Leave Laws
Last updated on June 3, 2026.
Paid Time Off (PTO) in Honduras
Vacation (Annual Leave) Quota
At least 10 days.
Employees in Honduras are entitled to paid vacation, at least 10 days per year. However, the number of vacation days grows with seniority, so employees with more years of service at the company have more days.
The number of vacation days varies according to the years of service with the employer:
| Years of Service with the Employer | Number of Vacation Days |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 10 |
| 2 years | 12 |
| 3 years | 15 |
| 4 or more years | 20 |
This number of vacation days is a legal minimum requirement. More days beyond this period for vacation could be stated in an employment contract, or could be subject to mutual agreement between an employee and his/her employer.
An employee must receive payment for vacation at least 3 days before their leave starts.
In order to be eligible for vacation leave, an employee must have worked continuously for the same employer for 12 months and completed at least 200 workdays during that year.
Payment of Unused Vacation upon Termination
Required by law.
Once an employee has been dismissed, an employer is required to pay any accumulated bonuses, unused vacation days, severance, and provide termination notices.
Sick Leave in Honduras
26 weeks (up to 52 weeks) of paid leave.
Employees in Honduras are entitled to up to 26 weeks of paid sick leave. This leave may be extended up to 52 weeks, after observation and reassessment of the illness.
To be eligible for paid sick leave, an employee is required to have made contributions for a minimum of 2 months within the last 4 months. Besides, employers are required to grant unpaid sick leave to employees regardless of whether they are enrolled in social security.
Payout
An employee starts to receive compensation from the employer for first 3 days (100%). After that, from day 4, Social Security pays half of the sick pay, and the employer the other half.
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Maternity Leave in Honduras
10 weeks
A pregnant employee in Honduras may take up to 10 weeks of maternity leave.
Maternity leave is divided into two parts:
-
4 weeks of prenatal leave;
-
6 weeks of postnatal leave.
Payout
An employee on maternity leave is entitled to continue to receive 100% of their salary.
Compensation for maternity leave is shared in a similar manner as sick leave, with the government paying around 66% and an employer contributing 34%. For female employees who are ineligible for social security benefits, the employer is responsible for covering the entire cost.
Paternity Leave in Honduras
The law does not specify paternity leave.
Parental leave in Honduras
The law does not specify parental leave.
Bereavement Leave in Honduras
3 days
Employees have the right to receive paid leave for up to three days in the event of the death of a close family member.
Public Duty Leave in Honduras
Up to 6 days
Employees performing trade union duties are entitled to up to 6 days of leave.
Because Honduras operates under a civil law system which doesn’t use jury trials, jury duty leave is not applicable there.
Military Leave in Honduras
There is no law defining military leave.
Voting Leave in Honduras
There is no law defining voting leave.
Public Holidays in Honduras
11 public holidays
A complete list of official holidays celebrated in Honduras:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year |
| Movable: In spring - Three days before Easter Sunday (*) | Maundy Thursday |
| Movable: In spring - Two days before Easter Sunday | Good Friday |
| Movable: In spring - A day before Easter Sunday | Holy Saturday |
| Second Monday in April | America’s Day Holiday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| September 15 | Independence Day |
| Movable | Francisco Moranzan’s Birthday |
| Day after Francisco Moranzan’s Birthday | Day of the Race |
| Movable | Army Day |
| December 25 | Christmas |
(*) - The dates of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter vary each year according to the Christian liturgical calendar.
Sources
-
Local Laws & Regulations, https://www.atlashxm.com/en/countries/honduras
-
Payroll and Benefits Guide Honduras, https://www.papayaglobal.com/countrypedia/country/honduras/
-
Definitive Guide to Hiring in Honduras, https://www.globalexpansion.com/countrypedia/Honduras
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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