Understanding Employee Leave Entitlements in Cyprus

Cyprus offers a comprehensive framework of employee leave rights that balances worker welfare with business needs. As an international HR professional, understanding these regulations is crucial for effective workforce management and compliance.

Annual Leave Provisions

Employees working five days per week are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of annual leave, while those working six days receive at least 24 days. Part-time employees maintain proportional rights to four weeks of annual leave based on their working hours. For instance, an employee working three days weekly would receive 12 days of annual leave (3/5 of 20 days).

Payment during annual leave comes directly from employers or through the Central Holiday Fund. Employers can only specify vacation timing through mutual agreement or contractual provisions. Monetary compensation replaces unused leave only upon employment termination.

Sick Leave Regulations

Sick leave terms are typically established through employment contracts or collective agreements. Without specific arrangements, employers aren't obligated to supplement Social Insurance benefits during the first three days of absence. Hotel and entertainment sector employees enjoy statutory paid sick leave rights based on employment duration.

Recent cases show that clear sick leave policies prevent disputes. For example, a Limassol-based tech company implemented transparent sick leave procedures that reduced absenteeism by 25% while improving employee satisfaction.

Maternity Protection

Pregnant employees receive 18 weeks of maternity leave, with 9 weeks mandatory around childbirth. Leave extends to 22 weeks for second children and 26 weeks for subsequent children. Employees qualify for paid time off for prenatal appointments during work hours with proper notification.

The Social Insurance Fund provides maternity benefits at 72% of insurable earnings, increased for primary breadwinners. Employers must protect employees from dismissal from pregnancy notification until three months after maternity leave concludes.

Paternity Leave Rights

Fathers receive two weeks of paternity leave following childbirth or adoption of children under 12. Leave extends if the mother passes away before or during maternity leave. Even in cases of stillbirth, fathers maintain paternity leave rights without prior service requirements.

Notification must be provided two weeks before planned leave, except in emergencies. A Nicosia manufacturing company reported that implementing supportive paternity policies improved male employee retention by 18%.

Parental Leave Framework

After six months of continuous service, employees qualify for up to 18 weeks of parental leave per child, extendable to 23 weeks for single parents. Parents can transfer up to 9 weeks of unused leave between them. Leave must be taken before the child turns eight, or age 18 for disabled children.

Flexible arrangements allow leave to be taken in segments as small as one day annually. Employers may postpone leave for operational needs but must consider flexible alternatives. SailGlobal's compliance team helps businesses implement parental leave systems that accommodate both employee needs and operational requirements.

Additional Leave Types

Force majeure leave provides up to 7 days annually for family emergencies affecting immediate relatives. Caregiver leave offers 5 unpaid days yearly for documented care needs. Both leave types can be taken continuously or intermittently with appropriate notification.

Public Holidays

Cyprus observes 14 public holidays annually, blending national, religious, and Orthodox Christian observances. The 2025 holiday calendar includes:

Holiday	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Epiphany	January 6
Green Monday*	March 3
Greek Independence Day	March 25
Cyprus National Day	April 1
Good Friday*	April 18
Easter Monday*	April 21
Labour Day	May 1
Pentecost*	June 9
Assumption Day	August 15
Cyprus Independence Day	October 1
Ochi Day	October 28
Christmas Day	December 25
Boxing Day	December 26

*Orthodox holidays follow the Julian calendar and dates may vary annually.

Navigating Cyprus's leave regulations requires careful planning. SailGlobal's HR experts provide tailored solutions ensuring compliance while maintaining operational efficiency. Contact us to streamline your leave management processes.

Cyprus Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Sick, Maternity & Parental Rights