Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in Nicaragua
In Nicaragua, the Nicaraguan Labor Code (Código del Trabajo) governs the vacation leave entitlements for employees.
After six months of continuous employment, employees are entitled to 15 days of paid vacation. This entitlement increases to 30 days of paid leave upon completion of one year of continuous employment.
After the first year of employment, vacation leave continues to accrue based on the length of service. For every six months of continuous employment with their employer, employees are entitled to an additional 15 days of vacation leave.
Entitlements are based on continuous employment with the same employer. If the employer and the employee agree, unused vacation time may be carried over. The employer generally determines when the employee can take their vacation, but they should consider the employee's preferences. Employees must receive full pay for their entitled vacation period.
Nicaragua celebrates a variety of public holidays, which include national holidays, religious observances, and significant historical events.
Nicaragua observes several national holidays throughout the year. These include:
Religious holidays also play a significant role in Nicaragua's public holiday calendar. These include:
In addition to national and religious holidays, Nicaragua also celebrates regional holidays. One of these is the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Festivities in Managua, which takes place in early August. This celebration includes two major days – August 1st (La Bajada del Santo) and August 10th (La Subida del Santo).
The Nicaraguan government issues an official calendar annually, specifying the exact dates of public holidays with variable dates. It's also worth noting that some regional holidays may be primarily observed in specific cities or towns.
Employees are entitled to different types of leave, each with its own set of rules and regulations.
Employees are entitled to 15 days of paid annual leave after completing six months of continuous employment. After one year of service, entitlement increases to 30 days. Leave may accrue throughout the year or be granted in a lump sum. Employers and employees should mutually agree on vacation timing.
Employees are entitled to sick leave from the fourth consecutive day of an illness or injury. For non-work related illnesses, the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS) pays 60% of wages from day four onward, up to a maximum of 26 weeks. Employees with a work-related illness or injury may be eligible for extended sick leave benefits of up to one year. Employees must provide a medical certificate to substantiate their need for sick leave.
Female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave (4 weeks before the expected due date and 8 weeks after). The Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS) pays 60% of the employee's salary, and the employer is responsible for the remaining 40%.
Fathers are entitled to five working days of paid paternity leave following the birth of their child.
While not explicitly defined by law, many companies offer bereavement leave for the death of an employee's close family member.
Some employers may provide study leave or time off for educational purposes.
Employees may generally request periods of unpaid leave, subject to employer approval.
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