Barbados Leave Laws & Holidays

Last updated on May 21, 2026.

Paid Time Off (PTO) in Barbados

Vacation (Annual Leave) Quota

3 weeks (15 days)

In Barbados, employees are entitled to a minimum of 15 days of paid vacation (3 weeks) each year after completing their first year of employment with the same employer. This vacation entitlement increases to 20 days (4 weeks) annually after five years of work. Employees are entitled to receive their average pay during their time off.

Carry Over

While employees are guaranteed this time off for vacation, employers have the right to schedule the specific dates of the vacation, which must be taken in one uninterrupted block. Although vacation time in Barbados is meant to be taken all at once, it can be split into two separate periods if both the employer and employee agree to this arrangement.

Vacation time must be used within the year it is earned (12-month period), there’s no carrover - “use it or lose it” basis.

PTO Payout at the Termination

If an employee’s job ends before they’ve used their vacation time, they are still entitled to those days off. In this case, the employer must immediately pay the employee their average pay for the unused vacation time, in addition to any other outstanding wages.

Sick Leave in Barbados

No statutory entitlement in place.

While there’s no legal requirement for sick leave in Barbados, it’s a common practice for employers to provide their employees with a certain number of paid sick days. The number of paid sick days an employee may be entitled to depends on their employer: a company policy or any applicable collective agreement. If there’s no such agreement or policy, the employer decides how many paid sick days are offered.

If an employee is sick for more than two days, they need a doctor’s note to confirm their illness. Most employers will offer 6 uncertified days (leave taken without proof of a medical certificate), but this number may vary.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Maternity Leave in Barbados

14 weeks

Female employees in Barbados, who have been with their employer for at least one full year, are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave with full pay, and 17 weeks for multiples. This is a change from June 1, 2025 (maternity leave used to be 12 weeks)

This leave is usually divided into two parts:

• Six weeks before the baby’s due date - aka prepartum;

and

• Eight weeks after the birth - aka postpartum.

If a baby is born later than expected, the mother’s maternity leave will be adjusted accordingly to cover the extra time. What this means is that her leave is extended to match the actual birth date.

If the mother experiences any health issues related to her pregnancy, she is allowed by law to extend her maternity leave by an additional six weeks, as long as it’s recommended by her doctor.

Payout

Maternity leave is paid by The National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS). The daily maternity benefit is calculated by taking 100% of the employee’s average weekly earnings and dividing that amount by six. To be eligible for maternity benefit, an employee must have at least 26 weeks of insurance contributions, with at least 16 paid during the specified two-quarter period before the benefit begins.

Paternity Leave in Barbados

3 weeks

Since June 1, 2025, fathers are entitled to 3 weeks of paid leave.

Payout

Paternity leave is paid by The National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS). Eligible fathers receive paternity benefit.

Bereavement Leave in Barbados

There’s no legal requirement for employers in Barbados to provide bereavement leave. However, some employers can choose to offer it as a company policy, or it might be included in a union agreement.

Jury Duty Leave in Barbados

Employees in Barbados have the right to take paid time off from work to fulfill their civic duty when called for jury service. However, in case the judge excuses them from jury duty, they are expected to return to work.

Military Leave in Barbados

Military leave is not specified by law.

Voting Leave in Barbados

Voting leave is not specified by law.

Public Holidays in Barbados

12 public holidays, including Christian and secular.

(*) - The date of Easter Sunday varies each year.

Sources

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

2. Payroll and Benefits Guide Barbados, https://www.atlashxm.com/en/countries/barbados

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

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