Serbia Employment Guide

Understanding Paid Time Off in Serbia

Both full-time and part-time employees in Serbia are entitled to 20 working days of paid time off (PTO) annually. PTO accrues on a monthly basis at a rate of 1.67 days per month. Employees become eligible to use their annual leave after completing one month of service.

Public Holidays in Serbia

Serbia observes seven national public holidays, with several spanning multiple days. It is important to note that additional religious holidays are also celebrated but are not included in the official list below.

1. New Year (2 days)
2. Orthodox Christmas
3. Statehood Day (2 days)
4. Orthodox Good Friday
5. Orthodox Easter Monday
6. Labour Day (2 days)
7. Armistice Day

Practical Implications for Employers

For international companies like SailGlobal operating in Serbia, managing employee leave requires careful planning. For instance, when public holidays fall on a weekend, employees are typically entitled to a substitute working day off. A common challenge arises when employees combine their annual PTO with public holidays, potentially leading to extended absences. Proactive scheduling and clear internal policies are essential to maintain operational continuity.

Key Compliance Considerations

Adhering to Serbian labor law is non-negotiable. The 20-day PTO minimum is statutory, and any company policy, including those from SailGlobal, must meet or exceed this standard. Failure to correctly calculate and grant leave can result in legal disputes and financial penalties. It is advisable to use dedicated HR management systems to track accruals accurately, especially for a mobile or hybrid workforce.