Understanding Employee Leave Policies in Serbia

Serbia's labor regulations provide comprehensive leave entitlements for employees, ensuring a balance between work and personal life. As an international HR professional, understanding these provisions is essential for compliant workforce management.

Annual Leave Entitlements

Serbian employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of annual leave, with specific provisions governing its utilization:

Eligibility begins after one month of continuous employment
Unused leave must be compensated upon termination based on average earnings
Employers must provide at least five working days' notice for schedule changes
Initial leave must include at least two consecutive weeks within the calendar year

Maternity Leave Framework

Serbia offers robust maternity protection with 365 days of combined maternity and nursing leave:

Leave can commence 45 days before expected delivery
Standard maternity protection extends for three months post-delivery
Fathers may utilize these rights under specific circumstances
Families with three or more children qualify for extended two-year leave

Parental and Childcare Provisions

While Serbia doesn't have separate paternity leave, several childcare options exist:

Parents of children with special needs may work reduced hours until age five
Pro-rated salary compensation applies for part-time childcare arrangements
Parents, adoptive parents, or guardians may take leave until child reaches three years

Sick Leave Compensation

Serbian labor law mandates sick pay with distinct compensation levels:

Leave Type	Compensation Rate
Non-work related illness/injury	65% of average salary
Work-related accidents	100% of average salary

Medical certification must be provided within three days of absence. SailGlobal's compliance solutions help employers navigate these requirements efficiently.

National and Religious Holidays

Serbia recognizes multiple public holidays with premium pay for holiday work:

Holiday	2025 Dates
New Year	January 1-2
Orthodox Christmas	January 7
Statehood Day	February 15-17
Orthodox Easter	April 18-21
Labor Day	May 1-2
Armistice Day	November 11

Additional religious observances accommodate Serbia's diverse population, including Islamic, Jewish, and Catholic holidays.

Additional Leave Categories

Employees may access various paid leave types for personal circumstances:

Five days for marriage or spouse's childbirth
Five days for bereavement of immediate family
Two days for blood donation activities

Unpaid Leave Options

Employers may grant unpaid leave while maintaining employment rights, providing flexibility for extended personal needs.

Serbia Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Maternity & Sick Leave Policies 2025