Understanding Employee Leave Policies in Finland: A Comprehensive Guide

Finland offers a robust framework of employee leave entitlements that balance worker well-being with business needs. As an international HR professional, I've observed how Finland's approach to vacation, sick leave, and family benefits sets a global standard for employee rights.

Annual Leave Accumulation and Calculation

Finnish employees accumulate annual leave based on their working hours, with full-time workers typically earning 30 days per year. The accrual period runs from April 1st to March 31st, differing from the calendar year system used in many countries. For instance, an employee starting in May would accumulate leave proportionally for the remaining months of the accrual period.

Employees must work at least 14 days or 35 hours monthly to qualify for full leave benefits. Those working fewer hours still receive proportional entitlements. Temporary workers often receive holiday pay with their final salary instead of taking actual leave.

Sick Leave Provisions and Compensation

Finland's sick leave system demonstrates the country's commitment to employee health. Employers typically cover the first 10 days of sick leave at full pay, after which the Social Insurance Institution (Kela) provides compensation for up to 300 days. Medical certification requirements vary, with shorter absences (1-3 days) often not requiring documentation.

Consider a case where an employee develops a temporary medical condition: they would receive full pay for the initial 60 days, followed by two-thirds pay for the next 120 days, with proper medical documentation.

Family-Related Leave Entitlements

Finland's family leave policies support both parents extensively. Maternity leave begins 30-50 days before the due date, with 40 working days of pregnancy leave. Fathers receive up to 54 working days of paternity leave, which can be taken concurrently with the mother or separately.

Following birth, parents share 320 days of parental leave between them. Single parents receive the full 320 days. During this period, Kela provides parental allowance, and parents can work part-time while receiving partial benefits.

Childcare Leave Options

After parental leave concludes, employees can take childcare leave until their child turns three. Kela provides home care allowance during this period. Alternatively, parents can opt for part-time childcare leave, working reduced hours while receiving flexible care allowance.

For school-aged children, partial care allowance supports parents who reduce working hours when their child enters first or second grade.

Additional Leave Types and Protections

Finland provides temporary care leave for parents to care for sick children under age 10, typically up to four days per occurrence. While generally unpaid, some collective agreements provide compensation.

Study leave allows employees with at least one year of service to take up to two years of unpaid leave for educational purposes over a five-year period.

Crucially, Finnish law prohibits discrimination against employees taking family-related leave. Termination due to pregnancy or leave intentions is illegal, and employees have the right to return to equivalent positions after leave.

National Holidays and Public Observances

Finland observes numerous public holidays throughout the year. While most businesses close, essential services may operate with reduced staffing. SailGlobal helps international companies navigate these closures while maintaining operations.

Holiday	2025 Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Epiphany	January 6
Good Friday	April 18
Easter Sunday	April 20
Easter Monday	April 21
Labour Day	May 1
Ascension Day	May 29
Midsummer Eve	June 20
Midsummer Day	June 21
All Saints' Day	November 1
Independence Day	December 6
Christmas Eve	December 24
Christmas Day	December 25
Boxing Day	December 26

Understanding Finland's leave regulations is essential for multinational companies. SailGlobal provides expert guidance to ensure compliance while optimizing workforce management strategies in the Finnish market.

Finland Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Sick & Parental Leave Policies