Estonia Leave Laws & Holidays

Last updated on April 3, 2026.

Paid Time Off (PTO) in Estonia

Vacation Leave Quota

28 calendar days

Regular employees in Estonia are entitled to at least 28 calendar days of paid vacation (4 weeks). An employer and an employee can mutually agree to more vacation days. However, a definite number of vacation days also depends on the job position that an employee has, the CBA (collective bargaining agreement), or the employee’s employment contract.

Both part-time and full-time employees have a right to vacation leave.

Certain categories of special employees have 35 days of paid vacation. For example: employees who are minors; employees with partial or no workability (physically-challenged); government officials; etc.

An employee becomes eligible for vacation leave after 6 months of continuous work. During an employee’s first year in the company, their available number of vacation days is calculated based on the total time they have worked so far.

Employees are required to take at least 14 consecutive days of vacation. Employers may deny a request to split vacation days into periods that are shorter than seven days.

Postponement of the Vacation Leave

Both the employer and the employee may be entitled to postpone annual leave under specific circumstances. Employers can only delay scheduled leave in the event of a significant work-related emergency, while employees may postpone or end their leave if they become unable to work (for example, due to maternity leave or illness).

Carry Over

Allowed. Maximum 1 year of delay.

Any unused vacation days within the year will be carried over to the following year. However, the right to take vacation days ends one year after the days have been given. For example, vacation days for the calendar year 2025 may be taken during 2025 and 2026. After that, vacation leave has expired.

Payment of Unused Vacation Days Upon Termination

Required by law.

When an employment contract ends, an employer must pay the employee for any unused vacation days.

Sick Leave in Estonia

182 days

Employees in Estonia can take up to 182 days of sick leave (240 days in the case of tuberculosis).

Payout

The first three days of sick leave are unpaid. An employer pays the sick leave from the 4th through the 8th day, and the Health Insurance Fund takes over payments starting on the 9th day.

Sick leave paid by The Health Insurance Fund is at the rate of 70% of the employee’s average salary. However, in 2026, the daily benefit for incapacity for work is capped at 126.87 euros.

Maternity, Paternity, and Parental Leave

Maternity Leave

100 calendar days

A pregnant employee in Estonia is entitled to a minimum of 100 calendar days of maternity leave. Leave may begin 70 days before the anticipated date of delivery.

A mother can continue her leave if she takes a parental leave.

Payout

An employee on maternity leave receives maternity benefits for 100 days, at a rate of 100% of earnings before leave. Maternity benefits are paid by the government’s health insurance. Starting in January 2025, the minimum maternity pay is set at 820 euros per month, with the maximum benefit increasing to 3,788.30 euros starting in January 2026.

Paternity Leave

30 days

An employee who has become a father is entitled to 30 days of paternity leave. This leave can be used at any time until the newborn child is 3 years old. A father can further extend his leave by taking parental leave.

Payout

The Estonian government’s health insurance pays 100% of the regular salary of employees on paternity leave (under the same conditions as maternity pay).

Parental Leave

Until the child is 3 years old. => 475 days

Employees may benefit from up to 475 days of parental leave. Full maternity/paternity leave period extends until the child reaches three years of age. Employees are entitled to paid leave for the first 18 months, while the remaining period is unpaid. During the unpaid portion, employees continue to receive complimentary health care and certain other benefits, and the employer is required to keep their position available for them.

Payout

Parental leave is paid under the same criteria as maternity and paternity pay.

Bereavement Leave in Estonia

Bereavement leave is not specified by law. Offering bereavement leave is at the discretion of the employer.

Jury Duty Leave in Estonia

Required by law

Employees are entitled to paid leave to meet compulsory civic obligations, such as serving as a juror or election official. The specific duration and payment for this time off depend on the company policy / employment contract and the nature of the duty.

Military Leave in Estonia

Required by law

Employees are entitled to leave of absence if they are in compulsory military service, alternative service or in reserve service. During this leave an employer is prohibited from terminating an employment contract.

Voting Leave in Estonia

Voting leave is not specified by law. Employers are not legally required to provide voting leave, as elections are generally on Sundays and internet voting is available in advance, making time off during work hours unnecessary.

Public Holidays in Estonia

12 days of public holidays

There are 12 national public holidays in Estonia; each lasts for one day.

A complete list of official holidays celebrated in Estonia:

Sources

1. Local Laws & Regulations, https://www.atlashxm.com/en/countries/estonia

2. Payroll and Benefits Guide Estonia, https://www.papayaglobal.com/countrypedia/country/estonia/

3. Definitive Guide to Hiring in Estonia, https://www.globalexpansion.com/countrypedia/estonia

4. Leaves for parents, https://www.tooelu.ee/en/63/leaves-parents

5. Public Holidays in Estonia , https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/109032011007

Check out our Leave Laws page to learn more about laws in various countries.