Malta has secured a spot among Europe’s most generous nations for paid leave, ranking sixth in Moorepay’s 2025 Global Paid Leave Report. According to the findings, workers in Malta are entitled to a total of 38 days off annually — made up of 24 days of paid annual leave and 14 paid public holidays.

While Malta shares its 38-day tally with countries such as Italy, Finland, and Iceland, it still trails behind the very top performers in Europe, like Austria, Monaco, and Georgia, where workers enjoy more than 40 days off a year.

The report, which compares leave entitlements across the globe, reveals a stark contrast between European countries and the United States. Unlike Malta — and most of Europe — the US has no statutory guarantee for paid annual leave, paid public holidays, or even sick days, leaving policies entirely up to individual employers.

How Malta Compares to Europe’s Leaders

Austria tops the European rankings with a combined 43 days off, followed closely by Monaco and Georgia at 42 days each. France and Sweden come in at 41, while Malta’s 38 days place it firmly within the continent’s upper tier.

Paid leave in Malta is bolstered by a relatively high number of public holidays, many of which are rooted in the country’s cultural and religious traditions. Combined with the statutory 24 days of leave, this ensures that most full-time employees have more than seven working weeks of paid time away from the office each year.

Beyond Europe: A Global Snapshot
Globally, Yemen surprisingly tops the list with 46 days off — though the value of this time is far lower due to much lower average wages. In contrast, countries like Iceland and Luxembourg, while offering fewer total days than Yemen, provide far higher earnings during time off.

Moorepay’s findings underline the cultural and policy differences that shape work-life balance across nations. For Malta, the generous leave entitlements reflect a wider European approach that prioritises rest and leisure as integral parts of working life.

While the island may not claim the top spot, its position in the top 10 globally is a reminder that, for many Maltese workers, paid time off is far more than just a perk — it’s a built-in part of the national employment framework.