Leave Laws
Last updated on May 26, 2026.
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Nota bene: the Dominican Republic, with its capital Santo Domingo, whose laws we cover in this article, distinguishes itself from another country nearby in the region, Dominica (capital Roseau).
Our blog covers Dominica’s leave laws in a separate article.
Paid Time Off (PTO) in the Dominican Republic
Vacation (Annual Leave) Quota
At least 14 days. Up to 18 days after 5 years of service.
Employees in the Dominican Republic are entitled to at least 14 days of paid vacation leave. After five years of service at the employer, an employee is entitled to 18 days of paid vacation leave.
However, to be entitled to this vacation leave privilege, an employee must complete at least one year of continuous service.
Vacation leave privileges may not be substituted with extra pay or other types of payment.
Taking a Vacation Leave
Dominican Republic leave laws specify that vacation leave may not be split into periods that are shorter than one week, although this rule is not always strictly applied in practice.
Cashing Out is Not Allowed
The employer must pay the employees their salary for the vacation period one day before the vacation starts.
Sick Leave in the Dominican Republic
Sick Leave Requirements
For absences of one or two days, employees often provide a medical certificate or justification to their employer. Employees must have medical proof for their absences, which can justify up to 72 hours (three days) of absence without formal sick leave. However, some employers may not accept medical proof as valid, leading to unpaid absences if not officially recognized.
Payout of Sick Leave
Paid by social security.
To receive sick pay, the illness or injury of an employee must exceed four days; sick pay does not cover the first three days of absence.
Social Security provides payments for temporary incapacity due to common illnesses or non-work accidents:
- 60% of the salary from the 4th to the 20th day;
- 75% of the salary from the 21st day onward.
This applies to both short-term and long-term sick leave.
To qualify for sick leave for a common illness, an employee must have contributed and have been listed in Social Security for the last 12 months. The company is required to report sick leave through the appropriate form.
Issues with Payments for Sick Leave
Employees of private companies associated with Social Security sometimes face uncertainty and non-payment of their required sick leave benefits. Companies often fail to pay their salaries during their sick leave. Employees often struggle because companies do not know how to handle the new sick leave reporting forms. Both small and large companies face this issue.
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Maternity Leave in the Dominican Republic
14 weeks, paid by an employer and social security.
Working female employees in the Dominican Republic are entitled to 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave.
This leave typically consists of:
- 7 weeks before the predicted date of delivery;
- 7 weeks that follow childbirth.
Pregnant employees receive 1/2 of a month off to attend medical appointments.
They may also take advantage of daily rest periods, 3 breaks of 20 minutes each, in order to breastfeed their children and care for them.
Payout of Maternity Leave
An employee receives their full salary while on maternity leave.
Maternity leave pay is divided equally between social security and the employer, with each covering half of the cost.
Paternity Leave in the Dominican Republic
2 days
A working employee who becomes a father is entitled to 2 days of paid paternity leave.
Bereavement Leave in the Dominican Republic
3 days
Employees in the Dominican Republic are allowed up to 3 days of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member: a parent, a spouse, a child, or a grandparent. This policy does not include siblings.
Marriage Leave in the Dominican Republic
5 days
Employees are entitled to 5 days of leave when they get married.
Jury Duty Leave
A formal jury system does not exist in the Dominican Republic. Jury duty leave is not specified by Dominican Republic leave laws.
Military Leave
Online data unavailable; check official or offline legal materials.
Voting Leave
Online data unavailable; check official or offline legal materials.
Public Holidays in Dominican Republic
Employers must recognize public holidays and provide days off for their employees. If an employee works on a public holiday, they must be paid at double their regular rate.
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| January 6 | Epiphany |
| January 21 | Lady of Altagracia Day, aka Our Lady of High Grace |
| January 29 | Duarte’s Birthday |
| February 27 | Independence Day |
| Movable: In spring - Two days before Easter Sunday (*) | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| 60 days after Easter Sunday (**) | Corpus Christi |
| August 16 | Restoration Day |
| September 24 | Our Lady of Mercedes Day |
| The closest Monday to 6 November | Constitution Day |
| December 25 | Christmas |
(*) - The date of Easter Sunday varies each year.
(**) - This is second Thursday after Pentecost, in May or June.
Sources of Dominican Republic Leave Laws
- Local Laws and Regulations of Dominican Republic, https://www.atlashxm.com/countries/dominican-republic
- Payroll and Benefits Guide Dominican Republic, https://www.papayaglobal.com/countrypedia/country/dominican-republic/
- Definitive Guide to Hiring in the Dominican Republic, https://www.globalexpansion.com/countrypedia/dominican-republic
Check out our Leave Laws page to learn more about the 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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