Kosovo (XK)

Rules: Under Labour Law 03/L-212, employees are entitled to paid sick leave with a medical certificate from a licensed physician. The employer pays sick leave for the duration of the medical certificate. For short absences (1–3 days), most employers accept a self-declaration; for 4+ consecutive days, a medical certificate from a public health centre (QKMF) or licensed private clinic is required. Kosovo does not have a separate state sickness insurance benefit for short-term illness — the employer bears the cost for the period specified in the employment contract (typically up to 3–6 months paid, then unpaid).

Doctor note: Day 1 of any planned sick absence: notify the employer. Medical certificate required from day 4 of sick leave to have absence recorded as paid sick leave. Certificates from licensed Kosovar physicians (public health centres — Qendra Klinike Universitare e Kosovës QKUK, or private clinics) are accepted.

Employer pay: Employer pays 100% of regular salary during medical certified sick leave. Duration of paid sick leave is typically specified in the employment contract (commonly 30–90 days per year). Beyond the contractual sick pay period, absence is unpaid. KPST pension contributions continue during paid sick leave.

Long-term: Kosovo does not have a fully developed long-term state disability insurance benefit system for private sector workers. Disability assessment is through the Ministry of Labour disability commission. For long-term incapacity: KPST pension fund contributions may be accessible; private income protection insurance is strongly recommended for foreign workers.

Max hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours/day, 5 days) under Labour Law 03/L-212. Overtime maximum: 8 hours per week; no more than 40 hours per month; no more than 240 hours per year. Night work (22:00–06:00): 7-hour maximum per night. Part-time employees: proportional protections.

Min rest: Minimum 11 consecutive hours daily rest between shifts. Weekly rest: minimum 36 consecutive hours (typically Saturday-Sunday). Meal break: 30 minutes for shifts over 6 hours. Public holidays: Kosovo has 14 public holidays in 2026 (including both Serbian Orthodox and Muslim religious holidays given the religious diversity). Working on public holidays: double pay or compensatory time off.

Overtime: Overtime (beyond 40 hours/week) must be compensated at 1.5× the regular hourly rate for the first 2 hours and 2× thereafter. Overtime must be agreed in writing. Employer cannot routinely require overtime without proper documentation. Annual maximum: 240 hours. Record all actual hours worked.