Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a critical aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in Israel. Israeli labor law provides clear guidelines regarding various types of leave, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, ensuring employees receive mandated time off. Understanding these regulations is essential for employers to maintain legal compliance and effectively manage their workforce.
Navigating the specifics of leave accrual, eligibility, and payment can be complex, particularly for companies new to the Israeli market. Adhering to the statutory requirements ensures fair treatment of employees and avoids potential legal issues.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Israel are entitled to paid annual leave, the duration of which increases with seniority. The law specifies minimum calendar days of vacation.
| Years of Seniority | Minimum Annual Leave (Calendar Days) |
|---|---|
| 1 - 4 | 14 |
| 5 | 16 |
| 6 | 18 |
| 7 | 21 |
| 8+ | 24 |
- Vacation days accrue monthly.
- Employees are generally required to take their vacation days.
- Untaken vacation days can typically be carried over for a limited period, often up to three years, depending on the specific employment agreement and collective bargaining agreements.
- Upon termination of employment, employees are entitled to payment for accrued but unused vacation days.
Public Holidays
Employees in Israel are entitled to paid leave on public holidays. The specific holidays observed depend on the employee's religion. Jewish holidays are the most common public holidays.
Here are the approximate dates for major public holidays in 2025:
| Holiday | Approximate Date(s) (2025) |
|---|---|
| Passover (Pesach) | April 13 - April 20 |
| Independence Day | May 1 |
| Shavuot | June 2 |
| Rosh Hashanah | September 24 - September 26 |
| Yom Kippur | October 3 - October 4 |
| Sukkot | October 8 - October 15 |
| Simchat Torah | October 16 |
- Employees who work on a public holiday are typically entitled to premium pay (e.g., 150% of their regular wage) plus a substitute day off.
- If a holiday falls on a Saturday (Shabbat), the paid day off is usually observed on the Sunday or not compensated as an extra day off, depending on specific circumstances and agreements.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave in Israel. Sick leave accrues at a rate of 1.5 days per month, up to a maximum of 18 days per year. The total accumulated sick leave balance is capped, typically at 90 days.
Payment for sick leave follows a specific structure:
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First day of absence: No payment (0%)
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Second and third days of absence: 50% of the employee's regular wage
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Fourth day of absence and onwards: 100% of the employee's regular wage
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To receive sick pay, employees must provide a medical certificate from a recognized healthcare provider.
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Sick leave can be used for personal illness or illness of a family member under specific conditions (e.g., child, spouse, parent).
Parental Leave
Israeli law provides entitlements for parental leave, primarily covering maternity, paternity, and adoption.
- Maternity Leave: A pregnant employee is entitled to up to 26 weeks of maternity leave. The period for which she is entitled to receive maternity allowance from the National Insurance Institute (BTL) is typically 15 weeks, provided she meets the qualifying period of insurance payments. The remaining period is unpaid but job-protected.
- Paternity Leave: A father can take a portion of the mother's maternity leave entitlement, typically starting after the initial paid period, provided the mother returns to work. He may also be entitled to a short period of paid leave immediately following the birth, depending on specific circumstances and collective agreements.
- Adoption Leave: Employees adopting a child are entitled to leave similar to maternity leave, with a period of paid leave provided by the BTL, subject to eligibility requirements.
During paid parental leave, the allowance is paid by the BTL, not the employer. The employer's obligation is to hold the employee's position or a similar position upon their return.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the main categories, Israeli law and common practice recognize other types of leave:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically entitled to 7 days of paid leave upon the death of a first-degree relative (spouse, parent, child, sibling).
- Reserve Duty Leave: Employees serving in military reserve duty are entitled to leave, and their wages are paid by the BTL, not the employer.
- Study Leave / Sabbatical: These types of leave are not statutorily mandated for all employees but may be granted based on employment contracts, collective agreements, or company policy, particularly in academic or specific professional sectors.
- Leave for Family Reasons: Limited paid or unpaid leave may be available for specific family events or emergencies, often defined by collective agreements or company policy.
