Understanding employee leave entitlements is crucial for compliance and effective workforce management when operating in Iran. The labor law in Iran provides specific regulations regarding various types of leave, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, ensuring employees receive mandated time off for rest, personal matters, and health needs. Adhering to these regulations is a key aspect of managing a compliant and productive team in the country.
These entitlements are designed to protect employee well-being and are legally binding for employers. Navigating the specifics of accrual, duration, and compensation for each type of leave requires careful attention to the details outlined in the labor code.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Iran are entitled to paid annual vacation leave. The minimum entitlement is set by law, and specific regulations govern how this leave is accrued and taken.
- Minimum Entitlement: Employees are entitled to 26 working days of paid annual leave per year. Fridays are typically considered the weekly rest day and are not counted within the 26 days.
- Accrual: Leave is typically accrued monthly.
- Usage: Employees must take at least 12 consecutive days of their annual leave at some point during the year.
- Carry-over: Employees may carry over a maximum of 9 days of unused annual leave to the following year. Any leave exceeding this limit is generally forfeited unless otherwise agreed upon.
- Termination: Upon termination of employment, employees are entitled to payment in lieu of any accrued but untaken annual leave.
Public Holidays
Iran observes a number of public holidays throughout the year, which are typically paid days off for employees. These holidays include religious observances, national events, and cultural celebrations. Some religious holidays follow the lunar calendar, meaning their exact dates vary each year.
While the precise dates for 2025 for lunar-based holidays will be confirmed closer to the time, the list of observed public holidays generally includes:
| Holiday | Type | Typical Timing (Gregorian) |
|---|---|---|
| Iranian New Year (Nowruz) | National | March 20/21 - March 23/24 |
| Sizdah Be-dar (Nature Day) | National | April 1/2 |
| Islamic Republic Day | National | April 1 |
| Revolution Day | National | February 11 |
| Khordad 15 Uprising | National | June 5 |
| Death of Imam Khomeini | Religious | June 4 |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Tasu'a | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Ashura | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Arba'een | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Death of Prophet Muhammad & Imam Hassan | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Martyrdom of Imam Reza | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Birthday of Imam Ja'far Sadeq | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Birthday of Imam Ali | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Maba'ath (Prophet Muhammad's Ascension) | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
| Birthday of Imam Mahdi | Religious | Varies (Lunar) |
Note: Specific dates for religious holidays in 2025 will depend on the sighting of the moon and official announcements.
Sick Leave
Employees in Iran are entitled to sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. Specific regulations govern the duration and compensation for sick leave.
- Entitlement: There is no strict limit on the total number of sick days an employee can take, provided they are medically certified.
- Medical Certificate: For sick leave exceeding a certain duration (typically three consecutive days or more than seven days in total within a year), a medical certificate from a recognized physician is required.
- Compensation: Sick leave pay is generally covered by the Social Security Organization (SSO) after the first three days of absence, provided the employee is insured and submits the required medical documentation. The employer is typically responsible for the first three days of sick leave pay. The SSO pays a percentage of the employee's wage, which can vary based on factors like family dependents.
Parental Leave
Iran's labor law includes provisions for parental leave, primarily focusing on maternity leave.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to maternity leave. The standard duration is 9 months (4 months before and 5 months after childbirth), though some sources may indicate variations. This leave is typically paid through the Social Security Organization (SSO), provided the employee meets the eligibility criteria (e.g., having paid social security contributions).
- Paternity Leave: Recent amendments to the law have introduced a short period of paternity leave for fathers. This is typically a few days (e.g., 3 days) of paid leave upon the birth of a child.
- Adoption Leave: Specific provisions for adoption leave may exist, often mirroring aspects of maternity leave, though details can vary.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the main categories, Iranian labor law and common practice recognize other types of leave for specific circumstances.
- Marriage Leave: Employees are typically entitled to a short period of paid leave (e.g., 3 days) for their marriage.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are usually granted a short period of paid leave (e.g., 3 days) in the event of the death of immediate family members (spouse, parents, children).
- Study Leave: While not a universal entitlement for all employees, some employers may grant unpaid or partially paid leave for employees pursuing further education, often based on company policy or specific agreements.
- Hajj Leave: Muslim employees may be entitled to unpaid leave for the Hajj pilgrimage, typically once during their employment.
- Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave is not a statutory entitlement under Iranian labor law but may be offered by some employers as part of their internal policies, usually for long-serving employees.
