Understanding Employee Leave Policies in Latvia: A Guide for International Employers

Latvia's labor laws provide a comprehensive framework for employee leave, ensuring workers have adequate paid time off for rest, health, and family responsibilities. For international companies like SailGlobal, understanding these regulations is crucial for compliant and effective human resource management. This guide outlines the key types of leave available to employees in Latvia.

Annual Leave Entitlements

Latvian legislation mandates a minimum of four calendar weeks (28 days) of paid annual leave for employees who have completed at least six months of continuous service. For workers under the age of 18, the entitlement increases to one full calendar month (30 days). This leave is separate from public holidays and is designed to promote employee well-being. While the leave can be taken in segments by mutual agreement between the employee and employer, one segment must be a continuous period of at least two weeks to ensure meaningful rest.

In cases where operational demands prevent an employee from taking their full annual leave within the calendar year, a portion may be carried over to the next year with the employee's written consent. However, this carry-over is strictly limited to the following year. Special protections apply to minors, pregnant employees, and mothers within one year after childbirth, who enjoy greater flexibility regarding leave scheduling and carry-over. For instance, breastfeeding mothers retain these protections until their child reaches the age of two.

Monetary compensation for unused annual leave is generally prohibited, except upon termination of employment. If an employment contract ends and the employee has accrued but unused leave, the employer is obligated to provide financial compensation. Importantly, an employee's right to promotions or salary adjustments continues to accrue during their leave period.

Supplemental paid leave is also available for specific circumstances. Employees caring for three or more children under 16, those working in high-risk occupations, and individuals caring for fewer than three children under 14 are eligible for additional paid days off. Annual leave accrual continues during periods of authorized absence, such as sick leave or maternity leave, safeguarding employees' rights even when they are not actively working.

Sick Leave Provisions

Employees in Latvia are entitled to partially paid sick leave for up to 52 weeks, provided they have been employed for at least one month. The compensation structure is divided into two phases. For the first ten days of illness, a doctor issues a Certificate A. The employer is responsible for paying a percentage of the employee's average wage: 75% for the first three days and 80% for days four through ten. From the eleventh day onward, a Certificate B is issued, and the State Social Insurance Agency (SSIA) provides sickness benefits for the remainder of the 52-week period.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave lasting between 112 and 140 days. This typically consists of 56 days of prenatal leave and 56 days of postnatal leave, which extends to 70 days in the case of multiple births. To qualify for maternity benefits, the individual must be an employee or self-employed at the start of the leave, or have lost their employment status no more than 60 days (or 210 days in cases of company liquidation) before the leave begins. The benefit is paid in two parts, corresponding to the prenatal and postnatal periods.

Fathers are entitled to 10 days of paternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child. This leave must be used within the first six months of the child's life. Adoptive parents are also eligible for this leave when adopting a child under 18 from outside their family.

Parental Leave Options

Following maternity or paternity leave, parents in Latvia can take parental leave. As of 2023, parents of children born in or after 2023 can choose between two benefit periods.

13-Month Option: The basic benefit is paid for 9 months (including the maternity benefit period) before the child turns one, at a rate of 60% of the parent's average insured income. Each parent also has a non-transferable entitlement of 2 months, which can be used any time before the child turns eight, provided they are on leave or not earning self-employed income.
19-Month Option: The basic benefit is paid for 15 months (including the maternity benefit period) before the child turns 1.5 years old, at a reduced rate of 43.75% of average insured income. The same non-transferable 2-month entitlement per parent applies.

If a parent chooses not to take full leave and continues working, they may receive 50% of the basic benefit amount.

Adoption Leave

When a couple adopts a child, one parent is entitled to 10 days of paid adoption leave. Additional unpaid leave may be granted if required by an orphan's court.

Public Holidays in Latvia

Latvia observes 13 public holidays annually. It is common practice for the working day preceding a public holiday to be shortened by one hour. The table below lists the public holidays for a typical year.

Holiday Name	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Good Friday	Date Varies (e.g., April 18)
Easter Sunday	Date Varies (e.g., April 20)
Easter Monday	Date Varies (e.g., April 21)
Labour Day	May 1
Restoration of Independence Day	May 4
Midsummer Eve	June 23
Midsummer Day / St. John's Day	June 24
Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia	November 18
Christmas Eve	December 24
Christmas Day	December 25
Second Day of Christmas	December 26
New Year's Eve	December 31

Navigating Latvia's leave policies can be complex for international businesses. SailGlobal offers expert guidance to ensure your company remains compliant while supporting your employees' well-being.

Latvia Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Sick, Maternity & Parental Leave