Holiday leave
In Montenegro, employees are granted the right to paid annual vacation leave according to labor laws.
Minimum Annual Leave
Employees who work a standard workweek are entitled to at least 20 working days of paid annual leave. However, for those who work a 6-day week, the minimum vacation leave increases to 24 days.
Accrual of Leave
Vacation leave is accrued on a monthly basis. This means that employees earn approximately 1.66 vacation days each month.
Usage and Carry-Over
Employees are required to use at least 10 days of their vacation leave within the current calendar year. Any remaining unused vacation days can be carried forward to the next year. However, these carried over days must be used before June 30th of the following year, otherwise, they will be forfeited.
Additional Leave Entitlement
There are also provisions for additional leave days under certain circumstances. For instance, employees under the age of 18 are entitled to longer periods of annual leave. Additionally, if an employee's job involves difficult or hazardous working conditions that result in reduced full-time working hours (from 40 to 36 per week), they are entitled to 30 working days of annual leave.
Public holidays
In Montenegro, the New Year's holidays are celebrated on January 1st and 2nd. This is a national holiday observed by the entire country.
Orthodox Christmas Holidays
The Orthodox Christmas holidays are observed on January 6th and 7th. This is a religious holiday celebrated by followers of Orthodox Christianity.
Labour Day
Labour Day, also known as May Day, is observed on May 1st and 2nd. This is an international observance recognized by many countries around the world.
Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated on May 21st and 22nd. This national holiday commemorates the 2006 independence referendum.
Statehood Day
Statehood Day is observed on July 13th and 14th. This national holiday marks the country's recognition as a sovereign state in 1878.
Other Religious Holidays
Montenegro also recognizes several religious holidays from different faiths that are observed by portions of the population. These include Orthodox Good Friday and Easter Monday, the dates of which vary based on the Orthodox calendar, and Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the dates of which vary based on the Islamic calendar. Specific dates of religious holidays change annually, so it's recommended to refer to an updated calendar for accurate information.
Types of leave
In Montenegro, the Labor Law guarantees employees various types of leave.
Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave per calendar year. For those working six days per week, the minimum is 24 working days. Leave is accrued throughout the year, with approximately 1.66 days earned per month. At least 10 days must be used within the current calendar year. Unused days can be carried over to the next year but must be used before June 30th.
Sick Leave
In case of illness or injury, employees are entitled to paid sick leave. The employer covers 70% of the employee's salary for up to 60 days of sick leave. After that, remuneration is provided through the Health Fund. Sick leave requires a doctor's note.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to 365 days of maternity leave. They have the option to begin leave up to 45 days before the expected birth date and no later than 28 days beforehand. At least 45 days must be taken after childbirth. Employees receive their full salary during maternity leave.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are entitled to 10 working days of paid paternity leave following the birth of their child. This is usually included as part of parental leave.
Other Types of Leave
Employees are entitled to 7 working days off for their own marriage. Bereavement leave is granted in case of the death of an immediate family member. Unpaid leave can be requested at the employer's discretion. Educational leave is available for employees furthering their education.