Estonian labor law establishes clear regulations regarding working time to ensure employee well-being and fair treatment. These rules govern the maximum duration of work, mandatory rest periods, and compensation for work performed outside of standard hours. Employers operating in Estonia must adhere strictly to these requirements to maintain compliance and foster a healthy working environment.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses employing staff in Estonia, whether directly or through an Employer of Record. Compliance involves not only knowing the rules but also implementing proper procedures for scheduling, compensating, and recording working hours. The following sections detail the key aspects of working time and overtime in Estonia as they apply in 2025.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek Structure
The standard full-time working time in Estonia is 40 hours per week. This is typically distributed over five working days, resulting in an 8-hour workday. However, working time can be organized differently based on agreements or the nature of the work, provided the average working time over a reference period (usually up to four months) does not exceed 40 hours per week. For employees working under particularly stressful conditions or with specific health considerations, the standard working time may be shorter, such as 7 hours per day or 35 hours per week, as stipulated by law or collective agreement.
- Maximum Weekly Hours (averaged): 40 hours
- Typical Daily Hours: 8 hours
- Reference Period for Averaging: Up to 4 months (can be longer by collective agreement)
Overtime Regulations and Compensation Requirements
Overtime is defined as work performed in excess of the agreed working time. Overtime is generally permitted only with the employee's agreement. There are limits on the amount of overtime that can be worked.
- Maximum Overtime: Working time, including overtime, must not exceed an average of 48 hours per week over a reference period of up to four months. This limit can be extended to an average of 52 hours per week over a reference period of up to 12 months by collective agreement, provided the employee gives written consent.
Compensation for overtime is mandated by law. Overtime must be compensated either by providing equivalent paid rest time or by paying a higher wage rate.
| Overtime Compensation Method | Rate |
|---|---|
| Paid Rest Time | Equivalent to the overtime worked |
| Monetary Compensation | At least 1.5 times the employee's regular wage rate |
The specific method of compensation (rest time or monetary) should be agreed upon between the employer and the employee.
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Estonian law guarantees employees specific rest periods to ensure adequate recovery. These include daily rest, weekly rest, and breaks during the workday.
- Breaks During Workday: Employees are entitled to a break for rest and eating if their working time exceeds 6 hours. This break must last at least 30 minutes and is not included in working time unless the nature of the work prevents the employee from leaving the workplace and the employer provides conditions for rest and eating at the workplace.
- Daily Rest Period: Employees are entitled to an uninterrupted daily rest period of at least 11 hours within a 24-hour period.
- Weekly Rest Period: Employees are entitled to an uninterrupted weekly rest period of at least 48 hours. If working time is averaged over a reference period, the weekly rest period can be reduced to 36 hours, provided the employee is granted longer rest periods during the reference period to compensate.
| Rest Period Type | Minimum Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Break (work > 6h) | 30 minutes | Not included in working time unless specific conditions met |
| Daily Rest | 11 hours | Uninterrupted, within 24 hours |
| Weekly Rest | 48 hours | Can be 36 hours with averaging and compensation within reference period |
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Work performed at night or on weekends may be subject to specific regulations or compensation requirements.
- Night Work: Night time is defined as the period between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Employees who regularly work at night (at least 3 hours of their daily working time or at least one-third of their annual working time falls within the night period) are considered night workers. The average working time for night workers must not exceed 8 hours per 24-hour period over a reference period of up to four months. Night work is generally prohibited for pregnant employees, employees raising a child under three years of age, and employees with disabilities, unless they consent and a medical certificate confirms it is safe.
- Weekend Work: Work on weekends (typically Saturday and Sunday) is permitted based on agreement. Work performed on a public holiday must be compensated at double the regular wage rate or by providing equivalent paid rest time. While there is no mandatory higher rate for standard weekend work that is part of the employee's regular schedule (e.g., shift work), any work performed on a weekend that constitutes overtime must be compensated at the overtime rate (1.5x).
Working Time Recording Obligations for Employers
Employers in Estonia have a legal obligation to accurately record the working time of their employees. This record-keeping is essential for ensuring compliance with working time limits, rest period entitlements, and correct calculation of wages, including overtime pay.
- Requirement: Employers must maintain records of the working time of each employee.
- Content: Records should show the start and end times of work, breaks (if included in working time), and any overtime worked.
- Purpose: These records serve as proof of compliance with labor law requirements and are necessary for wage calculation and potential labor inspections.
- Accessibility: Records should be accessible to the employee upon request.
Maintaining precise and transparent working time records is a fundamental responsibility for employers and a key aspect of managing employment relationships in Estonia compliantly.
