Public Holidays: What is the approach to Public Holidays in Kosovo

How Many Public Holidays Are Employees Entitled to in Kosovo?

Employees in Kosovo are entitled to 12 public holidays annually.

What Happens If a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend?

If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is observed on the next working day. If two public holidays coincide with a weekend, the following two working days are designated as the observed holidays.

What Are the Public Holidays in Kosovo?

• New Year: January 1 and 2

• Orthodox Christmas: January 7

• Independence Day: February 17

• Easter: Moveable date

• Constitution Day of the Republic of Kosovo: April 9

• Eid al-Fitr: Moveable date

• Labor Day: May 1

• Orthodox Easter: Moveable date

• Europe Day: May 9

• Eid al-Adha: Moveable date

• Christmas: December 25

Are There Substitute Public Holidays in Kosovo?

No, Kosovo does not observe substitute public holidays.

Are There Additional Public Holidays in Kosovo?

Yes, Albanian Independence Day (November 28) is typically declared as a special public holiday in Kosovo shortly before the date.

Are Public Holidays Statutory or Optional for Employers in Kosovo?

All public holidays are statutory and must be provided to employees.

Do Part-Time Employees Receive the Same Public Holidays as Full-Time Employees in Kosovo?

Yes, part-time employees are entitled to the same public holidays as full-time employees.

Do Employees Accrue Public Holidays During Maternity, Paternity, or Adoption Leave?

No, public holidays are not accrued while an employee is on any form of family leave.

Do Employees Continue to Accrue Public Holidays During Sick Leave?

No, public holidays are not accrued during sick leave.

Are There Any Additional Holiday Requirements for Religious Observance in Kosovo?

No, as religious holidays are already included in the national public holiday schedule, no extra holidays are granted for religious observance.

What Happens When an Employee Works on a Public Holiday in Kosovo?

There are two options for compensating employees who work on a public holiday:

• Pay Compensation: Employees receive 1.5 times their hourly salary. For example, if an employee earns €8 per hour, they would receive €12 per hour for work performed on a public holiday.

• Time-Off in Lieu: Employees receive 1.5 times the hours worked as compensatory time off, to be used within a period specified by the employer.

Can an Employee Refuse to Work on a Public Holiday in Kosovo?

Yes, employees have the right to refuse to work on a public holiday.