Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements is a critical aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in Slovakia. The Slovak Labour Code sets out the minimum requirements for various types of leave, ensuring employees receive adequate time off for rest, illness, and significant life events. Understanding these regulations is essential for employers to maintain legal compliance and foster a positive working environment.
Employers in Slovakia must adhere to specific rules regarding annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave. These entitlements are designed to protect employee well-being and are legally mandated. Navigating these requirements can be complex, particularly for international companies, making it important to have a clear understanding of the local framework.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Slovakia are entitled to a minimum amount of paid annual leave. The standard entitlement is four weeks (20 working days) per calendar year. However, employees who reach the age of 33 by the end of the calendar year are entitled to five weeks (25 working days) of paid annual leave.
The timing of vacation leave is determined by the employer, taking into account the employee's interests and the operational needs of the company. Employers must inform employees of the planned vacation schedule at least 14 days in advance, unless a shorter period is agreed upon. If an employee does not take their full entitlement within the calendar year, the remaining leave must generally be taken by the end of the following calendar year.
Public Holidays
Slovakia observes a number of public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to paid time off on these days. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to premium pay or compensatory time off, as stipulated by the Labour Code or collective agreements.
Here is a list of public holidays in Slovakia for 2025:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic |
| January 6 | Epiphany (Three Kings) |
| April 18 | Good Friday |
| April 21 | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 8 | Victory Day over Fascism |
| July 5 | St. Cyril and Methodius Day |
| August 29 | Slovak National Uprising Anniversary |
| September 1 | Constitution Day |
| September 15 | Day of Our Lady of Sorrows |
| November 1 | All Saints' Day |
| November 17 | Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | St. Stephen's Day |
Sick Leave
Employees in Slovakia are entitled to sick leave when they are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury, confirmed by a medical certificate. During the initial period of sick leave, the employer is responsible for providing sick pay.
The sick pay system involves both the employer and the social insurance system (Socialna poistovna):
- Days 1-3: The employer pays 25% of the employee's average daily earnings.
- Days 4-10: The employer pays 55% of the employee's average daily earnings.
- From Day 11 onwards: The social insurance system pays sickness benefits, typically 55% of the employee's assessment base, for a maximum period of 52 weeks.
Employees must notify their employer promptly of their absence due to sickness and provide the required medical certificate.
Parental Leave
Slovakia provides comprehensive parental leave entitlements, including maternity leave, paternity leave, and parental leave that can be taken by either parent.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are generally entitled to 34 weeks of maternity leave (37 weeks for single mothers or mothers of multiple births). This leave typically starts 6-8 weeks before the expected delivery date. During maternity leave, eligible individuals receive maternity benefits from the social insurance system, calculated based on their assessment base.
- Paternity Leave: While not a separate, distinct block of leave like maternity leave, fathers can take parental leave after the mother finishes her maternity leave or earlier under specific conditions. Fathers are also entitled to receive parental benefits.
- Parental Leave: After maternity leave concludes, either parent can take parental leave until the child reaches the age of three (or six if the child has a long-term adverse health condition). During parental leave, the state provides a parental allowance, which is a fixed monthly amount, not based on previous earnings. The job position must be held open for the employee returning from parental leave.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the main categories, the Slovak Labour Code also provides for other types of leave for specific circumstances:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are entitled to paid leave for the death of a family member. The duration varies depending on the relationship to the deceased.
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing further education may be granted paid or unpaid leave for study purposes, subject to agreement with the employer and specific conditions outlined in the Labour Code.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not a statutory entitlement for all employees, longer periods of unpaid leave (sabbatical) may be agreed upon between the employer and employee.
- Leave for Personal Obstacles: The Labour Code specifies entitlements to paid leave for various personal reasons, such as attending a wedding, moving house, or accompanying a family member to a medical appointment. The duration for each specific obstacle is defined by law.
