Understanding Working Hours and Employment Regulations in Estonia

Estonia maintains a structured approach to working time, with standard workdays capped at 8 hours and weekly hours not exceeding 40. The maximum allowable workweek is 48 hours, ensuring a balance between productivity and employee well-being. Special provisions exist for minor employees, reflecting Estonia's commitment to protecting younger workers.

Working Hours for Minors in Estonia

Estonian labor law carefully regulates employment for individuals under 18, with specific limitations based on age and educational commitments:

Children aged 7-12 may work up to 2 hours daily during school terms (maximum 12 hours weekly) and 3 hours daily during holidays (maximum 15 hours weekly)
Adolescents aged 13-14 can work 2 hours daily during academic periods (12 hours weekly) and up to 7 hours daily during breaks (35 hours weekly)
Vocational students aged 14+ completing work practice may work 7 hours daily (35 hours weekly)
Vocational students aged 15+ can work standard 8-hour days (40 hours weekly) during practical training
Minors engaged in cultural, artistic, sports, or advertising activities may work 3 hours daily during school quarters (12 hours weekly)

Maximum Working Hours and Overtime Regulations

The Estonian Employment Contracts Act governs maximum working hours and overtime provisions. Key regulations include:

Weekly Hour Limitations

The average weekly working time must not exceed 48 hours over a four-month reference period. Exceptions allowing up to 52 hours weekly require mutual agreement and must not harm employee welfare. Employees retain the right to terminate such arrangements with two weeks' notice.

Rest Period Requirements

Estonian law mandates specific rest periods to maintain workforce health:

30-minute breaks after 6 hours of work (4.5 hours for minors)
Minimum 11-hour daily rest periods between shifts
Weekly rest periods of 48 hours for standard schedules or 36 hours for compressed schedules
Cumulative weekly rest totaling 47-59 hours including daily breaks

Night Work Provisions

Night work (10 PM to 6 AM) carries additional protections. Night workers cannot exceed 8 hours daily on average, with mandatory health assessments and workplace risk evaluations. Minors are prohibited from night work entirely.

Overtime and On-Call Arrangements

Overtime requires individual negotiation for each instance and cannot be pre-authorized in employment contracts. Compensation options include:

Paid time off equivalent to overtime hours
Monetary compensation at 1.5 times normal rates

Certain employee groups are exempt from overtime requirements, including minors, pregnant employees, and workers in hazardous environments. On-call time counts as working hours when employees must remain available under employer direction.

Employment Contract Fundamentals

Estonian employment relationships typically begin at age 18, with minors requiring parental consent and protections ensuring work doesn't interfere with education or development. Contract types include:

Indefinite-term contracts (standard arrangement)
Fixed-term contracts (maximum 5 years with valid justification)

Fixed-term contracts convert to indefinite status under specific conditions, such as consecutive renewals with short intervals or multiple renewals within five years.

Essential Contract Components

Estonian employment contracts must contain these key elements:

Parties' identification details and contact information
Contract date and commencement of employment
Job description and official title
Compensation structure and payment schedule
Training opportunities and additional benefits
Work schedule and location specifications
Vacation entitlements and other leave provisions
Reference to applicable workplace regulations
Overtime procedures and compensation methods
Probation period duration (if applicable)

Probation Period Standards

The standard probation period in Estonia is four months, though contracts may specify shorter periods or omit probation entirely. For fixed-term contracts under eight months, probation cannot exceed half the contract duration. Probation periods exclude absences due to illness or leave, and consecutive contracts for similar roles cannot impose new probation requirements.

Companies expanding into Estonia often benefit from professional guidance to navigate these regulations effectively. SailGlobal offers comprehensive compliance consulting services to help international businesses establish compliant operations while avoiding potential legal pitfalls.

Estonia Working Hours and Employment Regulations 2024 Guide