In Latvia, every worker is entitled to a minimum of four calendar weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave per year, irrespective of their employment status, be it part-time or full-time. The eligibility for vacation leave is established after the completion of at least six months of continuous service with the employer. The vacation days are accrued throughout the year and employees may, in agreement with their employer, take vacation leave before the entire amount is accrued.

Scheduling and Carryover

The timing of vacation leave is a mutual agreement between employers and employees. Employers are expected to consider employee preferences when creating vacation schedules. With a written agreement between the employee and the employer, up to two weeks of unused vacation leave can be carried over to the next calendar year.

Additional Vacation Leave

There are certain situations where employees in Latvia may be entitled to additional vacation days beyond the standard four weeks. Employees working in jobs with associated hazards or risks are entitled to 3 extra days of paid leave per year. Workers who are raising three or more children under the age of 16, or a disabled child, are entitled to 3 extra days of paid leave per year. Workers under the age of 18 are entitled to a full month of annual paid leave.

Vacation Pay and Uninterrupted Leave

During their time on vacation leave, employees must be paid their regular rate of pay. They may not receive additional compensation in place of vacation time, except when employment is terminated. Employers are required to grant at least two consecutive calendar weeks of uninterrupted vacation leave as part of an employee's annual leave entitlement.

Latvia celebrates a mix of traditional Christian holidays, important historical dates, and unique cultural festivals. Here's a breakdown of the national public holidays:

New Year's Day (Jaunais Gads)

• Date: January 1st

Good Friday (Lielā Piektdiena)

• Date: Varies (Friday before Easter Sunday)
• Significance: A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday (Lieldienas)

• Date: Varies (First Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox)
• Significance: A Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter Monday (Otrās Lieldienas)

• Date: Varies (Monday following Easter Sunday)

Labour Day (Darba svētki)

• Date: May 1st

Restoration of Independence Day (Latvijas Republikas Neatkarības atjaunošanas diena)

• Date: May 4th
• Significance: Commemorates Latvia's declaration of renewed independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.

Līgo (Midsummer Eve)

• Date: June 23rd
• Significance: Ancient pagan celebration of the summer solstice.

Jāņi (Saint John's Day)

• Date: June 24th
• Significance: A continuation of summer solstice celebrations deeply connected to Latvian identity.

Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republikas proklamēšanas diena)

• Date: November 18th
• Significance: Celebrates Latvia's original declaration of independence in 1918.

Christmas Eve (Ziemassvētku vakars)

• Date: December 24th

Christmas (Ziemassvētki)

• Date: December 25th and 26th
• Significance: Christian holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ.

New Year's Eve (Vecgada vakars)

• Date: December 31st

If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is usually observed as a substitute holiday.

Employees are entitled to various types of leave, each with its own set of rules and regulations.

Annual Leave (Paid Vacation)

Employees are entitled to at least four calendar weeks of paid annual leave, excluding public holidays. Leave is accrued throughout the year, and employees may be entitled to take part of their leave after working for at least six consecutive months. Employers must consider the employee's wishes when scheduling annual leave. One part of the annual leave must be at least two uninterrupted calendar weeks. Special provisions apply for employees under 18, those in hazardous positions, or those with three or more children (or a disabled child) who may receive additional leave.

Sick Leave

Employees with at least one month of employment are entitled to sick leave. Compensation varies depending on the duration of the sickness. For the first three days, the employer pays 75% of the average salary, for days 4-10, the employer pays 80% of the average salary. After 10 days, the State Social Insurance Agency provides benefits for up to 52 weeks.

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Maternity leave consists of 56 days of prenatal leave and 56 days of postnatal leave, extendible to 70 days postnatal in the case of multiple births. Fathers are entitled to 10 calendar days of paid paternity leave following the birth of the child.

Parental Leave (Childcare Leave)

Either parent is entitled to take partially paid parental leave until the child reaches the age of 18 months. The parent receives a monthly benefit while on leave. Unpaid parental leave for up to an additional year may be granted.

Bereavement Leave

Employees are granted up to three days of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member.

Other Types of Leave

There are also provisions for study leave, military leave, and voting leave. Employees may be entitled to leave for educational purposes. Employees are also entitled to leave for mandatory military service and to time off for voting.