Navigating vacation and leave policies is crucial for businesses operating in Croatia. Croatian labor law provides a framework of minimum standards for various types of leave, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave. Understanding these regulations ensures compliance and helps create a supportive work environment for employees. This guide outlines the key aspects of Croatian leave policies for 2025, offering a clear overview for employers.
Annual Vacation Leave
Croatian employees are entitled to paid annual vacation leave. The minimum statutory entitlement is four weeks (20 working days) per year. Collective agreements or employment contracts may provide for longer periods of annual leave.
- Minimum Entitlement: 4 weeks (20 working days)
- Accrual: Employees accrue vacation leave throughout the year.
- Usage: Vacation leave must generally be taken in the calendar year it is accrued, although arrangements can be made to transfer a portion of the leave to the following year under certain conditions.
- Carryover: A portion of the annual leave can be carried over to the next year, but this is subject to specific limitations defined by law or collective agreements.
- Payment: Employees are entitled to their regular salary during periods of annual leave.
Public Holidays
Croatia observes several public holidays each year. Employees are generally entitled to a day off with pay on these holidays. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it typically does not result in an additional day off.
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Epiphany | January 6 |
| Easter Sunday | Varies |
| Easter Monday | Varies |
| Labour Day | May 1 |
| Corpus Christi | Varies |
| Anti-Fascist Struggle Day | June 22 |
| Statehood Day | June 25 |
| Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Day of Croatian Defenders | August 5 |
| Assumption Day | August 15 |
| All Saints' Day | November 1 |
| Remembrance Day | November 18 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| St. Stephen's Day | December 26 |
Sick Leave
Employees in Croatia are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Eligibility: Employees are eligible for sick leave from their first day of employment.
- Duration: The duration of paid sick leave can vary.
- Compensation: During sick leave, employees typically receive compensation, which is usually a percentage of their regular salary. The exact percentage and duration of payment depend on the reason for the sick leave and the applicable regulations.
- Employer Responsibility: During the first 42 days of sick leave, the employer typically pays the employee's salary. After 42 days, the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) usually takes over the payment.
- Medical Certificate: Employees are required to provide a medical certificate from a doctor to verify their illness.
Parental Leave
Croatian law provides for various types of parental leave, including maternity leave, paternity leave, and adoption leave.
Maternity Leave
- Entitlement: Mothers are entitled to maternity leave, which typically begins 28 days before the expected date of delivery and lasts until the child is six months old.
- Duration: The total duration of maternity leave is usually around 6 months.
- Compensation: During maternity leave, mothers receive compensation, typically a percentage of their regular salary, paid by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO).
- Additional Leave: After the initial 6 months, parents are entitled to additional parental leave, which can be used by either parent.
Paternity Leave
- Entitlement: Fathers are entitled to paternity leave.
- Duration: The duration of paternity leave is specified by law and has been increasing in recent years to align with EU directives.
- Compensation: Fathers receive compensation during paternity leave, usually a percentage of their regular salary, paid by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO).
Parental Leave (Additional)
- Entitlement: After maternity leave, parents are entitled to additional parental leave, which can be used by either parent until the child is 8 years old.
- Duration: The duration of additional parental leave depends on the number of children.
- Compensation: During additional parental leave, parents receive compensation, typically a percentage of their regular salary, paid by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO).
Adoption Leave
- Entitlement: Adoptive parents are entitled to adoption leave.
- Duration: The duration of adoption leave is similar to maternity leave, allowing adoptive parents time to bond with their child.
- Compensation: Adoptive parents receive compensation during adoption leave, typically a percentage of their regular salary.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, Croatian law and employer practices may provide for other types of leave.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically entitled to bereavement leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration of bereavement leave is usually specified in collective agreements or company policies.
- Study Leave: Employees may be granted study leave for educational purposes, such as attending courses or taking exams. The terms of study leave, including whether it is paid or unpaid, vary depending on the employer and the specific circumstances.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not legally mandated, some employers may offer sabbatical leave to employees for personal or professional development. The terms of sabbatical leave, including duration and compensation, are typically determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Marriage Leave: Employees are often granted a few days of paid leave when they get married. The exact duration may vary.
- Jury Duty: Employees are entitled to take leave for jury duty.
- Military Service: Employees are entitled to leave for mandatory military service or training.
