Argentina Employment Guide

Argentina is in southern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Chile to the west. It has abundant natural resources and diverse geographical environments, including the Pampas grasslands, the Andes Mountains and Patagonia. It has ~45 million people; its economy focuses on agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, manufacturing and services, with Buenos Aires (the capital) as the political, economic and cultural center. Argentina’s labor laws require written labor contracts, set a 48-hour standard workweek, and mandate employers to guarantee minimum wages, social insurance and paid leave. Dismissals must follow legal procedures and provide employees with compensation. The labor relations system is sound, but adjustments to salaries and benefits need attention amid high inflation.

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Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

Capital

Buenos Aires

Official language

Spanish

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Argentina

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Paid Time Off (PTO) Entitlements in Argentina

Both full-time and part-time employees in Argentina are entitled to 10 working days (equivalent to 14 calendar days) of paid annual leave each year. The accrual rate for PTO varies based on an employee's length of service. For instance, during the first six months of employment, staff earn one day of leave for every 20 working days completed.

National Public Holidays in Argentina

Argentina observes 17 national public holidays annually. Some of these holidays are movable, meaning that if they fall on a Tuesday or Wednesday, they are shifted to the preceding Monday. Similarly, holidays occurring on a Thursday or Friday are moved to the following Monday.

This flexible approach often creates extended weekends, offering employees additional opportunities for rest and personal activities. The exact dates for these holidays are published each year by the government.

Key national holidays include:

New Year's Day
Carnival (2 days)
National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Veterans Day and Malvinas War Memorial Day
Labour Day
May Revolution Day
Anniversary of the Passing of General Martín Miguel de Güemes
Anniversary of the Passing of General Manuel Belgrano
Independence Day
Anniversary of the Passing of General José de San Martín
Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity
National Sovereignty Day
Immaculate Conception Day
Christmas Day

Practical Implications for International Employers

Companies like SailGlobal operating in Argentina must align their HR policies with these statutory requirements. For example, a multinational firm recently adjusted its leave system to accommodate movable holidays, improving employee satisfaction without disrupting operations. Properly managing PTO and public holidays not only ensures compliance but also enhances workforce morale and productivity.

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