How much paid leave am I entitled to?
Yes — at least 20 working days. Under article 155 of the Labour Code every worker is entitled to no fewer than 20 working days of paid annual leave a year. That is the statutory minimum — your contract or a collective agreement may give more, never less. You acquire the right to take the leave after 8 months of employment service. Leave is taken on a schedule agreed with the employer: they can decline particular dates for operational reasons, but they cannot deprive you of the right itself. Some categories of worker are entitled to extended leave. Untaken leave does not automatically vanish at year end, and on termination it is paid out as compensation.
📋 The rules
- Minimum 20 working days of paid annual leave (art. 155)
- The right to take it arises after 8 months of service
- The contract may give more, but never less
- Leave is taken on an agreed schedule
- Some categories are entitled to extended leave
🔓 Exceptions
- Certain professions and open-ended working time — extended leave
- On part-time work the leave is calculated proportionally
- Untaken leave does not simply vanish — a limitation period applies
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This is your right, not a fine against you. An employer who fails to allow paid annual leave breaches the Labour Code and can be sanctioned by the Labour Inspectorate — you can report it anonymously. On termination of the contract you are entitled to a cash payment for untaken leave, calculated on your gross pay; that is the employer's obligation and is not negotiable. Untaken leave does not automatically vanish at the end of the year — it lapses only after a limitation period. The common 'use it by December or lose it' practice is often at odds with the law.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How many days of leave do I get?
At least 20 working days a year under art. 155 of the Labour Code. Your contract or a collective agreement may give more, but never less than that statutory minimum.
When can I take my leave?
The right to take paid annual leave arises after 8 months of employment service. After that, leave is taken on a schedule agreed with the employer — who may decline particular dates, but not deprive you of the right.
Can my employer refuse me leave?
They can decline specific dates for operational reasons, but they cannot deprive you of the right itself. Systematic refusal breaches the Labour Code and is sanctioned by the Labour Inspectorate.
What happens to untaken leave?
It does not automatically vanish at the end of the year. On termination of the contract you are entitled to a cash payment for the untaken paid annual leave, calculated on your gross pay.
How much leave on part-time work?
You are still entitled to paid annual leave, calculated proportionally to the hours worked. The right remains — working part-time is no ground for refusing it.
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