Understanding employment regulations in the Faroe Islands is crucial for businesses looking to expand their operations or hire employees there. Leave entitlements are a key component of these regulations, covering various types of leave such as annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave. Ensuring compliance with these policies is essential for maintaining a positive work environment and adhering to local laws.
This guide provides a detailed overview of vacation and leave policies in the Faroe Islands for 2025. It covers the statutory requirements for annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and other types of leave, offering practical information for employers and employees alike.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in the Faroe Islands are entitled to a minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave per year. This entitlement is based on a standard five-day workweek. The leave year typically runs from May 1st to April 30th of the following year. Employees accrue leave throughout the year, and unused leave may, in some cases, be carried over to the following leave year, subject to agreement with the employer. It is important to note that employers must grant employees the opportunity to take their entitled vacation leave.
Public Holidays
The Faroe Islands observes several public holidays each year. While employees are generally entitled to take these days off, specific regulations regarding pay may vary. Here is a list of public holidays typically observed in the Faroe Islands:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Maundy Thursday | Varies |
| Good Friday | Varies |
| Easter Sunday | Varies |
| Easter Monday | Varies |
| Flag Day | April 25 |
| General Prayer Day | Varies |
| Ascension Day | Varies |
| Whit Sunday | Varies |
| Whit Monday | Varies |
| Ólavsøka (Eve) | July 28 |
| Ólavsøka (Day) | July 29 |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Boxing Day | December 26 |
| New Year's Eve | December 31 |
Note: Dates for holidays that vary (e.g., Easter) will change each year.
Sick Leave
Employees in the Faroe Islands are generally entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. To qualify for sick leave, employees typically need to provide a medical certificate from a doctor. The duration and pay during sick leave can vary based on the employment contract or collective agreement.
Generally, employers are obligated to pay employees their regular salary during sick leave for a certain period. After this period, employees may be entitled to benefits from the social security system. The specific details regarding the duration of paid sick leave and the amount of compensation should be clearly outlined in the employment agreement.
Parental Leave
Parental leave in the Faroe Islands includes maternity leave, paternity leave, and adoption leave, designed to support parents in caring for their newborn or newly adopted children.
Maternity Leave
Mothers are entitled to maternity leave, which typically begins a few weeks before the expected date of childbirth. The total duration of maternity leave is usually around 6 months. During maternity leave, mothers receive financial support, often through a combination of employer contributions and social security benefits.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are entitled to paternity leave following the birth of their child. The duration of paternity leave is generally shorter than maternity leave, often around 2 weeks. Fathers also receive financial support during this period.
Adoption Leave
Parents who adopt a child are also entitled to adoption leave, with similar entitlements to maternity and paternity leave. The duration and benefits for adoption leave are designed to provide parents with the necessary time to bond with their newly adopted child.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, employees in the Faroe Islands may be entitled to other types of leave, depending on their employment contract or collective agreement. These may include:
- Bereavement Leave: Leave granted to employees in the event of the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Leave granted to employees for the purpose of further education or training.
- Sabbatical Leave: Longer periods of leave, often unpaid, granted to employees for personal or professional development.
The availability and terms of these other types of leave can vary significantly, so it is important to consult the specific employment agreement or collective agreement for details.
