ensuring employees receive adequate time off for rest, personal matters, illness, and family responsibilities. Understanding these regulations is essential for employers to maintain legal compliance and foster a positive working environment.
Armenian labor law provides clear guidelines on minimum leave durations, eligibility criteria, and compensation for different leave types. These provisions are designed to protect employee well-being and support work-life balance. Employers must adhere to these statutory requirements, although collective agreements or individual employment contracts may offer more generous terms than the minimums stipulated by law.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Armenia are entitled to paid annual vacation leave. The minimum duration of basic annual leave is 20 working days per year. This entitlement applies to employees working a standard five-day work week. For employees working a six-day work week, the minimum basic annual leave is 24 working days. Certain categories of employees, such as those working in hazardous conditions or specific professions, may be entitled to additional leave days.
Annual leave is typically granted after an employee has worked for six months with the employer, although leave can be granted earlier by agreement between the parties. Subsequent leave is usually granted according to a schedule agreed upon by the employer and employees. Annual leave can be taken in parts, provided one part is at least 14 calendar days.
Public Holidays
Armenia observes several national holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a day off with pay on these public holidays. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the day off is typically not moved to a weekday. Work performed on public holidays is usually compensated at a higher rate, often double the standard rate.
Here are the public holidays observed in Armenia in 2025:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1-2 | New Year |
| January 6 | Christmas and Epiphany |
| January 28 | Army Day |
| March 8 | International Women's Day |
| April 7 | Motherhood and Beauty Day |
| April 24 | Commemoration Day of the Genocide Victims |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| May 9 | Victory and Peace Day |
| May 28 | First Republic Day |
| July 5 | Constitution Day |
| September 21 | Independence Day |
| December 7 | Commemoration Day of the Spitak Earthquake |
| December 31 | New Year's Eve |
Note: Some religious holidays like Easter may also be observed, with dates varying annually.
Sick Leave
Employees in Armenia are entitled to paid sick leave when they are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. The duration and payment of sick leave are regulated by law. Employees must typically provide a medical certificate to substantiate their absence.
Sick leave benefits are usually paid from a combination of employer funds and state social insurance funds. The specific payment structure and duration of paid sick leave can depend on the length of the employee's service and the duration of the illness. Generally, the first few days of sick leave are paid by the employer, with subsequent days covered by social insurance benefits, up to a maximum period.
Parental Leave
Armenian law provides comprehensive parental leave entitlements, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to paid maternity leave. This typically consists of 140 calendar days (70 days before and 70 days after childbirth). In case of complicated delivery or multiple births, the leave period is extended. Maternity leave benefits are paid from social insurance funds.
- Paternity Leave: Fathers are entitled to a short period of unpaid leave upon the birth of a child. The duration is typically 5 working days.
- Childcare Leave: Following maternity leave, either parent (or another relative caring for the child) is entitled to unpaid childcare leave until the child reaches the age of three. During this period, the employee's job is reserved.
- Adoption Leave: Employees who adopt a child are also entitled to leave, similar to maternity leave, depending on the age of the adopted child.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to the main categories, Armenian labor law recognizes other types of leave that employees may be entitled to:
- Leave Without Pay: Employees may request unpaid leave for various personal reasons, subject to employer approval.
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing education may be granted paid or unpaid leave for study purposes, such as attending exams, depending on the type of education and agreement with the employer.
- Bereavement Leave: While not explicitly defined with a statutory minimum duration in all cases, employers typically grant a short period of paid or unpaid leave in the event of a close family member's death.
- Leave for State or Public Duties: Employees may be granted leave to perform state or public duties, such as military service or serving on a jury.
Understanding and correctly implementing these various leave policies is crucial for compliance and effective workforce management in Armenia.
