European countries vary widely in annual leave duration

The length of annual paid leave differs considerably across Europe, with policies shaped by a variety of factors including an individual's profession, the specific demands of their job, and their total years of service. Collective bargaining agreements also play a crucial role in determining leave entitlements in many countries.

In Lithuania, all employees are legally entitled to paid annual leave, though the duration is not uniform. Certain groups receive 25 working days, including employees under 18, those with disabilities, and parents caring for a child under 14 or a child with a disability under 18, provided they work a five-day week. Additional leave is granted for long-term employment with the same employer, hazardous working conditions, or the unique nature of certain jobs, with over 10 years of service earning three extra days.

Across the continent, leave policies present a varied picture. Italy's minimum annual leave stands at 20 working days, though most employees receive more. Poland offers 20 days for those with up to 10 years of service, increasing to 26 days for longer tenures, while teachers enjoy approximately 56 days annually. Bulgarian employees working full-time average 24 days, with public sector workers receiving 20–30 days and educators between 30–48 days.

Spain guarantees a minimum of 30 calendar days per year, though many employment contracts specify 22–23 working days. In Greece, civil servants start with 20 working days after one year, with leave extending to 25 days later in their careers. Czech Republic employees are entitled to at least 20 working days, while public sector workers receive 25 days, and education staff benefit from eight weeks of leave. This patchwork of regulations reflects diverse national approaches to work-life balance and employee welfare.