In Latvia, employees are entitled to four weeks (20 working days for a five-day worker) of paid annual leave per year under the Labour Law (Darba likums). The leave year is a calendar year.

Statutory entitlement

4 weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave per year.

Eligibility

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

Employer obligations

  • Grant 4 weeks of paid annual leave per year.
  • Pay the employee's average earnings during annual leave.
  • Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.

Employee rights

  • Right to 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 paying for unused leave on termination — this is a statutory requirement.

How annual leave accrues

Annual leave accrues from the start of employment. Leave is pro-rated in the first year.

Frequently asked questions

Can annual leave be carried forward?

Unused annual leave can be carried forward by mutual agreement.

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.