Managing employee leave in China doesn’t have to be complicated! Whether it’s public holidays, maternity leave, or special regional entitlements, this guide has everything you need to stay compliant and support your employees. Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential leave policies in China to keep your business running smoothly while respecting your team’s needs.
1. Public Holidays in China 🌏
China mandates 11 public holidays annually for all employees:
New Year’s Day: 1 day
Spring Festival (Lunar New Year): 3 days
Qingming Festival: 1 day
Labour Day: 1 day
Dragon Boat Festival: 1 day
Mid-Autumn Festival: 1 day
National Day: 3 days
Additional Special Half-Days:
Women’s Day (March 8): Half-day for women
Youth Day (May 4): Half-day for those aged 14-28
Children’s Day (June 1): Full day for those under 14
PLA Day (August 1): Half-day for active military personnel
2. Paid Annual Leave (PAL) 🌴
Annual leave is based on an employee’s cumulative work experience:
Less than 10 years’ experience: 5 days
10-20 years’ experience: 10 days
Over 20 years’ experience: 15 days
Carryover and Encashment:
Use or Roll Over: Leave should ideally be taken within the year, but may roll over if necessary.
Encashment: If work prevents an employee from taking leave, employers must compensate with 300% of their daily wage for each unused day.
Prorated Leave for New Hires:
Employees joining mid-year are entitled to prorated leave based on days worked within the calendar year.
3. Sick Leave 🤒
Sick leave depends on both tenure and medical documentation:
Standard Practice: 5-8 fully paid days
Statutory Minimum: Based on medical certification, with 60-100% of normal pay depending on tenure. Pay must not be less than 80% of the regional minimum wage.
4. Family and Maternity Leave 👶
China’s family-friendly policies include various types of family and maternity leave:
Maternity Leave: 98 days standard; can extend up to 158 days based on regional rules and medical needs.
Paternity Leave: 7-15 days, varying by location.
Miscarriage Leave: 20-98 days, depending on pregnancy term.
Antenatal Care Leave: 1 day per month for prenatal check-ups.
Parental Leave for Young Children: 5-15 days, depending on location, for parents of children under 3.
5. Marriage and Bereavement Leave 💍🕊️
China also provides for significant family events:
Marriage Leave: 3-30 days, varying by region.
Bereavement Leave: 1-3 days for immediate family members.
6. Breastfeeding Leave 🍼
New mothers are entitled to one extra hour per day for breastfeeding until the child’s first birthday.
7. Elderly Care Leave 👵
With China’s focus on supporting families, elder care leave is becoming common:
Elderly Care Leave: 5-15 days, depending on location, for employees caring for elderly parents.
Employer Tips for Smooth Leave Management
Check Local Regulations:
Regional rules can vary significantly, so confirm local policies regularly.
Outline Leave in Contracts:
Include all leave entitlements and conditions clearly in contracts to prevent misunderstandings.
Track Leave Use Proactively:
Encourage employees to use leave throughout the year and employ tracking tools to avoid year-end accumulation.
Stay Flexible:
Policies around parental and elder care leave are evolving. A flexible approach can make your workplace more attractive to top talent.
GlobainePEO: Your Partner for Streamlined Leave Compliance in China
Navigating China’s labor laws can be complex, but GlobainePEO is here to make it simple. Our local expertise and commitment to compliance ensure that you’re not just meeting regulatory requirements—you’re building a supportive, positive work environment. With GlobainePEO, you can focus on your business while we handle the details.