Key Takeaways:
- Paid annual leave is required by law in most countries. Statutory minimums vary widely, from just a few days in some countries to five or more weeks in others.
- Countries calculate vacation time differently. Some count working days, while others use calendar days or weeks. Public holidays can also affect how much paid time off employees receive.
- The statutory minimum is often just a starting point. Employees may qualify for additional vacation days based on their length of service, age, or other factors. Employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements can also provide more generous leave.
- Employers need to account for more than the minimum number of days. Rules around earning leave, carrying over unused vacation, and paying out remaining days vary by country.
Giving every employee the same amount of paid vacation may sound straightforward, right? But for a company with employees in 10 different countries, it means navigating 10 different sets of employment laws.
That's because paid annual leave isn't just about how many days off employees receive. Countries have different rules for when vacation is earned, whether public holidays count, and what happens to unused days.
For example, in Brazil, employees must receive 30 calendar days of paid vacation. Meanwhile, in the U.K., employees are entitled to 28 days, but whether that includes bank holidays depends on the employer. Then there’s the U.S., where employers aren't required to provide any paid vacation days at all.
For companies employing people internationally, understanding these differences is essential to staying compliant with local employment laws.
This guide looks at paid annual leave laws in 50 countries, including many of the most popular destinations for international hiring.
Paid Annual Leave by Country: Comparison Table
The table below shows the minimum paid annual leave required by law for full-time employees, unless otherwise noted. Employers can offer more generous vacation benefits through employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, or company policies.
When comparing countries, it’s important to note whether leave is measured in working days, calendar days, or weeks. Entitlements can also increase with length of service.
Countries are listed alphabetically, rather than by region.
Annual Leave Requirements by Country
Argentina
Employees in Argentina receive a minimum of 14 calendar days of paid annual leave, increasing to 21 days after five years of service, 28 days after 10 years, and 35 days after 20 years. Employees must have at least 6 months of continuous service to qualify for their full entitlement. Otherwise, leave is calculated at one day for every 20 days worked. Leave is generally taken between October 1 and April 30.
Government source: Argentina's Employment Contract Law, Article 150
Australia
Full-time and part-time employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave per year. Leave accrues progressively from the first day of employment. Certain shift workers may receive five weeks annually.
Government source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Annual Leave
Austria
Employees in Austria receive five weeks of paid annual leave, equivalent to 25 working days. This increases to six weeks after 25 years of qualifying service. During their first six months, employees earn leave proportionally before becoming entitled to the full annual allowance.
Government source: Austrian Federal Ministry: Paid Leave
Belgium
Employees in Belgium receive four weeks of paid annual leave, typically based on how much they worked the previous calendar year.
Government source: Belgian Federal Public Service: Minimum Paid Annual Holidays
Brazil
Employees in Brazil are entitled to 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after completing 12 months of employment. Unjustified absences can reduce this entitlement. Employees also receive a vacation bonus equal to at least one-third of their regular salary. Annual leave can be divided into up to three periods, subject to statutory conditions.
Government source: Brazil's Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), Articles 129–134
Bulgaria
Employees in Bulgaria receive at least 20 working days of paid annual leave each year. First-time employees can begin using their leave after four months of employment.
Government source: Bulgarian Ministry of Economy: Working Hours and Leave
Canada
Paid annual leave in Canada is regulated primarily at the provincial and territorial levels. Most jurisdictions require at least two weeks of vacation after one year of employment, with entitlements increasing based on length of service. However, Saskatchewan requires three weeks from the first year, while Quebec increases the entitlement to three weeks after three years. Vacation pay requirements also vary by jurisdiction.
Government source: Employment Standards of Canada
Chile
Employees in Chile receive 15 working days of paid annual leave after one year of employment. Saturdays don't count toward vacation days, even for employees who normally work six days a week. Employees can also earn additional vacation days based on their years of service.
Government source: Chile's Labour Directorate: Annual Leave
China
Employees in China receive five working days of paid annual leave after one year of employment. This increases to 10 days after 10 years of cumulative service and 15 days after 20 years. An employee’s vacation entitlement is based on their total work history, including time with previous employers.
Government source: State Council Decree No. 514: Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees
Colombia
Employees in Colombia receive 15 working days of paid vacation annually. Employees earn leave throughout the year and must be allowed to take at least six consecutive working days off. Employees can carry over unused days, subject to legal limits.
Government source: Colombia's Substantive Labour Code, Articles 186–190
Costa Rica
Employees in Costa Rica receive at least two weeks of paid vacation after 50 weeks with the same employer. This applies to both full-time and part-time employees. Employers must typically provide the time off within 15 weeks of employees becoming eligible.
Government source: Costa Rica Ministry of Labor: Vacation Entitlements
Croatia
Employees in Croatia receive at least four weeks of paid vacation each year. First-time employees qualify for the full amount after six months of employment. Before that, they earn leave based on how long they've worked.
Government source: Croatian Government: Labour Legislation
Czechia
Employees in Czechia are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave annually, equivalent to 20 working days on a five-day schedule. Leave is calculated in hours rather than days, based on the employee's weekly working hours.
Government source: Czech Ministry of Labour: Annual Leave
Denmark
Employees in Denmark are entitled to five weeks of paid annual leave each year, equivalent to 25 working days. Leave accrues at 2.08 days per month, and employees may take vacation as they earn it. The holiday year runs from September 1 through August 31, with an extended period for taking accrued leave.
Government source: Work in Denmark: Holiday Allowance
Estonia
Employees in Estonia receive at least 28 calendar days of paid vacation each year, earning about 2.33 days per month. Weekends count toward vacation days, but public holidays don't. Employees can also split their vacation into shorter periods with their employer’s approval.
Government source: Estonian Working Life Portal: Types of Holidays
Finland
Employees in Finland earn two days of paid vacation per month during their first year and 2.5 days per month thereafter. That works out to 24 or 30 days annually. Saturdays count as vacation days, even for employees who normally work Monday through Friday.
Government source: Suomi.fi: Earning Annual Holiday
France
Employees in France receive five weeks of paid vacation each year, equivalent to 25 days on a five-day workweek. Employees earn 2.5 days per month under France's six-day calculation system. Those who work more than the standard 35-hour week can also receive additional paid days off.
Government source: French Government: Paid Annual Leave
Germany
Employees in Germany are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave annually, equivalent to 20 days for employees working five days per week. However, employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements frequently provide more generous vacation entitlements.
Government source: German Federal Statistical Office
Greece
Employees in Greece earn paid vacation from their first day of employment. They start with 20 working days on a five-day schedule or 24 days on a six-day schedule, prorated during the first year. Vacation days increase with years of service and previous work experience.
Government source: Greek Ministry of Labour: Working Time and Annual Leave
Hungary
Employees in Hungary receive at least 20 working days of paid annual leave each year. Additional leave is granted based on age, beginning with one extra day at age 25 and increasing to 10 additional days from age 45. Employees with children under 16 and certain other qualifying circumstances receive supplementary leave.
Government source: European Commission EURES: Working Conditions in Hungary
India
Paid annual leave in India varies by location and applicable labor laws. Under the national Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, covered workers earn one day of paid vacation for every 20 days worked, subject to eligibility requirements. Different rules apply to shops and commercial establishments under state laws.
Government sources: Ministry of Labour and Employment and Labour Bureau
Indonesia
Employees in Indonesia are entitled to at least 12 working days of paid annual leave after completing 12 consecutive months of employment with the same employer.
Government source: Indonesian Ministry of Manpower, Law No. 13 of 2003
Ireland
Employees in Ireland receive up to four weeks of paid vacation each year, depending on how many hours they work. This includes part-time and temporary employees, who earn leave from the start of employment.
Government source: Workplace Relations Commission
Italy
Employees in Italy receive at least four weeks of paid annual leave. Employees must take at least two weeks during the year the leave accrues, while they can take the remaining two weeks within the following 18 months. Collective bargaining agreements frequently provide additional leave.
Government source: Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies
Japan
Employees in Japan receive 10 working days of paid annual leave after six months of continuous employment. The entitlement increases with service, reaching 20 days after six years and six months. Employers must ensure employees take at least five days annually.
Government source: Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Lithuania
Employees in Lithuania on a five-day workweek receive at least 20 working days of paid annual leave each year, while those working six days per week are entitled to 24 working days. At least one period of annual leave must be 10 consecutive working days, or 12 for employees on a six-day workweek. Employees receive three additional days after 10 years with the same employer.
Government source: European Commission EURES: Working Conditions in Lithuania
Luxembourg
Employees in Luxembourg receive at least 26 working days of paid vacation each year. They earn leave from their first day of employment but typically must wait three months before taking it.
Government source: Guichet.lu: Annual Paid Leave
Malaysia
Employees in Malaysia receive at least eight days of paid vacation annually, increasing to 12 days after two years and 16 days after five years. Separate labor laws apply in Sabah and Sarawak.
Government source: Malaysian Government: Labour Law
Mexico
Employees in Mexico receive at least 12 working days of paid annual leave after completing their first year of employment. The entitlement increases by two days annually until it reaches 20 days after five years, then increases by two additional days for every five years of service. Employees also receive a vacation premium of at least 25% of their regular wages during leave.
Government source: PROFEDET: Vacation Entitlements
Netherlands
Employees in the Netherlands receive a statutory minimum of four weeks of paid annual leave each year. The entitlement is calculated as four times the employee's weekly working hours, equivalent to 20 days for someone working five days per week. Collective labor agreements and employment contracts often provide additional vacation days.
Government source: Business.gov.nl: Holiday Entitlement for Employees
New Zealand
Employees in New Zealand are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave after 12 months of continuous employment. Employers must allow employees to take at least two weeks together if requested. A replacement policy for the Holidays Act is scheduled for August 2028.
Government source: Employment New Zealand: Taking Annual Holidays
Norway
Employees in Norway receive at least 25 working days of annual leave each year. Because Saturdays count as working days under Norwegian law, this equals four weeks and one day, rather than five weeks. Employees aged 60 and older receive an additional six working days. Holiday pay is calculated using earnings from the preceding calendar year.
Government source: Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority: Holiday
Pakistan
Annual leave requirements in Pakistan depend on provincial legislation and the type of workplace. Under applicable factories and shops legislation, employees typically receive 14 days of paid annual leave after 12 months of continuous employment.
Government sources: Pakistan Factories Act
Peru
Employees in Peru covered by the general private-sector employment regime receive 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. Employees of qualifying registered micro and small businesses receive 15 calendar days instead. Because leave is measured in calendar days, weekends count toward the entitlement.
Government sources: SUNAFIL: Annual Vacation Requirements and SUNAFIL: Small-Business Employee Rights
Philippines
Covered employees in the Philippines receive five days of paid service incentive leave (SIL) after completing one year of service. Unlike dedicated vacation leave, employees can use these days for vacation, illness, or other personal purposes. Certain employees and establishments are exempt, and many employers provide more generous leave.
Government source: Department of Labor and Employment: Labor Code, Article 95
Poland
Employees in Poland receive 20 working days of paid vacation annually, increasing to 26 days after 10 years of qualifying service. Previous employment and certain education periods count toward those 10 years. Employees in their first year earn leave monthly.
Government source: Polish Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy: Duration of Annual Leave
Portugal
Employees in Portugal receive at least 22 working days of paid vacation annually. During their first year, they earn two days per month, up to 20 days, and can typically take leave after six months. Employees also receive an additional holiday payment on top of their regular vacation pay.
Government source: Government of Portugal: Working in Portugal
Romania
Employees in Romania receive at least 20 working days of paid vacation each year, not including public holidays. Unused vacation days must typically be taken within 18 months after the end of the year in which they were earned.
Government source: Romanian Labour Inspection: Labour Code
Singapore
Employees in Singapore receive seven days of paid vacation in their first year, increasing by one day annually to a maximum of 14 days. Employees qualify after three months of service, with vacation days prorated during their first year.
Government source: Singapore Ministry of Manpower: Annual Leave Eligibility and Entitlement
South Africa
Employees in South Africa receive at least three weeks of paid vacation each year (21 consecutive calendar days). Employers must allow employees to take their leave within six months after the annual leave cycle ends.
Government source: South African Department of Employment and Labour: Basic Guide to Annual Leave
South Korea
Employees in South Korea receive 15 days of paid annual leave after one year of employment. During their first year, employees earn one day of leave for each month of full attendance. After three years of service, they receive an additional day for every two years worked, up to a maximum of 25 days.
Government source: Korean Labor Standards Act, Article 60
Spain
Employees in Spain receive at least 30 calendar days of paid vacation each year, equivalent to roughly 22 working days. Employees must provide at least two months’ notice before any planned vacations.
Government source: Spanish Workers' Statute, Article 38
Sweden
Employees in Sweden receive 25 days of annual leave each year, but not all of those days are necessarily paid. Paid vacation is earned during the previous leave-earning year; newer employees may have fewer paid days available. Employees can also save up to five unused paid vacation days each year and carry them over for up to five years.
Government source: Verksamt.se: Annual Leave
Switzerland
Employees in Switzerland receive at least four weeks of paid vacation each year, equivalent to 20 working days. Employees must take at least two weeks consecutively.
Government source: Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs: Holiday Entitlement
Thailand
Employees in Thailand receive at least six days of paid vacation after one year with the same employer. Employers can offer leave sooner, and employees can carry over unused days by mutual agreement.
Government source: Thai Ministry of Labour: Employee Rights
Ukraine
Employees in Ukraine are entitled to at least 24 calendar days of paid annual leave each year. However, different rules apply during martial law. Employers can limit employees to 24 days of leave per working year, even if they're entitled to more. Employees can postpone any additional unused days until martial law ends.
Government source: Ukrainian Ministry of Justice: Annual Leave Rights
United Arab Emirates
Employees in the United Arab Emirates receive 30 days of paid vacation after one year of employment. Those who have worked between six months and one year earn two days per month. Public holidays generally count toward vacation days.
Government source: UAE Government: Annual Leave
United Kingdom
Workers in the United Kingdom receive at least 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave each year, up to a maximum of 28 days. Employers can include bank holidays in those 28 days rather than offering them as extra days off.
Government source: GOV.UK: Holiday Entitlement
United States
The United States doesn't require employers to offer paid vacation. Instead, companies decide how much time off to give employees through their own policies, employment contracts, or union agreements. However, some states have laws governing how employees earn vacation time and what happens to unused days when they leave a company.
Government source: U.S. Department of Labor: Vacation Leave
Vietnam
Employees in Vietnam receive at least 12 working days of paid vacation annually, prorated during their first year. They also earn an extra day for every five years with the same employer. Certain jobs qualify for additional vacation days.
Government source: Vietnam Ministry of Justice: Annual Leave Entitlements
Make International Employment Easier With RemoFirst
Managing paid annual leave across multiple countries means keeping on top of different rules for how employees earn vacation, how much time they can carry over, and what happens to unused days when they leave the company.
Businesses can make this easier by creating a global vacation policy that meets local requirements while giving employees a consistent experience across countries. But paid leave is just one part of managing an international team, and keeping up with different employment laws can quickly become complicated.
With RemoFirst, companies can employ people in 185+ countries — without setting up local entities. We handle local compliance and day-to-day international employment administration, including payroll and benefits, so companies can focus on managing their teams.
Book a demo to see how RemoFirst can simplify international employment.
