Understanding leave entitlements is crucial for businesses operating in Georgia. While Georgian labor law mandates certain types of leave, such as maternity leave and leave for specific public holidays, other forms of leave, like annual vacation and sick leave, are generally left to the discretion of the employer. This means that companies have considerable flexibility in designing their leave policies to attract and retain talent, while also ensuring compliance with the minimum legal requirements.
Navigating the nuances of Georgian leave regulations requires careful attention to detail. Employers must be aware of mandatory leave types and their specific requirements, as well as the common practices for discretionary leave that can help them create competitive and attractive employment packages. This guide provides an overview of the key aspects of vacation, holiday, sick, parental, and other types of leave in Georgia for 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
In Georgia, there is no statutory requirement for employers to provide paid annual vacation leave. However, it is a common practice for employers to offer vacation time as part of their employee benefits package. The amount of vacation time offered can vary depending on the company, industry, and the employee's position and tenure.
- Typical Vacation Time: While not legally mandated, many companies offer between 15 to 24 working days of paid vacation per year.
- Accrual: Vacation time may be accrued over time, often based on the number of months worked.
- Company Policy: The specifics of vacation leave, including eligibility, accrual rates, and usage rules, are typically outlined in the company's internal policies or employment contracts.
Public Holidays and Observances
Georgia observes several public holidays each year. Employees are generally entitled to take these days off work. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is not typically moved to another day.
Here is a list of public holidays in Georgia for 2025:
| Holiday Name | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1-2 |
| Orthodox Christmas | January 7 |
| Baptism Day | January 19 |
| Mother's Day | March 3 |
| International Women's Day | March 8 |
| National Unity Day | April 9 |
| Holy Friday | Date varies |
| Holy Saturday | Date varies |
| Easter Sunday | Date varies |
| Easter Monday | Date varies |
| Victory Day over Fascism | May 9 |
| St. Andrew the First-Called Day | May 12 |
| Independence Day | May 26 |
| St. Mary's Day | August 28 |
| Svetitskhoveli (Day of Georgian Church) | October 14 |
| St. George's Day | November 23 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Sick Leave
Georgian labor law does not mandate employers to provide paid sick leave. The provision of sick leave, whether paid or unpaid, is at the discretion of the employer.
- Company Policy: Companies that offer sick leave usually define the terms and conditions in their internal policies. This includes the amount of sick leave available, whether it is paid or unpaid, and any requirements for documentation, such as a doctor's note.
- Typical Practices: Some employers may offer a certain number of paid sick days per year, while others may provide unpaid sick leave. The amount of leave can vary based on factors like job role and length of service.
- Short-Term Disability: In some cases, employees may be eligible for short-term disability benefits through insurance or government programs if they are unable to work due to illness or injury for an extended period.
Parental Leave
Georgian labor law provides for maternity leave. Both parents are entitled to certain leave benefits.
Maternity Leave
- Entitlement: Female employees are entitled to maternity leave.
- Duration: The duration of maternity leave is 730 calendar days. This leave is typically divided into prenatal and postnatal periods.
- Pay: The state social insurance covers a portion of the salary during maternity leave. The benefit is calculated based on the employee's insured income.
Paternity Leave
- Entitlement: Fathers are entitled to paternity leave upon the birth of a child.
- Duration: The duration of paternity leave is 2 weeks.
- Pay: The specifics regarding pay during paternity leave may vary depending on the employer's policies.
Adoption Leave
- Entitlement: Individuals who adopt a child are entitled to adoption leave.
- Duration: The duration of adoption leave is similar to maternity leave, aimed at providing time for bonding and care.
- Pay: The specifics regarding pay during adoption leave may vary depending on the employer's policies and any applicable social insurance benefits.
Other Types of Leave
While not legally required, employers may offer other types of leave as part of their benefits package. These can include:
- Bereavement Leave: Leave granted to employees upon the death of a close family member. The duration and pay may vary.
- Study Leave: Leave granted to employees for educational purposes, such as attending courses or taking exams. This may be paid or unpaid.
- Sabbatical Leave: Extended leave granted to employees, typically for professional development or personal pursuits. Sabbaticals are usually unpaid and may be offered to long-term employees.
- Other Personal Leave: Employers may offer a certain number of days for personal leave, which employees can use for various reasons.
