Azerbaijan Employee Leave Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide for International Employers

Understanding Azerbaijan's leave policies is essential for multinational companies operating in the country. The Labor Code provides various types of leave to ensure employee well-being while maintaining productivity. This guide examines key leave categories to help HR professionals navigate compliance requirements effectively.

Annual Leave Entitlements

Full-time employees in Azerbaijan are entitled to a minimum of 21 paid annual leave days. Employees can divide their leave into segments, but one continuous period must be at least 14 days. Special provisions apply to different employee categories:

Workers under 16 years: 42 days
Employees aged 16-18: Minimum 35 days
Education, science, healthcare, and agriculture professionals: 30+ days

Additional leave days are granted based on service duration:

Years of Service	Additional Days
5-10 years	2 days
10-15 years	4 days
15+ years	6 days

Employees in hazardous conditions receive extra leave, while parents with multiple children or disabled children qualify for additional days.

Sick Leave Provisions

Azerbaijan's sick leave system provides financial protection during illness. Employers cover the first 14 days at full pay, after which the State Social Protection Fund assumes responsibility. Medical certification is required for sick leave approval.

Maternity and Adoption Leave

Female employees receive 126 days of paid maternity leave (70 prenatal, 56 postnatal). Extended leave applies for complicated deliveries or multiple births. Agricultural workers have specific provisions:

Normal delivery: 140 days
Complicated delivery: 156 days
Multiple births: 180 days

Adoptive parents of children under two months receive 56 days of social leave.

Parental and Caregiver Leave

Parents or caregivers can take partially paid social leave until a child reaches three years old. This flexible arrangement supports work-life balance while ensuring child welfare.

Educational Leave

Employees pursuing education receive protected leave for examinations and study requirements:

Higher education students: 30-40 days annually
Thesis preparation: Up to 4 months for university students
Vocational training: 30 days for exam preparation

Unpaid Leave Options

Employers may grant unpaid leave for various circumstances, including:

Paternity leave: Up to 14 days
Care for chronically ill children: Until age four
Academic pursuits: Up to one month for doctoral candidates
Family emergencies: Up to 14 days

Total unpaid leave cannot exceed six months within a year.

National Public Holidays 2025

Azerbaijan observes numerous public holidays throughout the year. When holidays fall on weekends, they typically carry over to weekdays. Key movable holidays include Nowruz (5 days), Ramadan (2 days), and Qurban (2 days).

Holiday	Date
New Year	January 1-2
International Women's Day	March 8
Nowruz	March 20-24
Ramadan	March 31-April 1
Victory Day	May 9
Republic Day	May 28
Qurban Bayram	June 6-7
National Salvation Day	June 15
Armed Forces Day	June 26
Independence Day	October 18
Victory Day	November 8
Flag Day	November 9
Constitution Day	November 12
National Revival Day	November 17
Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis	December 31

Compliance Considerations for International Companies

Proper leave management requires understanding local regulations and cultural practices. SailGlobal's expertise ensures accurate calculation of leave entitlements and payroll compliance. Companies should maintain clear policies that align with Azerbaijani labor laws while accommodating diverse employee needs.

Effective leave management contributes to employee satisfaction and retention. Regular audits and professional guidance from providers like SailGlobal help multinational organizations maintain compliance while supporting their workforce effectively.

Azerbaijan Employee Leave Guide 2025: Annual, Maternity & Public Holidays