Employment
Overtime pay in Kosovo: supplements explained
How overtime, night, weekend and holiday work are paid under Kosovo's Law on Labour, the weekly overtime limit and how to calculate the supplement.
Andi B. · · 3 min read
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In many businesses overtime is normal: month-end stocktaking, the summer season in hospitality, construction deadlines. The law allows it, but with limits and extra pay. Not paying it is one of the most common complaints to the Labour Inspectorate.
Regular hours
A full working week is 40 hours, usually 8 hours a day for five days. Employees are entitled to a daily break, rest between working days and a weekly rest day. Every hour beyond the contracted hours is overtime.
Supplements under the Law on Labour
The Law on Labour sets these minimum supplements on top of base pay per hour:
| Type of work | Supplement per hour |
|---|---|
| Overtime | 30% |
| Night work (22:00 to 06:00) | 20% |
| Work on an official holiday | 50% |
| Weekend work | 50% |
An employment contract or collective agreement can give higher supplements, but not lower ones.
How to calculate it
- Work out hourly pay: gross monthly pay divided by the month's regular hours.
- Multiply by the supplement percentage.
- Add it for every extra hour.
Example: gross pay of €680, with about 170 working hours a month. Hourly pay is €4.00. The employee works 10 hours of overtime and 8 hours on an official holiday.
| Calculation | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours of overtime | 10 × €4.00 × 1.30 | €52.00 |
| 8 hours on a holiday | 8 × €4.00 × 1.50 | €48.00 |
| Added to pay | €100.00 |
The extra amount goes into that month's gross pay and is taxed with it. See Payroll tax and pension contributions.
Note: since an official holiday is already a paid day off, check with your accountant whether to pay 150% for the hours worked or only the 50% supplement on top of the pay the employee would get for the holiday anyway.
The overtime limit
Overtime is allowed up to eight hours a week, when work volume increases or for other reasonable needs. It can't become a permanent arrangement. If you need extra hours every week, you probably need another employee.
Who has special protection
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, when the work endangers their health.
- Employees under 18, who shouldn't work nights or overtime.
- Employees with certified health limits.
See Maternity leave.
Time records
Without time records, the employer can't prove what it paid, and the employee can't prove what they worked. Keep daily records with start and finish times, signed or recorded electronically. It's the first document an inspector asks for.
Holidays and the summer season
Hospitality and tourism peak in summer, when the diaspora returns, and on holidays. Plan schedules in advance and check the calendar in Public holidays in Kosovo 2026. If you want customers to know your extended hours, verify your business on Kerko and update the profile.
For contracts and an employer's other obligations, see The employment contract.
Frequently asked questions
How is overtime paid in Kosovo?
Under the Law on Labour, overtime is paid with a supplement of 30% per hour on top of regular pay.
How many overtime hours are allowed per week?
Overtime is allowed up to eight hours a week, when the volume of work increases or for other reasonable needs.
How are night and holiday work paid?
The Law on Labour provides supplements for night work (20% per hour), work on official holidays (50%) and weekend work (50%). A contract or collective agreement can give more.
Can I refuse overtime?
The employer can require it in certain circumstances and within the legal limit. Pregnant women, mothers of young children and employees with health limits have special protection.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice. Supplements and limits are set by the Law on Labour and collective agreements in force; check the current rules.
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