As the summer vacation period approaches, it’s also time for the payment of the leave bonus to employees in the private sector. Workers earning the minimum wage will see an increased leave allowance this year. This increase stems from the new salary structure that came into effect in spring 2025, raising the amount beneficiaries will see in their bank accounts. It is recalled that as of April 1, 2025, the minimum gross wage was set at €880, up from €830 previously. As a result, the leave bonus is now calculated at €589.41 (previously €556.05). This increase impacts the overall amount of the leave allowance received by employees.
Employers are obligated to grant leave upon the employee’s request. According to current legislation:
An employee is entitled to annual paid leave, which is granted in consultation with the employer. The employer must approve the leave within two months of the employee’s application at the latest. Summer leave must be granted between May 1 and September 30 to at least 50% of a company’s staff. The corresponding summer leave allowance is prepaid either in full at the start of the leave or in installments along with the leave pay. The leave bonus equals the total regular earnings the employee would have received during the leave period. However, it cannot exceed 15 days’ worth of earnings for those on a monthly salary or 13 days’ worth for those on daily wages, commissions, or other forms of payment.
Those receiving regular unemployment benefits from DYPA are not entitled to a leave bonus. The bonus applies exclusively to employees currently in active employment.
How It Is Calculated
Employees can calculate the amount they are entitled to using the online platform provided by the relevant authorities. The summer leave and its bonus are calculated based on the calendar year. In the first year of employment, the worker receives a proportional leave regardless of whether they work five or six days a week. Specifically, the granting of annual leave is based on the calendar year. From the first year of employment, the employee is entitled to a proportional annual leave, irrespective of whether they work five or six days a week, without requiring minimum prior service with the same employer.