What is the approach to Public Holidays in Albania?

How Many Public Holidays Are Employees Entitled to in Albania?

Employees in Albania are entitled to 15 official public holidays per year. These include public national and religious holidays observed nationwide.

What Happens If a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend?

If a public holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday and/or Sunday), it is observed on the next working day(s).
When a holiday falls on Saturday, it is typically observed on the following Monday. If holidays fall on both Saturday and Sunday, they are usually observed on Monday and Tuesday.

What Are the Public Holidays in Albania?

January 1 - New Year's Day (Dita e Vitit te Ri)

January 2 - New Year's Day Holiday (Festa e Ditës së Vitit të Ri)

March 14- Summer Day (Dita e Verës) (observed on Mar 16, 2026)

March 20 - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

March 22 - Nevruz Day (observed on Mar 23, 2026)

April 05 - Catholic Easter (observed on April 6, 2026)

April 12 - Orthodox Easter (observed on April 13, 2026)

May 1 - Labor Day (Dita e Punës)

May 27 - Feast of the Sacrifice (Festa e Sakrificës)

September 5 - Mother Teresa Day (Dita e Nënë Terezës) (observed on Sep 7, 2026)

November 22 - Alphabet Day (Dita e alfabetit) (observed on Nov 23, 2026)

November 28 - Flag and Independence Day (Dita e Pavaresise) (observed on Nov 30, 2026)

November 29 - Liberation Day (Dita e erationlirimit) (observed on Dec 1, 2026)

December 8 - Youth Day (Dita e Rinisë)

December 25 - Christmas Day (Dita e Krishtlindjeve)

Are there additional public holidays or observances?

Albania recognizes some unofficial observances (e.g., Epiphany, Teacher’s Day, Women’s Day, Children’s Day, Assumption of Mary, Christmas Eve). These are not legally required as paid holidays.

Are public holidays statutory or optional?

Public holidays are statutory and must be provided to all employees.

Do part-time employees get public holidays?

Yes, part-time employees are entitled to public holidays, prorated according to their hours.

Are there holiday requirements for religious observance?

Yes. Employers must provide paid time off for officially recognized religious holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Catholic Easter, Orthodox Easter), regardless of the employee’s religion.

What happens if an employee works on a public holiday?

• 50% extra pay on hours worked

• Time off in lieu: 50% on top of the hour(s) that they completed during the public holiday. This must be taken within one week before or after working the public holiday

Can an employee refuse to work on a public holiday?

Yes, employees may refuse, except in essential services where holiday work is required and compensated.