Moldova adopts new work‑day based annual leave system, says Labour Minister Natalia Plugaru

Moldova’s Ministry of Labour and Social Protection announced a reform that will calculate paid vacation in work days rather than calendar days. Starting 1 January 2027, the statutory annual leave for most employees will be 22 work days instead of 28 calendar days, removing weekends from the calculation. The change aims to eliminate disparities caused by weekend timing and to bring Moldova in line with the majority of EU states, which already use work‑day based systems.

Public sector staff will see adjustments as well: civil servants who previously enjoyed 35 calendar days will receive 28 work days, and teachers’ leave will shift from 62 calendar days (effectively 44 work days) to 49 work days – a net gain of five work days. Minister Natalia Plugaru clarified that “if a person takes Monday to Monday, that’s seven days; if Monday to Friday twice, that’s five days each, totalling ten days.”

The reform also abolishes seniority‑based extra holidays for certain public‑sector officials, aiming to improve equity and cut state payroll expenses by up to 5 %. All accrued leave rights earned before 31 December 2026 will be preserved.