Portugal Labor Law Guide 🇵🇹
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid annual leave per year, which cannot be waived or replaced by monetary compensation.
Portugal Labor Law Guide
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid annual leave per year, which cannot be waived or replaced by monetary compensation.
Primary Legislation
Código do Trabalho (Law No. 7/2009)
Secondary Legislation
Código do Trabalho (Law No. 7/2009)
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Essential compliance data regarding minimum entitlement and standard work hours in Portugal.
Ref: Código do Trabalho Art. 238Employees are entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid annual leave per year, which cannot be waived or replaced by monetary compensation.
Accrual
Full entitlement after one year of service. Pro-rata in the first year based on months worked.
Carry Over
Leave must be taken within the reference year. Carryover requires written agreement and must be used within 6 months.
Standard Week
40 hours
Max Weekly
48 hours
Max Daily
8 hours
Rest Period
11 consecutive hours of rest between working days.
Employment Contract & Termination
Notice Period
30 days for employees with less than 2 years of service. 60 days for 2+ years. 75 days for senior management.
Código do Trabalho Art. 400Probation Period
90 days for most contracts. 180 days for highly skilled positions. 240 days for senior management roles.
Código do Trabalho Art. 112Core Labor Obligations
Operational rules regarding leave requests, sick pay, and public holiday work that every HR manager must know.
Ref: Código do TrabalhoLeave Requests
Employer must consult employees and announce annual leave schedule at least 3 months in advance.
Sick Pay
Social Security pays from 4th day: 55% up to day 30, 60% from day 31, 70% from day 365. No employer top-up required.
Holiday Work
Work on public holidays requires prior agreement and 100% pay premium, or compensatory rest day.
Part-Time Calculation
Pro-rata calculation based on contracted hours, ensuring equal treatment with full-time employees.
Parental & Family Leave
Maternity Leave
120 days at 100% pay, or 150 days at 80% pay. Can be shared with father after first 6 weeks (mandatory for mother).
Código do Trabalho Art. 40-43Paternity/Partner Leave
28 days mandatory paid leave (5 must be consecutive immediately after birth). Additional optional days available if shared with mother.
Código do Trabalho Art. 43Sick Pay & Compensation
Sick Pay
Certified illness covered by Social Security from 4th day. Up to 1095 days total. Requires medical certificate from day 1.
Source: Segurança SocialSpecific Laws & Regulations
Unique regulations and legal concepts that distinguish the Portugal labor market from others.
Christmas Bonus (SubsÃdio de Natal)
Mandatory additional month's salary paid in December. Must be paid by December 15th. Part of minimum compensation package.
Holiday Bonus (SubsÃdio de Férias)
Mandatory additional month's salary paid before annual leave. Employees receive regular salary plus this bonus when taking vacation.
Consecutive Leave Requirement
At least 10 consecutive working days of annual leave must be taken in one continuous period. Remaining days can be split.
Municipal Holidays
Each municipality designates one local holiday (usually patron saint day). Employees entitled to this as a paid day off in addition to national holidays.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are employees compensated if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
Generally no, the holiday is lost unless a collective bargaining agreement provides for a substitute day.
What happens if an employee falls ill during annual leave?
If properly certified by a doctor, sick days during leave can be converted to sick leave and annual leave days restored.
Are Christmas and Holiday bonuses mandatory?
Yes, both SubsÃdio de Natal and SubsÃdio de Férias are legally mandatory and equal to one month's salary each.
Looking for the holiday calendar?
View the official Portugal public holiday list for 2025.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official government sources and legal counsel for compliance matters.
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