Holiday leave
In French Polynesia, the Labor Code stipulates that every employee is entitled to 2.5 working days of paid vacation leave for each month of work. This translates to 30 working days, or 5 weeks, per year for full-time employees.
The accumulation of vacation leave occurs throughout the year, and it is not permissible for employers to force employees to take it before it has been accrued. The scheduling of vacation leave is typically determined through a mutual agreement between the employer and the employee. To ensure both parties have sufficient time to prepare, the Labor Code sets certain rules for scheduling notice periods.
Payment During Leave
During vacation leave periods, employees are entitled to receive their regular salary.
Unused Leave
As a general rule, unused leave should be taken within the current leave year. However, under certain circumstances, accrued leave can be carried forward or paid out in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Labor Code.
Public holidays
French Polynesia, a collection of islands in the South Pacific, observes a blend of French national holidays and locally significant dates. The official public holidays celebrated in this region are as follows:
New Year's Day
This holiday is celebrated on January 1st, marking the start of the new year.
Gospel Day
Gospel Day is a local holiday observed on March 5th.
Good Friday
The date for Good Friday varies each year, falling in either March or April.
Easter Monday
Like Good Friday, Easter Monday also has a variable date in March or April.
Labor Day
Labor Day is celebrated on May 1st.
Victory Day
Victory Day is observed on May 8th.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is another holiday with a variable date, typically falling in May.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, has a variable date in May or June.
Autonomy Day
Autonomy Day is a local holiday celebrated on June 29th.
Bastille Day/National Day
Bastille Day, also known as the National Day, is celebrated on July 14th.
Assumption Day
Assumption Day is observed on August 15th.
All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day is celebrated on November 1st.
Armistice Day
Armistice Day is observed on November 11th.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th.
Types of leave
Employees accrue 2.5 working days of paid annual leave for each month of work, resulting in 30 working days (5 weeks) per year for full-time employees. This leave is intended for rest, relaxation, and personal purposes. The employer and employee should mutually agree upon the timing, with respect to notice periods outlined in the Labor Code.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave upon providing a medical certificate. The duration and compensation depend on seniority and relevant provisions of the French Polynesia Labor Code.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to a period of maternity leave, typically divided into prenatal and postnatal periods. The duration is stipulated by the French Polynesia Labor Code and social security regulations.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are entitled to a short period of paternity leave around the time of a child's birth. The exact duration is outlined in the French Polynesia Labor Code.
Parental Leave
Eligible parents may request unpaid parental leave to care for a young child. Specific conditions and durations are governed by the French Polynesia Labor Code.
Other Types of Leave
Bereavement Leave
Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave following the death of a close family member.
Sabbatical Leave
Unpaid sabbaticals may be possible by agreement between the employer and employee.