In the Czech Republic, the Labor Code safeguards the rights of employees to paid vacation leave. Full-time employees are typically entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 working days) of paid vacation annually. However, certain professions like teachers and academic staff may be eligible for extended vacation leave, up to eight weeks.

Eligibility and Accrual

Employees must typically work for the same employer for a minimum of 60 days within a calendar year to qualify for the full vacation entitlement. The vacation leave accrues proportionally, with employees earning 1/12th of their annual vacation entitlement for each completed calendar month worked.

Calculation and Compensation

The calculation of vacation leave in the Czech Republic is based on working days. During their vacation leave, employees are entitled to their full, regular salary.

Unused Vacation Leave

Ideally, vacation leave should be utilized within the calendar year it accrues. However, employers and employees can mutually agree to carry over unused leave, which generally must be used by the end of the subsequent calendar year. In the event of employment termination, employees are entitled to financial compensation for any unused accrued vacation time.

The Czech Republic observes a mix of national, religious, and historical holidays throughout the year. Here's a breakdown of the officially observed public holidays:

Fixed Date Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1st): Marks the beginning of the calendar year.
• Easter Monday (March/April): A Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. The exact date varies yearly.
• Labor Day (May 1st): Celebrates the contributions of workers internationally.
• Liberation from Fascism Day (May 8th): Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.
• Cyril and Methodius Day (July 5th): Honors the two Byzantine missionaries who brought Christianity to the Slavic peoples.
• Jan Hus Day (July 6th): Commemorates the martyrdom of Jan Hus, a prominent Christian reformer.
• Czech Statehood Day (September 28th): Celebrates the death of Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic.
• Independent Czechoslovak State Day (October 28th): Celebrates the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
• Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (November 17th): Commemorates both the student demonstration against Nazi occupation in 1939 and the Velvet Revolution of 1989.
• Christmas Eve (December 24th): The day before Christmas Day.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
• St. Stephen's Day (December 26th): The day after Christmas Day.

In the Czech Republic, labor law ensures employees have access to various types of leave to address personal needs and situations.

Paid Leave

• Vacation Leave: The Labor Code mandates a minimum of four weeks (20 working days) of paid vacation leave per year for full-time employees. Specific professions, like teachers, may be entitled to more.
• Sick Leave: Employees who fall ill are entitled to sick leave with compensation. The duration of paid sick leave depends on the severity of the illness and the employee's length of service.

Unpaid Leave

• Maternity Leave: Mothers are entitled to 28 weeks of maternity leave after childbirth, with an additional six weeks provided for multiple births.
• Paternity Leave: Fathers can take paternity leave for up to two weeks following the birth of a child.
• Parental Leave: Both parents are entitled to parental leave to care for a child until they reach 3 years old. This leave is unpaid, but parents may receive benefits from the state.
• Other Unpaid Leave: The Labor Code allows for unpaid leave for specific circumstances like weddings, funerals, or moving house, although the duration may be limited.

Additional Leave Options

• Employer-Specific Leave: Some employers may offer additional leave policies beyond the legal minimums, such as personal leave days.