The easiest way to Hire and Manage in Estonia

Employees are entitled to 28 calendar days of paid annual leave per year. Estonia observes 12 public holidays. On the days preceding New Year’s Day, Anniversary of the Republic, Victory Day, and Christmas Eve, the working day is legally shortened by 3 hours.

A woman has the right to 100 calendar days of maternity leave, which she can start using up to 70 days before the estimated date of birth. During this period, she receives a maternity benefit funded by the Social Insurance Board based on her previous income. For the leave to be fully utilized, it is recommended to start at least 31 days before the due date, as starting later shortens the total leave duration. Following this period, parents can transition to shared parental leave, which remains job-protected and offers significant flexibility.

Fathers are entitled to 30 calendar days of paternity leave, which can be taken up to 30 days before the birth or until the child turns three. This leave is paid as a paternity benefit based on the father’s earnings, with a cap in 2026 of EURO3,806.10 per month. Additionally, shared parental leave allows parents to split approximately 475 to 515 days of leave. From 2026, income thresholds for working while receiving parental benefit have been removed, meaning parents can work full-time while continuing to receive their full benefit amount.

Sick Leave: The employer pays from the 4th to the 8th day of illness at 70% of the average salary. From the 9th day, the Health Insurance Fund pays the benefit, capped in 2026 at EURO126.87 per day. Child Leave: Parents are entitled to 10 working days of paid child leave per year for each child under 14.