Understanding vacation and leave policies is crucial for employers and employees in Curaçao. Curaçao labor laws mandate certain minimum leave entitlements, including annual vacation, sick leave, and parental leave. Employers may offer more generous leave policies than the legal minimums to attract and retain talent. This guide provides an overview of the key leave entitlements and regulations in Curaçao as of 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Curaçao are entitled to paid annual vacation leave. The minimum entitlement is generally four times the number of days the employee works per week. For example, an employee working a five-day week is entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid vacation per year. Vacation leave is typically accrued over the course of the year.
- Minimum Entitlement: Four times the number of days worked per week.
- Accrual: Typically accrued over the year.
- Usage: Vacation days must be granted within a reasonable period, usually within the year following the year in which they were accrued.
- Payment: Employees must receive their regular salary during vacation leave.
Public Holidays
Curaçao observes a number of public holidays each year. Employees are generally entitled to take these days off with pay. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to additional compensation, such as a higher rate of pay or a compensatory day off.
Here is a list of public holidays typically observed in Curaçao:
| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| Varies | Carnival Monday |
| Varies | Good Friday |
| Varies | Easter Monday |
| April 27 | King's Day |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| Varies | Ascension Day |
| July 2 | Curaçao Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Second Day of Christmas |
Note: The dates for Carnival Monday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Ascension Day vary each year.
Sick Leave
Employees in Curaçao are entitled to paid sick leave. To qualify for sick leave, an employee typically needs to provide a medical certificate from a registered physician.
- Entitlement: The duration of paid sick leave depends on the length of employment.
- Pay: During sick leave, employees are generally entitled to a percentage of their regular salary. The exact percentage may vary, but it is often around 80% of their regular wage.
- Medical Certificate: Required to validate sick leave claims.
Parental Leave
Curaçao provides for both maternity and paternity leave. Adoption leave may also be available.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to maternity leave.
- Duration: Typically, maternity leave consists of a period before and after childbirth. The total duration is usually around 16 weeks.
- Pay: During maternity leave, employees are generally entitled to a percentage of their regular salary, often around 100%, which may be covered by social security.
- Protection: Employees are protected from termination during maternity leave and for a period following their return to work.
Paternity Leave
Male employees are entitled to paternity leave following the birth of their child.
- Duration: The duration of paternity leave is typically a few days.
- Pay: Employees usually receive their regular salary during paternity leave.
Adoption Leave
The availability and duration of adoption leave can vary. It is advisable to consult the specific labor laws or seek legal advice for detailed information on adoption leave entitlements.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, employees may be entitled to other types of leave, depending on their employment contract or company policy.
- Bereavement Leave: Granted in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration may vary.
- Study Leave: May be granted to employees for educational purposes. The terms and conditions of study leave can vary significantly.
- Sabbatical Leave: Some employers may offer sabbatical leave, allowing employees to take an extended period of leave, typically unpaid, for personal or professional development.
