Romania offers its workforce a comprehensive framework for leave entitlements, ensuring fair working conditions and a healthy work-life balance. This article explores the various types of leave, including annual vacations, public holidays, and other forms of paid and unpaid leave, as outlined in Romanian labor regulations.

Annual Leave in Romania

Employees in Romania are entitled to at least 20 working days of paid annual leave each calendar year. This entitlement is calculated proportionally for those who work only part of the year. Additional vacation days are granted to employees in specific circumstances, such as hazardous work conditions, young workers under 18, or those with disabilities.

Unused Leave Carry-Over

Employees can carry over unused leave, but it must be used within 18 months after the year it was accrued. Employers and employees are expected to coordinate vacation schedules to suit both business operations and individual needs. Employees are required to take at least a two-week uninterrupted vacation annually.

Vacation Pay Rules

Employers are obligated to pay vacation salaries at least five working days before the leave begins. This payment is based on the employee’s average salary over the last three months prior to the leave. If employment ends, any unused vacation days must be compensated financially.

Public Holidays in Romania

Romania observes both national and religious public holidays, ensuring employees have several days off throughout the year.

Major National Holidays:

– New Year’s Day (January 1-2)

– Unification Day (January 24)

– Labor Day (May 1)

– National Day (December 1)

– Christmas (December 25-26)

Religious and Observance Days:

– Orthodox Easter (Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Monday; dates vary)

– Pentecost (50 days after Easter, Sunday and Monday)

– Assumption of Mary (August 15)

– Saint Andrew’s Day (November 30)

– Children’s Day (June 1)

For employees affiliated with legally recognized non-Christian religious institutions, two additional days of leave for religious holidays are granted.

Special Leave Entitlements

Romanian employees benefit from various types of paid and unpaid leave for personal, family, and health-related situations:

Paid Leave:

– Marriage Leave:

Five days for personal marriage; two days for a child’s marriage.

– Bereavement Leave:

One to three days, depending on the relationship.

– Parental Leave:

Maternity leave of 126 days and paternity leave of 10-15 days are available. Parents can also take unpaid leave for up to two years per child (three years for children with disabilities).

– Blood Donation Leave:

One day off for blood donors.

– Sick Leave:

Granted based on a medical certificate.

Unpaid Leave:

– Employees can request unpaid leave for personal matters, educational purposes, or urgent family situations, subject to employer approval.

Employee-Friendly Labor Policies

Romanian labor laws are designed to safeguard employee rights, promote workplace fairness, and ensure ample time for rest and family responsibilities. Employers are encouraged to provide additional leave benefits through collective agreements or customized contracts.

With these provisions, Romania sets a high standard for worker protections and work-life balance, making it an attractive location for both employees and businesses.