Leave in Cyprus

Full-time employees in Cyprus are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave if they work a five-day week (or 24 days for a six-day week). These entitlements apply to employees who have worked for their employer for at least 48 weeks during the calendar year.

Annual leave entitlements are governed by the Annual Paid Leave Law. Employees must use their leave during the calendar year, although unused leave may sometimes be carried forward to the following year by mutual agreement with the employer. Employees are paid their normal salary while on leave.

Cyprus observes 14 public holidays.

Some industries or organizations may provide additional holidays through collective agreements or company policies.

Employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury are entitled to sick leave, with payments provided by the employer and the Social Insurance Fund. The employer covers the first three days of absence, after which the Social Insurance Fund pays a percentage of the employee’s insurable earnings. Employees must provide a medical certificate to qualify for sick leave. Overall, sick leave can last up to 156 days, with possible extensions for serious illnesses, and all employees registered with the Social Insurance Fund are entitled to it.

Parents are entitled to unpaid leave to care for their children, as provided under Cypriot law. Parental leave can be taken either continuously or in blocks, with the aim of promoting work-life balance. Each parent is entitled to up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child, with a maximum of five weeks allowed per year for children under 8 years old (or under 18 years for children with disabilities). All employees who have completed at least six months of continuous service are entitled to Parental leave.

Maternity leave provides paid time off for employees before and after childbirth, with benefits funded by the Cypriot Social Insurance Fund. Maternity leave is granted for 18 weeks, starting up to nine weeks before the expected due date. Additional weeks may be provided in cases of multiple births or complications. Female employees with at least six months of contributions to the Social Insurance Fund are entitled to Maternity leave.

Fathers are entitled to paternity leave following the birth of their child, with payments made by the Social Insurance Fund. Paternity leave is granted for two consecutive weeks and must be taken within 16 weeks of the child’s birth. Fathers with six months of contributions to the Social Insurance Fund and proof of paternity are entitled to Paternity leave.

Special leave may be granted for personal or family reasons, such as weddings, funerals, or caregiving responsibilities. This leave is typically unpaid unless otherwise specified by employment contracts or collective agreements. The duration depends on the specific circumstances and employer discretion, and all employees are entitled to it, subject to agreement with their employer