Qatar Annual Leave Calculator
Work out how many annual-leave days you have accrued — instantly, per Qatar Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, Article 79
Annual leave calculator
Quick answer
In Qatar, annual-leave entitlement is 3 weeks (21 days) a year for your first 5 years of service, rising to 4 weeks (28 days) a year from 5 years (Qatar Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, Art. 79). That works out to 1.75 days a month for the first five years and about 2.33 days a month afterwards. Leave is earned in proportion to the time you work, so you build a balance even within your first year, though it is normally taken after one continuous year of service.
At a glance
- First 5 years
- 21 days/year (1.75/month)
- 5 years and over
- 28 days/year (~2.33/month)
- Accrual
- In proportion to service
- Law
- Labour Law 14/2004, Art. 79
How annual leave builds up in Qatar
Qatar links your annual-leave rate to length of service. For the first five years you earn three weeks — 21 days — a year. Once you complete five years, the rate rises to four weeks — 28 days — a year for every following year. Only the years beyond five earn at the higher rate; the first five stay at 21 days.
Leave accrues in proportion to service, so this calculator shows the days you have earned for any length of employment, and how many are left after subtracting leave already taken. It uses calendar days, consistent with how Qatar expresses the entitlement.
Taking, carrying over and encashing leave
- •Leave is normally granted after one continuous year of service, at a time agreed with the employer.
- •A worker may not waive the right to annual leave; any agreement to give it up is void (Art. 79).
- •Unused leave is paid in cash on your basic wage when you leave — use the Leave Salary calculator for that figure.
How to work out your leave balance
- 1
Count your months of service
From your start date to today (or your leaving date).
- 2
Apply the rate
1.75 days per month for the first 60 months, then about 2.33 days per month after five years.
- 3
Subtract leave taken
Deduct the annual-leave days you have already used to get your remaining balance.
Worked examples
3 years of service, 15 days taken
- Accrued: 1.75 × 36 months = 63 days
- Taken: 15 days
- Remaining: 63 − 15 = 48 days
7 years of service, 40 days taken
- First 5 years: 1.75 × 60 = 105 days
- Next 2 years: 2.333 × 24 = 56 days
- Accrued 161 − 40 taken = 121 days
Frequently asked questions
How many annual leave days do you get in Qatar?
Three weeks (21 days) a year for your first five years of service, and four weeks (28 days) a year once you complete five years (Qatar Labour Law 14/2004, Art. 79).
Does annual leave increase after 5 years in Qatar?
Yes. The rate rises from 21 days a year to 28 days a year from the start of your sixth year. The first five years remain at 21 days; only later years earn the higher rate.
When can I take my annual leave in Qatar?
Annual leave is normally granted after one continuous year of service, on dates agreed with your employer. You still accrue a proportional balance during the first year, which is paid out if you leave.
Is annual leave paid in Qatar?
Yes. Annual leave is paid leave, calculated on your basic wage (Art. 72). Public holidays are separate from annual leave.
Can I carry over or cash out unused leave in Qatar?
Arrangements for carrying leave over depend on your employer, but you cannot legally waive the entitlement. Any leave still unused when your job ends is paid in cash on the basic wage.
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