Leave policy in Serbia

Employment laws in Serbia are governed by a set of statutory regulations. This makes compliance with the leave laws a fundamental responsibility for employers, and not just an optional benefit. 

Businesses that are operating in a different country or hiring from another country should follow the locally mandated leave entitlements, even if they breach the company’s internal policies.

In this article, we will discuss the legal framework of Serbia regarding the country’s leave framework. 

Discover how engaging talent through a platform like Payoneer Workforce Management can help you navigate Serbia’s local regulations. 

Vacation & annual leave in Serbia  

According to the Labor Act, employees shall get paid time off in Serbia. 

Employers are required to grant employees a minimum of 20 days of annual leave. This entitlement may be extended by up to 5 additional days, depending on the employer’s policy.

Public holidays

There are 7 main public holidays in Serbia:

• New Year’s Day
• Orthodox Christmas Day
• Statehood Day (Sretenje)
• Labour Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Armistice Day

There are also other holidays that employees are entitled to get on various religious festivals, depending on their faith. 

Sick leave in Serbia  

Employees in Serbia are entitled to take sick leave, during which they receive compensation. The compensation is structured as follows:

• For the first 30 days, sick leave payment is covered by the employer.
• From the 31st day onward, compensation is provided by the state health insurance fund (RFZO).

Maternity leave in Serbia  

Female employees in Serbia are entitled to leave for pregnancy and childbirth, known as maternity leave. The total duration of the leave shall be 12 months.

• Employees must take maternity leave at least 28 days before the date of childbirth.

Paternity leave in Serbia  

In Serbia, employees are entitled to a paternity leave of 5 working days on the birth of a child. 

Other types of leave in Serbia  

There are some other leaves that employees in Serbia are entitled to: 

Compassionate leave: Employees are entitled to compassionate leave for 5 working days for personal reasons, family-related issues, and other serious life events. 

Wedding leave: Employees in Serbia are entitled to 5 leaves on account of a wedding. 

Explore Payoneer Workforce Management in Serbia  

Navigating Serbia’s labor regulations requires employers to be well-versed in compliance aspects like leave laws in Serbia, which include the annual, sick, and maternity leaves. 

Staying compliant with these requirements is essential for effectively managing the workforce.

Partnering with a workforce management platform such as Payoneer Workforce Management can make this process easier by supporting global hiring and workforce administration while keeping you aligned with local laws. Reach out to simplify managing your team in Serbia.

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FAQs

1. What is the minimum number of annual leaves in Serbia?

According to the rules about leave entitlements in Serbia, employees shall get 20 days of annual leave in Serbia. This may be extended up to 5 more days based on the employer’s policy.

2. Can an employee in Serbia take special leave to care for a child with needs?

The leave policy in Serbia mentions that employees can ask for special leave if they have to take care of a child with special needs. 

3. Is maternity leave mandatory before childbirth?

Yes, employees must take maternity leave in Serbia at least 28 days before the date of childbirth. 

4. Is there a leave carry-forward policy in Serbia?

Yes, according to the leave laws in Serbia, employees in Serbia can carry forward unused leave days. These leaves must, however, be utilized by June 30 of the following year.