New Year's Day in Monaco
New Year's Day, or Jour de l'An, is a legal public holiday in Monaco on 1 January. Its clearest Monaco-specific feature is its statutory status: the day is generally a paid day off for employees, subject to exceptions set out in law.[1][2]
A holiday established by law
Monaco's Law No. 798 lists the first day of the year among the Principality's public holidays. It places New Year's Day alongside national and religious feast days, giving 1 January a formal place in Monaco's own holiday calendar.[1]
Monaco’s laws establish New Year’s Day as a public holiday and set out employee rights, including paid leave and exceptions.[1][2]
Who gets the day off
Under Law No. 800, the public holidays listed in Law No. 798 are, as a general rule, compulsory paid days off for employees, whatever their method of pay. The law also says the holiday remains payable when it falls on an employee's weekly rest day or on a day when the business normally closes all or part of its operations.[2]
There are exceptions. In establishments and services whose activities cannot be interrupted, employees may work on a paid holiday and receive additional pay or paid compensatory rest. The Labour Inspector may also authorize a derogation in specified circumstances. As a result, the general rule does not mean that every workplace closes.[2]
Sunday rule and practical planning
If New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a legal public holiday. Law No. 798 specifies this Sunday rule for New Year's Day and certain other holidays; it does not set out a general substitute day for every holiday that falls on a weekend.[1]
The laws establish employee holiday rights, but do not determine whether a particular shop, bank, public office, restaurant or transport service will open or follow a special schedule. Opening arrangements can therefore vary. Travelers should check directly with the place or service they plan to use.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year's Day in Monaco?
It is observed on 1 January, which Law No. 798 names as a legal public holiday.[1]
Is New Year's Day a paid day off?
As a general rule, it is a compulsory paid day off for employees in Monaco. Some services may operate, and the law provides for exceptions and compensation when employees work.[2]
Does Monaco give a substitute day when 1 January falls on a weekend?
The law specifies a following-Monday holiday when 1 January falls on a Sunday. It does not provide a general substitute day solely because the date falls on Saturday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Monaco:
- Loi n° 798 du 18 février 1966 portant fixation des jours fériés légaux- Légimonaco, Principality of Monaco
- Loi n° 800 du 18 février 1966 régissant la rémunération et les conditions de travail relatives aux jours fériés légaux- Légimonaco, Principality of Monaco