Paid time off

Paid time off in Chile entitles workers to 15 working days of annual leave with full pay, provided they have completed more than one year of service with their employer. This statutory entitlement is a fundamental labor right designed to ensure workers receive adequate rest and recovery time while maintaining their regular income during the leave period.

The regulation is governed by Chile's Labor Code (Código del Trabajo), which establishes the minimum standards for annual vacation rights across all employment sectors. The entitlement applies to employees who meet the one-year service threshold, regardless of employment type or industry classification.

Recent updates to Chile's vacation framework have emphasized clearer enforcement mechanisms and employer obligations regarding leave scheduling and payment. Employers must ensure that accrued vacation days are properly documented and that workers can exercise their right to take leave without penalty or retaliation.

Payroll and human resources teams must track employee tenure carefully to identify when workers become eligible for the 15-day entitlement. Employers are required to calculate and provision full remuneration for vacation periods based on the employee's regular salary, ensuring no reduction in pay occurs during leave. Leave should be scheduled in coordination with operational needs, though workers retain the right to take their entitled days. Documentation of vacation taken, dates, and compensation paid must be maintained for compliance purposes. Failure to provide or properly compensate annual leave can result in labor disputes and penalties under Chilean employment law.