Leave Laws
Last updated on March 5, 2026.
Paid Time Off (PTO) in Armenia
Vacation Leave Quota
20 days
A national PTO policy guarantees to employees in Armenia 20 days of paid vacation. This standard vacation is also called minimum annual leave. However, some employees are entitled to longer vacation leave. Half-time employees are also entitled to vacation leave.
Three Types of Vacation Leave
There are 3 types of vacation, depending on the nature of the employee’s work:
- Minimum Annual Leave: 20 days
- Extended Annual Leave: up to 25 calendar days
- Additional Annual Leave
Minimum Annual Leave is a standard vacation for most employees, and it is 20 days (previously mentioned in the 1st paragraph). Employees become eligible for a vacation after working continuously for 6 months at the same company.
Extended Annual Leave goes up to a maximum of 25 days. This special leave is intended for employees exposed to significant mental or emotional stress, or performing in high-risk health conditions (for example, working in hazardous conditions). The Government of Armenia determines the specific categories of these employees.
Additional Annual Leave is intended for workers:
- Performing in potentially harmful and dangerous conditions;
- Working under irregular shift schedules;
- Doing certain kinds of work under special arrangements.
The Government of Armenia also establishes which specific categories of employees are eligible for additional annual leave and the minimum length of this leave.
Carry Over
Vacation leave should normally be used in the same working year but may be carried over; it generally must be used within 18 months after the end of the year for which it was granted.
Payout
The employer is required to pay the average wage to employees during their vacation. This is determined by multiplying the employee’s average daily salary by the number of vacation days.
Cashing out vacation days is not allowed, except in the case of termination of employment.
Payout of Unused Vacation on Termination: Employees who have not used all of their vacation days because of the end of employment will receive financial compensation. This compensation for unused vacation days is given upon termination of the employment contract, regardless of duration.
Sick Leave in Armenia
Up to 120 days per year
Employees in Armenia are entitled to sick leave for up to 120–140 days annually. Its duration depends on medical certification and social insurance rules; benefits are paid for temporary disability but the law does not set a simple universal limit.
For work-related injuries or sicknesses, employees return to work when they are healthy. Employees on sick leave are eligible for full benefits.
Payout
Eligibility for sick pay is determined by medical documentation and social insurance regulations. The payment also varies in rate, which depends on its duration.
The employer pays the first 5 days of sick leave at 80% of the average monthly salary, and from the 6th day, sickness benefits are paid through the state social insurance system, also at 80% of salary.
Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, and Parental Leave
Maternity Leave in Armenia
140 days (fully paid).
Regular maternity leave in Armenia is 140 calendar days. 70 calendar days may be used prior to the childbirth and 70 calendar days after the birth.
In cases of complications during childbirth, maternity leave is extended to 155 calendar days (70 prenatal / 85 postpartum).
For twins or triplets, maternity leave is extended to 180 calendar days (70 prenatal / 110 postpartum).
Maternity leave is calculated at the beginning and provided in its entirety to the pregnant woman. In the event of an early birth, any unused maternity leave days will be carried over to the postpartum leave period.
A pregnant employee is protected from dismissal during her maternity and parental leave.
Payout
Maternity leave benefits are paid through the state social insurance system (not directly by the employer) - 100% of the salary.
Paternity Leave in Armenia
5 working days (fully paid).
An employee who becomes a father is allowed 5 working days of paternity leave, which can be taken at any point within a month following the birth of their child.
Payout
100% of the salary.
Adoption Leave in Armenia
70 days
An employee who is adopting a baby or becoming a legal guardian is entitled to leave, which lasts 70 days after the adoption or guardianship.
Payout
Adoption leave is paid in the same manner as maternity and paternity leave.
Parental Leave in Armenia
Up to 3 years after birth of unpaid leave
Parental leave may be taken before the child reaches 3 years old; by a father (or stepfather), mother (or stepmother), grandfather, grandmother, or any other close relative or legal guardian actively raising the child. Parental leave may be taken for one continuous period or in divided parts. Job position must be protected while on leave.
Payout
Parental leave is unpaid.
Bereavement Leave in Armenia
3 days (unpaid)
An employer must grant their employees 3 days of unpaid leave in case of a close family member’s death for bereavement and funeral attendance.
Jury Duty Leave in Armenia
Paid leave
An employee is entitled to paid leave when participating in public or state duties:
- when called upon as a witness, expert, victim, specialist, or interpreter by the court;
- when partaking in court sittings or hearings.
Military Leave in Armenia
Mandatory leave
In Armenia, male citizens between the ages of 18 and 27 are required to attend a two-year period of mandatory military service.
Once an employee receives a compulsory military conscription notice, the employer must provide leave of absence. After returning to civilian life, conscripted soldiers are guaranteed their previous jobs, with their time in service counting toward total work experience and seniority. Additionally, vacation days continue to accrue during this period.
Voting Leave in Armenia
Paid leave
Employees are entitled to paid leave to vote, with their full salary and job security guaranteed during the absence.
Marriage Leave in Armenia
3 days (unpaid)
An employee getting married is entitled to 3 days of unpaid leave.
Public Holidays in Armenia
10 official public holidays
There are 11 official non-working public holidays in Armenia, lasting for 13 non-working days in total, because New Year’s celebration lasts for 3 days.
A list of public holidays recognized and celebrated by Armenia:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| December 31, January 1 & 2 | New Year’s Day (Ամանոր) |
| January 6 | Orthodox Christmas |
| January 28 | Army Day |
| March 8 | International Women’s Day |
| April 24 | Genocide Remembrance Day |
| May 1 | International Labor Day |
| May 9 | Day of Victory and Peace |
| May 28 | Republic Day |
| July 5 | Constitution Day |
| September 21 | Independence Day |
Sources
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Official Labor Code of the Republic of Armenia (Translation provided by the Armenian authorities), https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-REF(2021)026
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National Labour Law Profile: Republic of Armenia, https://www.ilo.org/ifpdial/information-resources/national-labour-law-profiles/WCMS_158891/lang–en/index.htm
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Definitive Guide to Hiring in Armenia, https://www.globalexpansion.com/countrypedia/armenia
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Payroll and Benefits Guide Armenia, https://www.papayaglobal.com/countrypedia/country/armenia/
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Local Laws & Regulations of Armenia, https://www.atlashxm.com/en/countries/armenia
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Country Guide, https://www.remotepass.com/country/armenia
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LABOUR CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA, https://www.arlis.am/ru/acts/205552
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Leave for Military Service or Civic Duties: What Employers Need to Know, https://armenian-lawyer.com/business-immigration/armenia-military-service-civic-duty-employer-guide/
Check out our Leave Laws page to learn more about laws in various 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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