Monaco, while small, has specific regulations regarding vacation and leave that employers must adhere to. These regulations are designed to protect employees and ensure a fair work-life balance. Understanding these requirements is crucial for businesses operating in Monaco, whether they are local or international. Navigating the intricacies of Monegasque labor law can be simplified by partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) service, which can ensure compliance and handle the administrative burdens associated with managing employee leave.
This guide outlines the key aspects of vacation and leave policies in Monaco for 2025, covering annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and other types of permissible leave.
Annual Vacation Leave
In Monaco, employees are entitled to paid annual leave. The standard entitlement is typically 25 working days of vacation per year. This translates to roughly five weeks of paid time off, excluding public holidays.
- Entitlement: 25 working days per year
- Accrual: Leave is generally accrued throughout the year.
- Carryover: Specific rules apply to carrying over unused leave into the following year, and it's advisable to consult the current labor laws or an EOR service for precise details.
- Payment: Employees must receive their regular salary during their vacation period.
Public Holidays
Monaco observes several public holidays each year. These holidays are typically paid days off for employees. The specific dates may vary slightly from year to year. Here is a list of public holidays typically observed in Monaco:
| Holiday Name | Date (Typical) |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Saint Dévote | January 27 |
| Easter Monday | Varies |
| Labour Day | May 1 |
| Ascension Day | Varies |
| Whit Monday | Varies |
| Corpus Christi | Varies |
| Assumption Day | August 15 |
| All Saints' Day | November 1 |
| National Day | November 19 |
| Immaculate Conception | December 8 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Sick Leave
Employees in Monaco are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness. To qualify for sick leave, an employee typically needs to provide a medical certificate from a licensed physician.
- Notification: Employees must notify their employer of their illness promptly, usually within a specified timeframe (e.g., 48 hours).
- Medical Certificate: A medical certificate is required to validate the sick leave.
- Compensation: The amount of compensation during sick leave can vary. It is often a percentage of the employee's regular salary and may depend on the length of service. Specific details should be outlined in the employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.
- Duration: The duration of paid sick leave can also vary, often depending on the employee's length of service.
Parental Leave
Monaco provides for both maternity and paternity leave to support new parents. Adoption leave is also available.
Maternity Leave
- Duration: Typically, maternity leave consists of several weeks before and after the birth of the child. The exact duration may be specified in Monegasque labor law.
- Pay: During maternity leave, employees are usually entitled to a percentage of their regular salary. Social security or other government programs often cover this.
- Eligibility: Eligibility requirements may include a minimum period of employment.
Paternity Leave
- Duration: Paternity leave is generally shorter than maternity leave.
- Pay: Similar to maternity leave, employees on paternity leave are usually entitled to a percentage of their regular salary.
- Eligibility: Eligibility requirements may apply.
Adoption Leave
- Entitlement: Adoption leave is available for employees who adopt a child. The specific duration and conditions are defined by law.
- Pay: Adoptive parents are typically entitled to a percentage of their regular salary during adoption leave.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, employees in Monaco may be entitled to other types of leave, depending on their employment contract, collective bargaining agreement, or specific circumstances.
- Bereavement Leave: Leave granted in the event of the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Leave for educational or professional development purposes.
- Sabbatical Leave: Longer-term leave for personal or professional development, typically unpaid.
- Special Leave: Leave for specific events such as marriage or civil partnership.
