Annual leave, public holidays and weekly rest in North Cyprus
This guide summarises paid annual leave, public holidays and weekly rest in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The rules are based on Labour Law 22/1992. These entitlements are a floor; a contract or collective agreement cannot go below them.
Paid annual leave
At least 6 months' service is required to qualify for paid annual leave (probation counts). Leave increases with length of service.
| Length of service | Annual leave |
|---|---|
| 6 months to 5 years | 14 working days |
| 5 to 10 years | 18 working days |
| 10 to 15 years | 22 working days |
| 15 years and over | 25 working days |
| Workers under 18 | at least 18 days |
Leave is taken on a working day basis; public holidays are not included in and are not deducted from leave.
Weekly rest
Weekly rest runs from Saturday at 13:00 to the end of Sunday. Work during this period is subject to weekly rest rules and additional pay provisions.
Public holidays
Public holidays are part of the employee's paid holiday entitlement. The fixed national and public holidays in North Cyprus are:
- 1 January, New Year
- 23 April, National Sovereignty and Children's Day
- 1 May, Labour Day
- 19 May, Youth and Sports Day
- 20 July, Peace and Freedom Day
- 1 August, Communal Resistance Day
- 30 August, Victory Day
- 29 October, Republic Day
- 15 November, TRNC Republic Day
Religious holidays (Ramadan Feast and Feast of Sacrifice) fall on different dates each year according to the lunar calendar. Confirm the current year's official holiday list at the start of the year.
Summary for employers
- Calculate annual leave correctly by length of service and apply the working day basis.
- Do not count public holidays inside leave.
- Observe the weekly rest period and additional pay rules.
For general working conditions, see our North Cyprus Minimum Wage and Working Conditions guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is annual leave earned?
After at least 6 months' service; the amount ranges from 14 to 25 days by length of service.
Are public holidays deducted from annual leave?
No. Leave is taken on a working day basis and public holidays are not included in it.
When does weekly rest start?
It runs from Saturday at 13:00 to the end of Sunday.
Sources
This article is for general information; periods and the holiday calendar can change with legislation and by year. Contact us for a leave plan tailored to your business.