In Iran, all employees are guaranteed a minimum vacation leave by labor law.

Annual Leave

Every employee is entitled to a full calendar month of paid vacation each year. This includes four Fridays, which are regular paid days off in Iran. If the employment period is less than a year, the number of vacation days is adjusted proportionally based on the actual work months during that year.

Leave for Hazardous Jobs

For those working in difficult or dangerous jobs, they are entitled to five full weeks of paid vacation each year. This exceeds the standard entitlement.

Scheduling Vacation Leave

The vacation leave schedule is determined through a mutual agreement between the employee and their employer. This arrangement allows for flexibility and ensures minimal disruption to workplace operations.

Additional Considerations

Employees have the right to save up to nine days of their annual leave. In situations such as termination, disability, or redundancies, employers are required to compensate employees for any accrued leave.

Iran celebrates a mix of national and religious holidays throughout the year.

National Holidays

Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, is celebrated on the first day of spring, usually around March 21st. This is the most important national holiday in Iran, with festivities lasting for thirteen days. Government offices and most businesses are closed during this period.

The Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution is another national holiday that falls on February 11th. It commemorates the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Government offices and public institutions typically close for this occasion.

The Nationalization of the Iranian Oil Industry day is observed on March 20th. This day marks the nationalization of Iran's oil industry in 1951. While not always a complete shutdown, government offices and some businesses may observe reduced hours.

Religious Holidays (Hijri Calendar)

Iran follows the Lunar Islamic calendar, so the dates of religious holidays vary each year. Some prominent religious holidays include:

Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son.

Ashura is a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

Al-Quds Day is observed on the last Friday of Ramadan. This day expresses solidarity with the Palestinians and their claim to Jerusalem (Al-Quds).

Due to the lunar Islamic calendar, the exact dates for religious holidays can only be confirmed closer to the time of observance.

Iranian labor law offers various leave entitlements to employees, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Here's a breakdown of the key leave provisions:

Paid Leave

• Annual Leave: The cornerstone of paid leave in Iran is the one-month entitlement of paid annual vacation. This includes four Fridays, considered regular paid days off. For employment periods less than a year, the leave is prorated based on the months worked.

• Leave for Hazardous Jobs: Recognizing the demands of specific professions, Iranian law grants extended paid leave for those in difficult or hazardous jobs. These employees are entitled to five full weeks of paid vacation each year, exceeding the standard entitlement.

Special Leave Provisions

• Sick Leave: Iranian labor law doesn't explicitly mention sick leave, but regulations typically allow for a reasonable amount of unpaid sick leave with a doctor's note.

• Maternity Leave: Mothers are entitled to three months of paid maternity leave after childbirth. They can also extend this leave by up to two more months without pay, with employer approval.

• Paternity Leave: Fathers are granted three days of paid leave upon the birth of a child.

• Bereavement Leave: Employees are entitled to three days of paid leave in case of the death of a spouse, parent, or child.

• Special Leave for Pilgrimage: A unique provision allows Muslim employees to take one full month of paid leave or one month of unpaid leave once in their lifetime to perform the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

It's always advisable to consult the latest Iranian labor laws or seek guidance from a qualified professional for the most up-to-date information on leave entitlements.