In Croatia, employees are entitled to at least four weeks (20 working days for a five-day worker) of paid annual leave per year under the Labour Act (Zakon o radu). Additional leave may be provided by collective agreements or employer policies.

Statutory entitlement

Minimum 4 weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave per year. Additional leave may be provided by collective agreements.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to annual leave. Leave is pro-rated in the first year based on months worked.

Employer obligations

  • Grant at least 4 weeks of paid annual leave per year.
  • Pay the employee's average earnings during annual leave.
  • Allow the employee to take annual leave within the calendar year.
  • Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.

Employee rights

  • Right to at least 4 weeks of annual leave.
  • Right to be paid at average earnings during annual leave.
  • Right to paid leave payout on termination.

Common pitfalls

  • Not checking the collective agreement — many agreements provide additional leave.
  • Not paying for unused leave on termination — this is a statutory requirement.

How annual leave is calculated

Annual leave is calculated in weeks. For a five-day worker, 4 weeks equals 20 working days. Leave is pro-rated in the first year.

Additional leave

Collective agreements may provide additional leave for certain categories of employees (e.g. hazardous work, young workers, parents).

Frequently asked questions

Can annual leave be carried forward?

Unused annual leave can be carried over to the next year in specific circumstances (e.g. illness). Otherwise, leave must be taken within the calendar year.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.