Understanding leave entitlements is crucial for employers and employees alike in Latvia. Latvian labor law provides a framework for various types of leave, ensuring employees have adequate time off for rest, family responsibilities, and personal matters. These regulations are designed to promote work-life balance and protect employee well-being. Navigating these policies can be complex, so this guide offers a comprehensive overview of vacation, public holiday, sick leave, parental leave, and other leave options available to employees in Latvia in 2025.
Latvian labor law mandates specific minimum requirements for different types of leave, and employers may offer more generous benefits. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations is essential for compliance and for creating a positive work environment. This information is intended to serve as a general guide and should not be considered legal advice.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Latvia are entitled to annual paid vacation leave. The minimum duration of annual paid leave is four calendar weeks (20 working days), not including public holidays. Employees who have worked for the same employer for less than six months may be granted proportional vacation time. Certain categories of employees, such as those working in hazardous conditions or those with disabilities, may be entitled to extended annual leave.
- Minimum entitlement: 4 calendar weeks (20 working days)
- Eligibility: Generally, all employees are eligible.
- Carryover: Unused vacation days can typically be carried over to the following year, but there are limitations.
- Compensation: Employees receive their average daily earnings for the vacation period.
Public Holidays
Latvia observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a day off with pay on these holidays. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following workday is usually declared a day off. Here is a list of public holidays in Latvia:
| Holiday Name | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Good Friday | Varies |
| Easter Sunday | Varies |
| Easter Monday | Varies |
| Labour Day | May 1 |
| Restoration of Independence Day | May 4 |
| Līgo Day | June 23 |
| Jāņi Day | June 24 |
| Independence Day | November 18 |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Second Day of Christmas | December 26 |
| New Year's Eve | December 31 |
Sick Leave
Employees in Latvia are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness. The employer pays for sick leave from the second to the tenth day of illness. After the tenth day, the State Social Insurance Agency (SSIA) provides sickness benefits.
- Employer responsibility: Pays for sick leave from day 2 to day 10.
- SSIA responsibility: Pays sickness benefits from day 11 onwards.
- Benefit amount: The employer typically pays 75-80% of the employee's average daily earnings for the days they cover. The SSIA benefit amount varies based on the employee's social insurance contributions.
- Notification: Employees must notify their employer of their illness as soon as reasonably possible and provide a medical certificate.
Parental Leave
Latvian law provides for various types of parental leave, including maternity leave, paternity leave, and adoption leave. These leaves are designed to support parents in caring for their children.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave, which typically begins 70 days before the expected delivery date and continues for 56 days after the birth (or 70 days in the case of complications or multiple births). During maternity leave, employees receive a maternity benefit from the SSIA.
- Duration: Typically 126 days (70 days before birth, 56 days after).
- Benefit: Paid by the SSIA.
- Eligibility: All pregnant employees covered by social insurance.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are entitled to 10 calendar days of paternity leave, which must be taken within two months of the child's birth. Fathers receive a paternity benefit from the SSIA during this leave.
- Duration: 10 calendar days.
- Benefit: Paid by the SSIA.
- Timing: Must be taken within two months of the child's birth.
Parental Leave (Childcare Leave)
After maternity leave, either parent is entitled to parental leave until the child reaches the age of two. The parent on parental leave receives a parental benefit from the SSIA.
- Duration: Until the child turns two years old.
- Benefit: Paid by the SSIA.
- Eligibility: Either parent can take this leave.
Adoption Leave
Employees who adopt a child are entitled to adoption leave, which provides time to bond with the child. The duration and benefits are similar to those for parental leave.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to the standard leave types, Latvian law and employer policies may provide for other types of leave:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically entitled to a few days of paid or unpaid leave in the event of the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing education or professional development may be entitled to study leave, either paid or unpaid, depending on the employer's policies and the nature of the studies.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not legally mandated, some employers may offer sabbatical leave for employees to pursue personal or professional development opportunities. The terms of sabbatical leave, including duration and pay, vary by employer.
- Marriage Leave: Employees may be granted one day of paid leave for their wedding day.
