Introduction
Luxembourg has emerged as a land of prosperity. Due to its robust economy and business-friendly environment, the country attracts investors from around the globe. In 2022, Luxembourg’s GDP was recorded at US$81.64 billion.
As companies aim to build on the growing economy, they must acquaint themselves with the intricacies of hiring, especially leave policy in Luxembourg. From annual leave to public holidays, the leave policy in Luxembourg reflects the work-life dynamics and employee rights.
In this article, we will understand the leave policy in Luxembourg. We will discuss the maternity leaves, public holidays, and what additional leaves employees are entitled to.
Adoption Leave
- When an employee adopts a child under 12, they get 12 weeks of adoption leave in Luxembourg.
- This allows one of the partners to stay home and care for the newly adopted child or children.
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Talk to an expertEarned Leave
- Employees are entitled to earned leave in Luxembourg. However, they should have worked for at least three months with the same employer.
- It constitutes 26 business days per year.
- The duration of earned leave can be increased if there are collective agreements or individual arrangements between the employer and employee.
- Additionally, disabled war veterans, victims of work-related accidents, and employees with disabilities get an extra six days of leave per year, provided they meet specific criteria.
Maternity Leave
- Maternity leave in Luxembourg is divided into two types: antenatal leave and postnatal leave.
- Antenatal leave commences eight weeks before the expected date of childbirth.
- Female employees must provide a medical certificate confirming the expected delivery date to qualify for the same.
- Postnatal leave constitutes 12 weeks after childbirth.
- Maternity benefits are usually provided by the National Health Fund (CNS).
- The benefits equate to the highest employee salary earned in the three months before starting maternity leave.
Parental Leave
- Parental leave in Luxembourg comprises two types: first parental leave and second parental leave.
- Any one of the parents can use 'first parental leave' after the maternity or adoption leave.
- The second parental leave in Luxembourg can be availed until the child reaches six.
- The recent reform in parental leave, effective December 1, 2016, allows for more flexibility in its structure.
- Employees can now choose from various options: full-time, and part-time/split-leave. Both parents can also take parental leave concurrently if they prefer.
- In the case of twins, each parent gets six months of parental leave, totaling 12 months for both parents.
Paternity Leave
- Employees get ten days of paternity leave in Luxembourg following the birth of a child.
- In the case of multiple births, the father gets ten days of paternity leave for each child.
- Employees must write to their employers at least two months before applying for paternity leave.
Public Holidays
- Employees can avail of 11 public holidays in Luxembourg. They include,
Sick Leave Policy
- Under the sick leave policy in Luxembourg, employees receive a full salary for up to 77 days from their employer.
- Following this initial period, the Health Insurance Fund covers the sick leave benefits for employees.
- Individuals can get this sickness pay for up to 78 weeks in two years.
Casual Leave
- Employees can apply for casual leave for various reasons, such as the birth of a child, marriage, or dealing with the death of a family member.
- The duration of casual leave in Luxembourg varies depending on the event.
Unpaid Leave
- Private-sector employees get unpaid leave to participate in professional development training for a specific duration.
- Each employee gets two years of unpaid leave in Luxembourg.
- To qualify for the leave, employees must have worked for at least two years with the same employer.
- Individuals can take unpaid leave for four weeks to six months.
Other Leaves
Leave for reasons of force majeure
- It is a special one-day leave granted to an individual within a 12-month employment period.
- If necessary, and if the employer requests it from the Ministry of Labor, the government will cover 50% of the expenses associated with this leave.
Carer’s leave
- Employees who must provide personal care to a family member or someone in the same household get five days of carer’s leave.
Leave for youth workers
- Employees get a maximum of 60 days of leave for youth workers throughout their careers.
- The maximum duration of this leave in two years is capped at 20 days.
Cultural leave
- Cultural leave enables specific individuals to take extra time off from their regular work to engage in artistic activities.
- The duration of this leave ranges from five to 12 days per year.
Job search leave
- When dismissed, employees get an extra paid leave period of up to six working days.
- The leave is granted during the notice period of employees.
Political leave
- It allows individuals holding political positions, such as mayor or alderman, to continue working while serving in their elected roles within their communities.
- The duration of political leave in Luxembourg ranges from five to 40 hours per week.
Social mandate leave
- It comprises four hours of leave to attend meetings or hearings related to social security institutions or legal proceedings.
Leave for members of The National Representation Of Pupil’s Parents
- It constitutes a particular leave period of eight days or 64 hours per year.
Linguistic leave
- The total duration of linguistic leave is capped at 200 hours.
- It must be divided into two stages, each consisting of 80-120 hours.
Individual training leave
- Employees get 80 days of training leave.
- They can use it at any time throughout their professional careers.
Sabbatical leave
Currently, there is no provision for sabbatical leave in Luxembourg.
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FAQs
Q1: What is the annual leave policy?
Ans: Under the annual leave policy, employees get 26 business days of earned leave in Luxembourg.
Q2: What are the labor laws in Luxembourg?
Ans: The labor laws in Luxembourg cover various aspects of employment, including minimum wage, working hours, leave entitlements, and holidays.
Q3: What is the maximum overtime in Luxembourg?
Ans: Luxembourg's labor laws allow for a maximum daily overtime of two hours. This means that the total daily working hours should not exceed ten hours per day or 48 hours per week.
Q4: How long is maternity leave in Luxembourg?
Ans: Maternity leave in Luxembourg consists of eight weeks of antenatal leave and 12 weeks of postnatal leave.