In North Macedonia, the Law on Labor Relations stipulates that all employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave per year. This entitlement comes into effect after six months of continuous employment with the same employer.

Additional Leave Based on Seniority

The length of service with the company can earn employees additional vacation days. After 5 years of service, an employee is entitled to 1 additional day, and after 10 years of service, they receive 2 additional days. This increment continues until it reaches a maximum of 26 days for those who have served 30 or more years.

Vacation Leave Usage

Vacation days are not affected by public holidays, non-working Saturdays and Sundays, sick leave, and other valid absences. The employer and employee can mutually agree on how to split the vacation leave throughout the year. However, the employer must allow at least two consecutive weeks of vacation time within the calendar year. Any unused vacation days must be utilized by June 30th of the following calendar year.

Compensation During Vacation

During the vacation leave, employees are entitled to their average salary, which is calculated based on the previous 12 months.

In North Macedonia, the calendar year begins with the celebration of New Year's Day on January 1 and 2. This is followed by Orthodox Christmas Day on January 7, a major religious holiday for the Orthodox Christian community. The date for Orthodox Easter Monday varies each year, but it always falls on the Monday following Orthodox Easter Sunday.

Labour Day is observed on May 1, celebrating the contributions of workers and the labor movement. On May 5, Macedonian Language Day commemorates the codification of the Macedonian alphabet in 1945. Saints Cyril and Methodius Day on May 24 honors the creators of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets, which are central to Slavic cultures.

Republic Day is celebrated on August 2, commemorating both the Ilinden Uprising of 1903 and the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia in the aftermath of World War II. Independence Day on September 8 marks the 1991 referendum in which citizens voted for independence from Yugoslavia. The Day of the Macedonian Uprising on October 11 commemorates the beginning of the 1941 uprising against Axis occupation during World War II.

Religious Holidays

In addition to the national holidays, North Macedonia's diverse population also observes various religious holidays.

Orthodox Christian

Orthodox Christians observe variable dates for Orthodox Easter, Good Friday, and other significant dates.

Muslim

Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.

Other Religious Communities

Members of other religious communities may also observe their own specific holidays.

Employees are entitled to a variety of leave types, each with its own specific rules and regulations.

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave per year. This entitlement can increase to a maximum of 26 days based on the employee's length of service with the company. Leave accrues throughout the year, with employees earning the right to annual leave after six months of continuous service. Unused leave can be carried over to the following year, but must be used by June 30th.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to unlimited sick leave. The employer pays for the first 30 days of sick leave. After that, the Health Insurance Fund takes over payment. Employees must provide a medical certificate to justify their absence for sick leave.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 9 months of paid maternity leave. Employers cannot terminate a female employee's employment during pregnancy or maternity leave.

Paternity Leave

Male employees are entitled to 7 days of paid paternity leave following the birth of their child.

Bereavement Leave

Employees are entitled to paid bereavement leave in the event of the death of a close family member. This includes 7 days for the death of a spouse, child, or parent and 3 days for the death of a sibling, grandparent, or in-laws.

Other Types of Leave

Employees are entitled to 3 days of paid leave for their own marriage. They are also entitled to paid leave for taking professional exams related to their job. Employees are entitled to unpaid leave for mandatory military service and are entitled to time off to vote in elections.