Albania has established statutory minimum requirements for various types of leave to protect employee well-being and work-life balance. These regulations are outlined in the Labor Code of Albania and aim to provide employees with adequate time off for rest, personal matters, and family responsibilities. Employers must adhere to these minimum standards, and may offer more generous leave benefits to attract and retain talent. Understanding these requirements is crucial for businesses operating in Albania to ensure compliance and maintain positive employee relations.
Albanian labor law provides for annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and several types of parental and other special leaves. The specific entitlements and conditions for each type of leave are detailed below.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Albania are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave. The exact duration of annual leave may be specified in the individual employment contract or collective bargaining agreement, but it cannot be less than the statutory minimum.
- Entitlement: Minimum of 20 working days per year
- Eligibility: All employees are eligible from their first day of employment.
- Accrual: Leave is accrued throughout the year.
- Carryover: The possibility of carrying over unused leave days may be specified in the employment contract or collective agreement, but is not mandated by law.
- Payment: Employees must be paid their regular salary during annual leave.
Public Holidays
Albania observes several public holidays each year. Employees are generally entitled to paid time off on these days. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to additional compensation, as specified in their employment contract or collective agreement.
Here is a table of public holidays typically observed in Albania:
| Holiday Name | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1-2 |
| Summer Day | March 14 |
| Nevruz Day | March 22 |
| Catholic Easter | Varies |
| Orthodox Easter | Varies |
| Labor Day | May 1 |
| Eid al-Fitr | Varies |
| Eid al-Adha | Varies |
| Independence Day | November 28 |
| Liberation Day | November 29 |
| National Youth Day | December 8 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Note: Dates for religious holidays (Easter, Eid) vary each year based on the lunar calendar.
Sick Leave
Employees in Albania are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. To be eligible for sick leave benefits, employees typically need to provide a medical certificate from a licensed physician.
- Entitlement: The duration of sick leave can vary.
- Eligibility: All employees are eligible upon presenting a valid medical certificate.
- Pay: During sick leave, employees typically receive a percentage of their regular salary. The exact percentage and duration of paid sick leave may be determined by law, employment contract, or collective agreement. The employer usually pays for the first few days of sick leave, after which social security covers a portion of the salary.
Parental Leave
Albanian labor law provides for maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support parents in caring for their children.
Maternity Leave
- Entitlement: Mothers are entitled to maternity leave, which typically consists of a period before and after childbirth. The total duration is usually 12 months.
- Pay: During maternity leave, the employee receives a percentage of her salary, typically covered by social security.
- Eligibility: All female employees are eligible from their first day of employment.
Paternity Leave
- Entitlement: Fathers are entitled to a certain number of days of paid paternity leave upon the birth of their child. The exact duration may vary.
- Pay: During paternity leave, the employee receives a percentage of his salary, often covered by social security.
- Eligibility: All male employees are eligible from their first day of employment.
Adoption Leave
- Entitlement: Parents who adopt a child are entitled to adoption leave. The duration of adoption leave may be similar to maternity leave.
- Pay: During adoption leave, the employee receives a percentage of their salary, often covered by social security.
- Eligibility: All adoptive parents are eligible.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, Albanian labor law or company policies may provide for other types of leave, such as:
- Bereavement Leave: Leave granted to employees upon the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Leave granted to employees for educational or training purposes.
- Sabbatical Leave: Extended leave granted to employees for personal or professional development.
- Marriage Leave: Leave granted to employees upon getting married.
The availability and conditions of these other types of leave may vary depending on the employer and the specific circumstances.
