Understanding Kazakhstan's Employee Leave Policies: A Comprehensive Guide

Kazakhstan's labor legislation provides a structured framework for employee leave entitlements, ensuring workers receive adequate time off for various personal and family needs. As international HR professionals, understanding these regulations is crucial for maintaining compliance when managing teams in Kazakhstan.

Annual Leave Entitlements in Kazakhstan

Employees in Kazakhstan are entitled to 24 calendar days of paid annual leave as a standard minimum. Many organizations offer additional days through collective agreements or individual contracts. Payment for annual leave must be processed at least three working days before the vacation period begins.

Certain employee categories qualify for extended annual leave:

Employees working under hazardous conditions: Minimum 6 additional days
Individuals with first or second-degree disabilities: Minimum 6 extra days
Seconded employees: Additional leave based on receiving party's work conditions
Long-serving employees and those performing critical tasks may receive incentive leave

Part-time employees maintain proportional leave rights equivalent to full-time colleagues. Leave scheduling typically follows employer-approved timetables, though modifications require two weeks' advance notice to employees.

Maternity and Paternity Leave Provisions

Kazakhstan offers comprehensive maternity protection with leave durations varying by circumstance:

Standard childbirth: 70 days prenatal, 56 days postnatal
Complicated deliveries: 70 days both prenatal and postnatal
Nuclear-affected regions: Extended periods up to 91 prenatal days

Employees receive full salary during maternity leave with job protection guarantees. Paternity leave provides 56 days for adoptive parents from the adoption date.

Childcare and Parental Leave Options

Parents can request unpaid leave until their child reaches three years of age. This entitlement extends to:

Biological parents (mother or father)
Sole caregivers
Relatives caring for children without parents
Adoptive parents

Employers must maintain positions during unpaid childcare leave, with employees providing one month's notice for early return.

Sick Leave and Temporary Disability

Employees receive paid sick leave for medically certified illnesses or injuries. Employers typically cover the first 15 calendar days, with social insurance potentially covering extended periods. Proper medical documentation is required for all sick leave claims.

Educational and Special Circumstance Leave

Study leave supports employees pursuing education, covering exam preparation and academic requirements. Compensation arrangements vary by individual agreements.

Short-term unpaid leave is available for specific life events:

Marriage registration
Childbirth
Bereavement of close relatives
Other contractually specified situations

National Holidays and Religious Observances

Kazakhstan recognizes 10 official public holidays in 2025. Work on these days qualifies for overtime compensation at 1.5 times regular rates.

Holiday	Date
New Year's Day	January 1-2
International Women's Day	March 8
Nauryz Festival	March 21-23
Unity Day	May 1
Defender of the Fatherland Day	May 7
Victory Day	May 9
Capital City Day	July 6
Constitution Day	August 30
Republic Day	October 25
Independence Day	December 16

Additional religious observances include Orthodox Christmas (January 7), Eid al-Fitr (March 29-April 1), and Kurban Ait (June 6-8).

Practical Implementation Considerations

International companies like SailGlobal can assist organizations in navigating Kazakhstan's leave management complexities. Proper documentation, timely payments, and clear communication protocols ensure compliance while maintaining positive employee relations. Regular audits of leave policies help identify potential compliance gaps before they become issues.

Kazakhstan Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Maternity & Holiday Policies 2025