Leave Laws
Vacation Leave in Belarus
Last updated on January 1, 2024.
Vacation Leave Quota
24 days
Employees in Belarus are eligible for at least 24 days of paid vacation annually. This vacation benefit is more generous than other leave laws in Europe.
This vacation benefit can be used either in:
-
one continuous period
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divided into 2 segments (in which one part must be 14 days or more).
The vacation leave may only be divided into two parts with the employer’s permission and mutual agreement.
Employees begin to accrue (earn) their vacation entitlement on the 1st day of work, but they can take the leave after 6 months of employment.
Carry Over
Employees may carry over all their unused days of vacation leave into the following year without any limitations.
Payment of Unused Vacation on Termination
An employer must pay out all unused days of vacation at the end of employment.
Payout
Compensation for vacation must be done prior to the beginning of the leave, usually 1-3 days before.
Sick Leave in Belarus
Employees are paid 80% - 100% of their regular earnings.
Employees in Belarus have the right to 80% of their average salary during the initial 12 days of their sick leave. However, if the absence is longer than 12 days, they are eligible for 100% of their income.
Payout
The Social Security System covers sick leave benefits.
Maternity and Paternity Leave in Belarus
Maternity Leave
126 days
Employees in Belarus are eligible for 126 days of paid maternity leave, which can be extended to 140 days in cases of twins/triplets or medical difficulties.
Additionally, female employees choose unpaid maternity leave for a duration of up to 3 years, and this leave is job-protected. An employee can return to work earlier if desired.
Maternity benefits are available for up to 3 years.
Paternity Leave
14 days
Employees who have become fathers are permitted up to 14 days of paid paternity leave. This leave must be taken at the latest six months after the child’s birth.
One of the rare European countries whose provisions provide longer paid paternity leave are the leave laws in France and Finland. However, the country with the best paternity leave in the world is, by far, Japan.
Family Care Leave in Belarus
1 day
Employees are entitled to 1 day of paid leave to care for a sick child under 14 years old or a disabled child under 18 years old.
Employees receive their full average earnings while on leave.
Payout
The Social Security fund covers family care leave.
Bereavement Leave in Belarus
2 days
Employees are provided with 2 days of paid leave in the event of the death of an immediate family member or in case a close family member has a life-threatening illness or injury.
Jury Duty Leave in Belarus
Jury Duty leave is not specified by law.
Military Leave in Belarus
Military leave is not specified by law.
Voting Leave in Belarus
Voting leave is not specified by law.
Public Holidays in Belarus
9 public holidays
A list of public holidays recognized and celebrated by Belarus:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 & 2 | New Year |
| January 7 | Orthodox Christmas |
| March 8 | Women’s Day |
| May 1 | Worker’s Day |
| May 9 | Victory Day |
| May 14 | Radonitsa |
| Jul 3 | Independence Day |
| November 7 | October Revolution Day |
| December 25 | Catholic Christmas |
Sources
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Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus, https://economy.gov.by/en/employing-en/
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Definitive Guide to Hiring in Belarus, https://www.globalexpansion.com/countrypedia/belarus
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How to hire and pay employees in Belarus, https://www.oysterhr.com/hire-employees/belarus
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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