Paid time off

Paid time off in Egypt is governed by the Egyptian Labour Law for the Private Sector, which entitles workers to a minimum of 21 days of annual paid leave after completing one full year of continuous service. This entitlement applies to all private sector employees and represents the statutory floor for vacation rights. The 21-day minimum is calculated on a calendar basis and must be provided within the calendar year or carried forward according to employer policy, though Egyptian law permits employers to schedule leave timing subject to operational requirements.

The rule is codified in the Egyptian Labour Law (Law No. 12 of 2003, as amended), which sets out comprehensive provisions for worker leave entitlements across the private sector. The law distinguishes between annual paid leave, sick leave, and other statutory leave categories, with paid annual leave being the primary entitlement for all permanent employees.

There have been no recent statutory changes to the 21-day minimum paid leave requirement. The provision has remained stable under current labour legislation.

Employers and payroll teams operating in Egypt must ensure that all private sector employees who have completed one year of service receive a minimum of 21 days of paid annual leave. Payroll systems should track service commencement dates to determine eligibility and manage leave accrual and usage. Employers should maintain clear leave policies that comply with the statutory minimum, document leave taken, and ensure compensation is paid for any unused leave upon termination of employment, as required by Egyptian labour law.