Public Holidays in Portugal 2025: A Guide for Businesses

Planning ahead is essential for businesses, especially when managing employee leave. Portugal observes both national public holidays and regional holidays specific to certain municipalities. This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Portugal for 2025, along with key employer responsibilities and best practices.

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Nationwide Public Holidays in Portugal 2025

These holidays are officially recognized across the country:

• January 1 (Wednesday): New Year's Day (Ano Novo)
• April 18 (Friday): Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa)
• April 20 (Sunday): Easter Sunday (Páscoa)
• April 25 (Friday): Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade)
• May 1 (Thursday): Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador)
• June 10 (Tuesday): Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas)
• June 19 (Thursday): Corpus Christi (Corpo de Deus)
• August 15 (Friday): Assumption of Mary (Assunção de Nossa Senhora)
• October 5 (Sunday): Republic Day (Implantação da República)
• November 1 (Saturday): All Saints' Day (Dia de Todos os Santos)
• December 1 (Monday): Restoration of Independence Day (Restauração da Independência)
• December 8 (Monday): Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição)
• December 25 (Thursday): Christmas Day (Natal)

Employee Rights on Public Holidays

• Public holidays in Portugal are generally considered non-working days, and employees are entitled to a paid day off.
• Employees required to work on a public holiday must be compensated with additional pay or given a substitute rest day, as determined by collective agreements or employment contracts.
• If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, there is no automatic substitution unless stipulated in a sector-specific agreement.
• Some municipal holidays may apply in certain cities, but these are not necessarily mandatory for all businesses.
• Fixed-term, part-time, and full-time employees generally have the same public holiday entitlements.

Employer Responsibilities on Public Holidays

• Employers must comply with Portuguese labor law regarding employee leave on public holidays.
• Businesses in sectors that require continuous operation (e.g., healthcare, hospitality, emergency services) may require employees to work on public holidays, but they must offer proper compensation.
• Employers must notify employees in advance if work will be required on a public holiday.
• Companies must ensure fair scheduling to respect employee rest periods and prevent excessive workload.

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Best Practices for Small Businesses

• Plan ahead: Ensure holiday schedules are arranged well in advance to prevent staffing issues.
• Use leave management tools: Digital solutions like TimeOff.Management help track employee leave efficiently.
• Offer flexibility: Allow employees to swap shifts or take compensatory time off when necessary.
• Communicate clearly: Keep employees informed about work schedules, leave policies, and any exceptions regarding public holidays.

By understanding public holiday regulations and implementing best practices, businesses in Portugal can stay compliant while maintaining employee satisfaction.

Planning effectively for 2025 will help ensure a productive and well-organized year!

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