New Year's Day in Kosovo

Two official holiday dates

Kosovo’s Law No. 03/L-064 lists New Year as an official holiday on both January 1 and January 2. The law’s stated purpose is to define the country’s official holidays, taking into account the history, culture and traditions of Kosovo’s people and citizens. It does not give a separate historical account of New Year’s Day or describe a specifically Kosovo origin for the celebration.[1]

The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo publishes annual official holiday schedules under this law. The law also assigns a Republic Holidays Commission the task of preparing rules and ways of celebrating official holidays and memorial days, and of issuing a calendar for the following year.[1][2]

Paid leave and work on the holiday

The law says official holidays are paid days off for all workers in Kosovo, except where other laws provide otherwise. It also says that work performed during an official holiday is compensated with one and a half days of leave or the equivalent in money. The Ministry responsible for labour separately states that employees who work on holidays are entitled to an additional hourly payment of 50 percent of base pay.[1][3]

The law allows the Government to identify public and private institutions and other public services that must operate on official holidays. Therefore, the holiday designation does not mean every service stops. Check opening hours with the specific institution before you visit or work there.[1]

Weekend observance

If an official holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the law says the following working days are days off. The rule applies to the holidays listed in the law, including both New Year dates. The law does not set out a more detailed formula for a holiday falling across a weekend, so consult the annual official schedule for the applicable dates.[1][2]

Kosovo’s law provides for a Republic Holidays Commission that reflects the diversity of Kosovo society and is responsible for preparing rules for celebrations.[1]

Planning a visit

Check the annual official schedule for holiday dates and with shops, restaurants and transport providers for their opening hours and service levels.[1][2]