Working Days – Malta
Malta observes 14 public holidays annually, which are non-working days for most employees and must be paid in full regardless of work status. The standard working week is 40 hours, and public holidays are statutory entitlements under Maltese employment law.
Annual summary
| Other year | Working days | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 254 | |
| 2025 | 251 | |
| 2026 | 250 | |
| 2027 | 250 |
Need to calculate business days between two specific dates? Malta business days calculator
Frequently asked questions
Do all 14 public holidays in Malta fall on fixed calendar dates, or do some move?
Most public holidays in Malta are fixed to specific calendar dates and do not move. However, if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a paid holiday in lieu for many workers, though this depends on the collective agreement or employment contract terms.
Must employers pay employees for public holidays in Malta?
Yes, public holidays are paid days off under Maltese law. Employees are entitled to receive their normal wages for public holidays regardless of whether they work or not. This applies to all employment contracts unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.
What happens if an employee is required to work on a public holiday in Malta?
If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to either a day off in lieu or additional payment, depending on the terms of their employment contract or collective agreement. The specifics vary by sector and employer policy.
Are there any religious or regional variations in which public holidays apply in Malta?
No, Malta does not recognise regional holidays or variations based on religion. All 14 public holidays apply uniformly across the entire country and all employers, regardless of sector or location.
How should payroll professionals handle public holidays when calculating monthly or annual salaries?
Public holidays must be included as paid days in salary calculations and should not be deducted as unpaid leave. When calculating pro-rata salaries or leave entitlements, the 14 public holidays are counted as part of the standard working year and remain fully compensated.