Paid Time Off (PTO) in North Macedonia

Last updated on January 1, 2024.

Vacation Leave Quota

20 days

Employees in North Macedonia are entitled to 20 days of paid vacation. Employees are also entitled to 1 additional day of vacation after 5 years of work at the company. This seniority entitlement can go up to a ceiling of 26 days, for workers who have served 30+ years. This leave policy is intended for both full-time and part-time employees.

A basic vacation entitlement of 20 days is identical in neighboring Serbia, and it is the most common duration of vacation leave in Europe. Only in countries like the UK and France do employees have better vacation benefits.

An employee becomes eligible for a vacation after 6 months of uninterrupted service with the employer.

Holidays, Saturdays/Sundays, sick leave, and other cases of valid absence from work are in addition to vacation days.

Carry Over

Allowed. Up to June 30 of the following year.

An employer must make sure that employees take at least 12 days of vacation by the end of the current year, and the rest of the vacation days may be taken until June 30 of the next year.

Sick Leave in North Macedonia

Unlimited sick leave. An employer pays for the first 30 days.

Employees in North Macedonia are generally entitled to unlimited sick leave, but how much employees receive during illness and who pays depends on the duration of the leave.

Payout

The collective agreement determines the rate of pay during sick leave in the private sector.

An employer pays for the first 30 days of leave at the following rates:

• 70% of their regular income for the first 7 working days;

• 80% of their regular income from day 8 until day 15;

• 90% of their regular income from day 16 until day 30.

After this period of 30 days, Social Security is in charge of sick pay for the rest of the leave.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Maternity Leave in North Macedonia

9 months

An employee in North Macedonia is entitled to 9 months of paid maternity leave. This leave is 15 months long for multiple births.

In order to be eligible for maternity leave, a pregnant employee must show a medical certificate to their superior.

Before expected childbirth, a pregnant employee must take at least 28 days of leave.

After giving birth, an employee can continue working earliest after the mandatory 45 days.

Paternity Leave in North Macedonia

7 days

An employee who has become a father is entitled to 7 days of paid paternity leave.

Bereavement Leave in North Macedonia

7 days

Employees in North Macedonia may take 7 days in the event of the death of a close family member.

Jury Duty Leave in North Macedonia

Leave due to public interest is required by law.

An employer must provide paid leave for employees who have public duties related to elections or other duties established by the court.

Military Leave in North Macedonia

Required by law.

An employer is required to provide paid leave to all employees who have been summoned by military officials. This may include actions concerning the protection and national defense.

Voting Leave in North Macedonia

Voting leave is not specified by law.

Public Holidays in North Macedonia in 2024

11 public holidays

North Macedonia officially recognizes 11 public holidays, which may last a total of 12 or 13 days (because some holidays are celebrated for 2 days).

A complete list of official holidays celebrated in North Macedonia:

If a public holiday is during the weekend, employees are given time off in lieu.

Sources

1. Local Laws & Regulations, https://www.atlashxm.com/en/countries/north-macedonia

2. Payroll and Benefits Guide North Macedonia, https://www.papayaglobal.com/countrypedia/country/macedonia/

3. Definitive Guide to Hiring in North Macedonia, https://www.globalexpansion.com/countrypedia/north-macedonia

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