Czech Republic: Annual Leave in the Czech Republic

Author: Klára Sleglova

Employees in the Czech Republic are generally entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 working days) of paid leave per calendar year. This entitlement applies only to employees who have performed work for the same employer for at least four weeks within a calendar year. From 1 January 2024, employees working under agreements to perform work and agreements to complete a job are also entitled to paid leave.

 

Calculation of Leave Entitlement

Paid leave entitlement is calculated based on several factors: statutory (or agreed higher) annual entitlement, the number of hours actually worked, and the weekly working hours. Each day of leave corresponds to the employee’s standard working hours. For part-time employees, the calculation is adjusted proportionally. Leave is counted in hours. However, each leave taken must cover the entire shift. Only on rare occasions can the employer, with the employee’s consent, grant the employee a shorter period of leave, but not less than one-half of the shift. During their paid leave, employees are entitled to receive their average earnings, which are calculated based on the salary they earned in the preceding calendar quarter.

 

Carrying Over and Termination

Employees must generally take their leave within the calendar year it is accrued. However, if it is not possible due to operational reasons or other justified circumstances, the employer may allow the leave to be carried over to the following year. Any carried-over leave must be used by the end of the subsequent year. Otherwise, the employer may be fined by the Labour Inspectorate.

 

Despite common misconceptions, it is the employer who is required to plan and schedule leave in accordance with the operational needs and legitimate interests of employees. Employers are obligated to inform employees of the determined leave period in writing at least 14 days in advance, unless a shorter notice period is mutually agreed upon.

 

In the event of employment termination, employees are entitled to compensation for any unused leave days.

Key Action Points for Human Resources and In-House Counsel

• Czech employees get at least four weeks (20 days) of paid leave yearly.
• Employers schedule leave, informing employees 14 days in advance unless agreed otherwise.
• Unused leave can be carried over to the following year.
• Employees must be compensated for unused leave upon termination.