2025 Holidays - Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- No universal “next Monday” replacement: In general, there is no across-the-board rule that automatically shifts the public holiday to Monday if it falls on a Sunday.

- Entity-specific regulations: The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and the Brčko District each have their own holiday laws. Some may provide replacement days in certain cases, but this is not guaranteed for all holidays.

- Employer policies: Some employers (especially in the private sector) may offer a day off in lieu of the Sunday holiday, but this is at their discretion.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- No automatic replacement: Similar to Sunday, there is typically no automatic replacement day off if a public holiday falls on a Saturday.

- Overtime or extra pay: Employees required to work on a Saturday public holiday are usually entitled to overtime pay or time off in lieu, subject to labor laws and individual employment contracts.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- No formal bridging system: Bosnia and Herzegovina does not generally have an official “bridge holiday” system. If a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the intervening Monday or Friday is not automatically declared a holiday.

- Discretionary leave: Some employers may grant additional leave to create a long weekend, but this is not mandated by law.

4. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Religious holidays: Different religious holidays are recognized by law in each entity (e.g., Eid al-Fitr, Orthodox Christmas, Catholic Christmas). If these fall on a weekend, replacement days vary depending on the specific entity’s regulations and internal policies.

- Multiple consecutive holiday days: Some public holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina (e.g., New Year’s Day observed for two consecutive days) may naturally cover a Monday if January 1 falls on a Sunday, but that is due to the law granting two holiday dates, rather than a direct “Sunday to Monday” rule.

5. Additional Notes

- Entity differences: Public holidays and observance rules can differ between the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and the Brčko District. Always check the specific entity laws.

- Advance announcements: Public holiday schedules are typically announced well in advance by government institutions.

- Compensation for working on holidays: Employees who work on public holidays are generally entitled to extra pay or time off in lieu, in line with labor laws and their employment contracts.

- Employer flexibility: Some private sector companies adjust work schedules or offer additional leave to create long weekends, but this is an employer-based decision rather than a statutory requirement.