Understanding Employee Leave Policies in Georgia: A Comprehensive Guide for International HR

Georgia offers a structured framework for employee leave entitlements that balances worker rights with operational flexibility. As organizations expand their global footprint, understanding these regulations becomes crucial for maintaining compliance and supporting workforce well-being.

Annual Leave Provisions in Georgia

Employees in Georgia are entitled to a minimum of 24 paid working days and 15 unpaid working days of annual leave per year, with opportunities to negotiate additional time based on mutual agreement. The Georgian Labor Code specifies several scenarios where extended paid leave becomes mandatory:

Employees engaged in hazardous or demanding work conditions: 10 additional days
Personnel returning from wartime or emergency response duties: up to 15 days
Individuals completing international peacekeeping rotations: 30 days

Eligibility for annual leave typically requires 11 months of continuous service, though exceptions can be made through employer-employee consensus. Leave scheduling should accommodate both operational requirements and personal circumstances, with compensation calculated based on the average salary of the preceding three months. Employees gain full scheduling flexibility after one year of service, including the option to take leave in segments. While adult employees may carry over unused leave under specific circumstances, this provision doesn't extend to minor employees, and consecutive year carry-overs are prohibited.

Maternity Leave Framework

Georgia's maternity leave policy provides 126 to 143 days of paid leave, with employees determining the distribution between prenatal and postnatal periods. Key considerations include:

Standard 126-day leave extends to 143 days for complicated deliveries or multiple births
Paid time off for medical appointments during pregnancy
Paternal leave options when mothers utilize less than 90 days of their entitlement
Documentation requirements including medical records and banking information for benefit processing

Employers play a crucial role in facilitating benefit applications through proper form completion and submission support.

Parental Leave Regulations

The Georgian parental leave system offers 604 days of unpaid leave, with variations for special circumstances:

Standard 604-day leave reduces to 587 days (including 57 paid days) for complicated births
Fathers may access unused maternity leave when mothers are employed but partially utilize their entitlement
Additional childcare leave of 2-12 weeks annually until the child reaches age five
Required documentation includes birth certificates, official notifications, and banking details

Companies like SailGlobal assist international employers in navigating these complex requirements through specialized compliance solutions.

Adoption Leave Provisions

Employees adopting children under one year receive 550 days of adoption leave, including 90 paid days. The notification period for unpaid leave is typically two weeks, with exceptions for medical or family emergencies. Documentation requirements parallel parental leave procedures, emphasizing court adoption decrees and official notifications.

Sick Leave Considerations

Georgian legislation doesn't mandate specific sick leave provisions, instead allowing employers and employees to establish terms through employment contracts or internal regulations. The Labor Code distinguishes temporary incapacity leave from annual leave entitlements, providing flexibility for organizational policy development.

Public Holidays and Special Leave

Georgia recognizes 15 national holidays in 2025, with part-time employees receiving equal entitlement. Work on public holidays qualifies for overtime compensation or alternative time off. The holiday calendar reflects Georgia's cultural and religious diversity:

Holiday	Date
New Year	January 1-2
Orthodox Christmas	January 7
Orthodox Epiphany	January 19
Mother's Day	March 3
International Women's Day	March 8
National Unity Day	April 9
Easter	April 20
Easter Monday	April 21
Victory Day	May 9
St. Andrew's Day	May 12
Family Purity Day	May 17
Independence Day	May 26
Assumption of Mary	August 28
Svetitskhovloba	October 14
St. George's Day	November 23

Additional religious observances include St. Nino's Day (January 27/June 1), Orthodox Good Friday (May 3), and Pentecost (June 11-13).

Additional Leave Categories

Georgia's labor framework accommodates various special circumstances:

Bereavement leave for immediate family members, with duration determined through consultation
Professional development leave for training and qualification enhancement
Medical examination time for pregnant employees during working hours

International HR professionals should note that SailGlobal provides comprehensive support for managing these complex leave requirements, ensuring compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.

Georgia Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Maternity & Parental Leave Policies 2025