Estonia has well-defined labor laws that regulate working hours, overtime, leave, and employee rights. These laws ensure fair treatment for workers while maintaining flexibility for employers. Here’s an overview of key aspects of employment in Estonia.

Working Hours

The standard full-time workweek in Estonia consists of 40 hours, typically spread across five eight-hour workdays. Employers and employees may agree to overtime work, but the average working hours over a four-month period cannot exceed 48 hours per week.

Overtime and Compensation

Overtime work is permitted based on mutual agreement between the employer and employee. Compensation for overtime can be provided in two ways:

• Additional pay of at least 1.5 times the employee’s regular salary
• Equivalent time off in lieu of extra payment

Leave Entitlements

Employees in Estonia are entitled to a minimum of 28 days of paid annual leave. In certain cases, unpaid leave may also be granted if both the employer and employee agree.

Employment Rights and Protections

Estonian labor laws emphasize workplace fairness and protection for employees. Key protections include:

• Safeguards against workplace discrimination
• Special protections for pregnant employees and those on maternity or paternity leave
• Employer responsibility for payroll tax calculations and social security contributions

Employment Contracts

All employment agreements in Estonia must be in written form. These contracts should outline essential terms, including working hours, salary, and other employment conditions.

For more detailed information, visit the Ministry of Social Affairs website, where you can find official guidelines and resources on employment regulations in Estonia.