Leave Laws
Last updated on July 3, 2026.
Paid Time Off (PTO) in Laos
Vacation Leave Quota
15 days
Regular employees in Laos are entitled to at least 15 days of paid vacation. Those employees working in health-hazardous industries are granted an 18-day vacation.
To be eligible for vacation leave, an employee must work for the company for one full year. This applies to all employees who are working under a definite or indefinite employment contract.
The employer will decide when vacations are going to taken, either in advance or through mutual agreement with the employee.
Carryover
Up to 3 years
Unused vacation days may be rolled over, up to a limit of 3 years.
Payout
Employees are entitled to their regular full salary or wages during these vacation days.
Payment of Accrued, Unused Vacation on Termination
Employees who cannot use their vacation due to the employer’s fault will be entitled to receive full monetary compensation for the days of leave not taken.
Sick Leave in Laos
Up to 30 days per year
Employees in Laos are entitled to 30 days of paid sick leave.
In order to be eligible for sick leave benefits, an employee must have worked for at least 90 days at the company.
An employee must present a medical certificate, to have a valid absence.
Sick leave over 30 days a year is either unpaid or covered by social security, which depends on an employee’s current situation with their contribution record.
Different rules apply to occupational injuries or labor accidents.
Family Care Leave in Laos
3 days
Employees have the right to take up to 3 days of Family Care Leave in the event that their child, mother, father, or spouse suffers an injury leading to hospitalization and there is no one else available to provide care for them.
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Maternity Leave in Laos
105 days
Female employees in Laos are entitled to 105 days of paid maternity leave. An employee must take at least 42 days after the date of birth.
When an employee gives birth to twins or triplets, she is entitled to a minimum of 120 days of maternity leave. In the event of a miscarriage, the duration of maternity leave will be determined based on the recommendations of a physician.
Payout
Employees on maternity leave receive 100% of their regular salary.
Paternity Leave in Laos
3 days
Laos has no clearly separate statutory paternity leave, but fathers can typically take around three days of paid personal leave around a birth.
Bereavement Leave in Laos
3 days
Employees may take up to 3 days of paid leave in the unfortunate event of the death of their immediate family member (child, spouse, mother, or father).
Jury Duty Leave in Laos
Online data is unavailable; please check official legal materials or offline sources for information.
Military Leave in Laos
Military leave is not specified by law.
Voting Leave in Laos
Voting leave is not specified by law. In practice, Lao National Assembly elections are held on Sundays, so most employees don’t need time off. Any voting-related leave would be at the employer’s discretion.
Public Holidays in Laos
12 public holidays
A complete list of official holidays celebrated in Laos:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year |
| March 8 | International Women’s Day |
| April 14 to April 16 = 3 days celebration (*) | Lao New Year |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| Usually falls sometime in late or mid-May | Visakhabousa Day |
| June 1 | Children’s Day |
| Mid July | Boun Khao Phansa |
| July 20 | Lao Women’s Union Day |
| Beggining or Mid-October | Boun Ok Phansa |
| Early fall | Boat Racing Festival |
| Full moon in early November | That Luang Festival |
| December 2 | Lao National Day |
(*) - In 2027 it will be from 14 April to 18 April.
Sources
-
Local Laws & Regulations, https://www.globalexpansion.com/countrypedia/Laos
-
Payroll and Benefits Guide Laos, https://wehireglobally.com/laos
Check out our Leave Laws page to learn more about laws in various other countries.
This material is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For current and accurate guidance, please consult legal counsel in your jurisdiction.
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