Annual Leave & Other Leave Policies in Hong Kong

Annual Leave Entitlement in Hong Kong

Employees in Hong Kong are entitled to paid annual leave based on their length of service:

• 1-2 years of service: 7 days of annual leave.
• 3-9 years of service: The number of leave days increases progressively by one day per year of service, reaching a maximum of 14 days for employees with 9 or more years of service.

Annual leave must be taken within the year it is earned, or it may be forfeited, unless otherwise agreed upon by both the employer and employee.

Regulations and Compliance

Employers must comply with the Employment Ordinance regarding annual leave entitlements. This includes:

• Accrual of Leave: Employees begin accruing leave from the commencement of employment.
• Carrying Forward Leave: Employers and employees can agree to carry forward unused leave to the next year.
• Payment for Unused Leave: Upon termination of employment, employees must be paid for any accrued but unused annual leave.

Statutory Leave Types in Hong Kong

In addition to annual leave, employees in Hong Kong are entitled to various other types of leave under the Employment Ordinance:

• General Public Holidays: The following list of general holidays for 2025 includes:

Planning ahead for next year? The following list of general holidays for 2026 includes:

• Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. To qualify, employees must provide a medical certificate confirming the expected date of confinement and have worked for the same employer for at least 40 weeks prior to the commencement of maternity leave.
• Paternity Leave: Male employees are entitled to 5 days of paid paternity leave. The leave can be taken anytime from four weeks before the expected delivery date to 14 weeks after the birth of the child. Employees must notify their employers of their intention to take paternity leave and provide the required documentation.
• Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to paid sick leave, which is accrued at the rate of 2 days per month during the first 12 months of employment and 4 days per month thereafter. Sick leave is accumulated up to a maximum of 120 days. To qualify for paid sick leave, employees must provide a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner.

Importance of Annual Leave

Providing adequate annual leave is important for several reasons:

• Employee Well-being: Helps reduce stress and burnout. Regular breaks from work improve mental health and job satisfaction.
• Productivity: Ensures employees return to work refreshed and motivated, leading to increased productivity and creativity.
• Legal Compliance: Avoids potential legal issues and fines by adhering to labor laws. Compliance with leave regulations also enhances the company’s reputation as a fair employer.

Employers should encourage employees to utilize their annual leave to maintain a healthy work-life balance and improve overall job satisfaction.

Best Practices for Employers

To effectively manage annual leave, employers should:

• Implement Clear Policies: Ensure that leave policies are clearly communicated to all employees.
• Track Leave Accrual and Usage: Use leave management systems to accurately track leave accrual and usage.
• Encourage Leave Utilization: Promote a culture that values taking time off to recharge and prevent burnout.

Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of Hong Kong employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.

Updated on: February 2025