Lithuania's Employee Leave Framework: A Comprehensive Guide for International Employers

Lithuania's labor legislation establishes a comprehensive leave system that balances employee welfare with business operational needs. Understanding these regulations is crucial for multinational companies managing teams in this Baltic nation. The Lithuanian Labor Code provides for various types of leave beyond standard annual vacation, including sick leave, maternity/paternity benefits, parental leave, study leave, innovation sabbaticals, and personal time off.

Annual Leave Entitlements in Lithuania

Full-time employees in Lithuania are entitled to a minimum of 28 calendar days of paid annual leave, inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Part-time workers receive proportional leave based on their working hours. Unused vacation days may be carried forward for up to five consecutive years, providing flexibility for both employees and employers.

Certain employee categories qualify for extended annual leave. Those with family care responsibilities, medical conditions, or specific demographic characteristics (such as employees under 18, single parents of children under 14, or disabled workers) may receive up to 35 days. Employees in high-stress occupations or hazardous working conditions can qualify for extended leave of up to 58 days, as determined by government-approved classifications.

Annual leave compensation must be paid three working days before vacation commencement. If payment delays occur due to employer circumstances, the leave period extends accordingly, with compensation for the extended duration.

Annual Leave Scheduling Procedures

The entitlement year begins on the employee's hiring date. After six months of continuous service, employees typically become eligible for their first annual leave. Subsequent years' leave can be scheduled throughout the working year. When collective agreements don't specify scheduling protocols, employers and employees mutually determine the sequence. Leave may be taken in segments, with each segment lasting at least 14 consecutive days.

Sick Leave Provisions

Lithuanian employees receive sick leave with medical certification. There's no statutory maximum duration as long as valid medical documentation supports the absence. Employers cover compensation for the first two days of illness, while the State Social Insurance Fund (SoDra) assumes responsibility from the third day onward. Chronic conditions may qualify for additional support through case-specific assessments.

Maternity and Paternity Benefits

Female employees receive 70 calendar days of prenatal leave and 56 days postpartum (extended to 70 days for complicated deliveries or multiple births). Adoptive parents or guardians receive 70 days of leave from the adoption/guardianship commencement date. Social security benefits replace regular income during this period.

Parental Leave Regulations

Parents, grandparents, or legal guardians may take childcare leave until the child reaches three years of age. This leave can be used continuously or intermittently, with multiple caregivers allowed to rotate. Job protection continues throughout this period, except in cases of complete company liquidation.

Educational and Innovation Leave

Employees with over five years of service may receive up to 10 working days annually for career-related adult education programs, with at least 50% salary retention. Innovation leave permits up to 12 months for scientific or creative pursuits, subject to employer approval. Compensation during innovation leave varies by employment contract terms.

Personal Time Arrangements

Employees may request unpaid time off for personal matters, subject to employer approval and compliance with working time regulations. Flexible scheduling arrangements allow employees to shift working hours to accommodate personal needs.

2025 Public Holidays in Lithuania

Holiday	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Lithuanian State Restoration Day	February 16
Lithuanian Independence Restoration Day	March 11
Easter Sunday	April 20
Easter Monday	April 21
International Labor Day	May 1
Mother's Day	May 4
Father's Day	June 1
St. John's Day	June 24
Statehood Day	July 6
Assumption Day	August 15
All Saints' Day	November 1
All Souls' Day	November 2
Christmas Eve	December 24
Christmas Day	December 25
Second Day of Christmas	December 26

Companies expanding into Lithuania should consult with local HR experts like SailGlobal to ensure compliance with these regulations while maintaining operational efficiency.

Lithuania Employee Leave Guide 2025: Annual, Sick & Parental Leave Regulations