Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a critical aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction for businesses operating in North Macedonia. Understanding the statutory requirements for various types of leave, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, is essential for smooth operations and adherence to local labor laws. Employers must ensure their policies align with the minimum standards set by the Labor Law of North Macedonia to avoid potential legal issues and maintain fair treatment of their workforce.
Navigating these regulations can be complex, especially for international companies. This guide provides an overview of the key leave entitlements employees in North Macedonia are typically entitled to, helping employers understand their obligations for the year 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in North Macedonia are entitled to a minimum amount of paid annual leave. The specific duration can vary based on factors such as length of service, working conditions, and collective agreements, but a statutory minimum is established.
- Minimum Entitlement: The minimum duration of annual leave is 20 working days per calendar year.
- Maximum Entitlement: The maximum duration of annual leave is 26 working days per calendar year.
- Increased Entitlement: The duration of annual leave can be increased based on criteria such as length of service, complexity of work, working conditions, and age, as defined by law, collective agreements, or the employment contract.
- Usage: Annual leave is generally taken in one continuous period, but it can be split into parts with the employee's consent. One part must be at least 12 working days.
- Carry Over: Generally, annual leave must be used within the calendar year. However, unused leave from the previous year can typically be carried over and used by a specific date in the following year (often by June 30th), provided at least 12 days were used in the previous year.
| Leave Type | Minimum Entitlement | Maximum Entitlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vacation | 20 working days | 26 working days | Can be increased based on various factors |
Public Holidays
North Macedonia observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these holidays. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is often observed as a non-working day. Specific religious holidays also grant additional non-working days for employees belonging to certain religious communities.
Here are the expected public holidays for 2025:
| Date | Holiday Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day | |
| January 7 | Christmas (Orthodox) | |
| April 21 | Easter Monday (Orthodox) | Date varies annually |
| May 1 | Labour Day | |
| May 24 | Saints Cyril and Methodius Day | Day of the Macedonian Enlightenment and the All-Slavonic Educators |
| August 2 | Republic Day | |
| September 8 | Independence Day | |
| October 11 | Day of the Macedonian Uprising | |
| October 23 | Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle | |
| December 8 | Saint Clement of Ohrid Day |
Note: Specific religious holidays for different communities (e.g., Eid al-Fitr, Yom Kippur, Catholic Christmas) also provide non-working days for adherents, with dates varying annually.
Sick Leave Policies and Pay
Employees in North Macedonia are entitled to paid sick leave in case of illness or injury that prevents them from working.
- Entitlement: Employees are entitled to sick leave for the duration of their incapacity for work, as certified by a medical professional.
- Payment:
- For the first 30 days of absence due to illness or injury, the employer is responsible for paying compensation. The compensation rate is typically 80% of the employee's average salary from the previous 12 months.
- For absences exceeding 30 days, compensation is paid by the Health Insurance Fund of North Macedonia. The rate is also typically 80% of the average salary, but specific regulations and conditions apply.
- Documentation: Employees must provide a medical certificate from a licensed healthcare provider to justify their absence due to illness or injury.
| Duration of Sick Leave | Payer | Compensation Rate (typically) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 days | Employer | 80% of average salary |
| Exceeding 30 days | Health Insurance Fund | 80% of average salary |
Parental Leave
North Macedonian law provides for various types of parental leave, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, to support new parents.
- Maternity Leave:
- Duration: Female employees are entitled to 9 months of continuous maternity leave. In case of multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.), the entitlement is extended to 12 months.
- Usage: Maternity leave can start 45 days before the expected date of birth, but no later than 28 days before.
- Payment: Compensation during maternity leave is paid by the Health Insurance Fund, typically at a rate of 100% of the employee's average salary from the previous 12 months.
- Paternity Leave:
- Duration: The father is entitled to 7 working days of paid leave upon the birth of a child.
- Payment: Paid by the employer.
- Adoption Leave:
- Duration: An employee who adopts a child under the age of 5 is entitled to adoption leave. The duration is typically 9 months from the date the child is placed in the family, or 12 months in case of multiple adoptions.
- Payment: Compensation is paid by the Health Insurance Fund, similar to maternity leave.
| Leave Type | Entitlement Duration | Payer | Compensation Rate (typically) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leave | 9 months (12 months for multiple births) | Health Insurance Fund | 100% of average salary |
| Paternity Leave | 7 working days | Employer | Paid |
| Adoption Leave | 9 months (12 months for multiple adoptions) for child under 5 | Health Insurance Fund | 100% of average salary |
Other Types of Leave
In addition to the main categories, employees in North Macedonia may be entitled to other types of paid or unpaid leave for specific personal circumstances. These are often regulated by the Labor Law, collective agreements, or internal company policies.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically entitled to paid leave in case of the death of a close family member (e.g., spouse, parent, child, sibling). The standard entitlement is usually 7 working days.
- Marriage Leave: Employees are often entitled to paid leave for their own marriage, typically 7 working days.
- Moving Leave: Employees may be entitled to paid leave for moving their household, typically 2 working days.
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing education may be entitled to paid or unpaid leave for exams or other study-related activities, as defined by law or collective agreements.
- Unpaid Leave: Employees may request unpaid leave for personal reasons, subject to employer approval and potentially regulated by collective agreements. The duration and conditions are typically agreed upon between the employer and employee.
