Non-Working Days for New Year and Christmas Holidays  

NON-WORKING DAYS FOR NEW YEAR

Based on the Law on State and Other Holidays, New Year is celebrated over two days:

• Thursday, 1 January 2026
• Friday, 2 January 2026

NON-WORKING DAYS FOR CHRISTMAS

According to the Law on Observing Religious Holidays, Orthodox believers are entitled to paid leave on:

• Tuesday, 6 January 2026 – Christmas Eve
• Wednesday, 7 January 2026 – Christmas Day (First Day)
• Thursday, 8 January 2026 – Second Day of Christmas

EMPLOYERS’ OBLIGATIONS DURING HOLIDAYS

Employers who plan to organize work on holidays must comply with the following obligations:

• Notifying the Labor Inspection – It is necessary to send prior notice to the e-mail address: milodarka.kuveljic@mrzs.gov.me.
• Notifying employees – The work schedule during the holidays must be posted on the notice board.
• Increased wages – Work performed on state and religious holidays must be paid at a rate of at least 150% per hour.
• Retail outlets – May operate during religious holidays, but not during state holidays.

WHO MAY WORK DURING HOLIDAYS?

Certain activities are exempt from the general work ban and may operate if they submit a notice to the Administration for Inspection Affairs:

• Pharmacies
• Specialized shops and kiosks (bread, bakery products, cakes, flowers, souvenirs, newspapers, plant protection products, funeral equipment)
• Gas stations and stores within gas stations
• Marketplaces
• Stands, stalls, display cases, and vending machines outside marketplaces
• Retail outlets at bus and railway stations, airports, and ports
• Stands and kiosks at fairs, festivals, events, and public gatherings
• Wholesale trade warehouses

In addition to these activities, hospitality establishments may also organize work during holidays.

State authorities, local self-government bodies, public institutions, public companies, and other entities of public interest must ensure uninterrupted performance of duties whose interruption could cause harm to citizens or the state.

Attached are templates of notices for employees and the Labor Inspection.

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