How Public Holidays Work in Portugal
Public holidays in Portugal are defined by the Código do Trabalho. Employees are entitled to 13 mandatory paid public holidays, plus one municipal holiday specific to their locality.
2025 Holiday Calendar
Each municipality has one additional local holiday. Madeira and Azores have specific regional holidays in addition to national ones.
Portugal Holidays
How Public Holidays Work in Portugal
Public holidays in Portugal are defined by the Código do Trabalho. Employees are entitled to 13 mandatory paid public holidays, plus one municipal holiday specific to their locality.
13 holidays officially recognized nationwide, including religious, civil, and national commemorations. All are mandatory paid days off for employees.
Each municipality has one additional local holiday. Madeira and Azores have specific regional holidays in addition to national ones.
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is generally lost without a substitute day, unless specified by collective bargaining agreements.
Portugal
Portugal Day
Commemorates the death of national poet LuÃs de Camões and celebrates Portuguese identity and culture. A day of national pride.
Freedom Day
Celebrates the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended dictatorship and restored democracy in Portugal.
Republic Day
Commemorates the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910, marking the end of the monarchy.
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Impact on Payroll & Leave
Public holidays in Portugal require careful payroll management due to mandatory bonuses and strict compensation rules.
Learn more about Portugal100% premium for public holiday work plus either compensatory rest or additional pay.
Minimum 11 hours daily rest and 35 hours weekly rest (usually Sunday).
Annual leave balance unaffected by public holidays during vacation period.
Municipal holidays vary by location and must be tracked separately for each employee's workplace.
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.
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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.