Good news for employees: K-15 higher this year — here’s how much
The minimum annual leave allowance in the private sector this year is about 19.116 denars, calculated from average net wages for February–April 2026.
Payments of the annual leave allowance known locally as K-15 are being paid out across the private sector, and this year the minimum sum is higher because average wages in the country increased.
The minimum K-15 for 2026 is approximately 19.116 denars, calculated on the basis of average net monthly wages for February, March and April 2026.
Official calculations use the General Collective Agreement for the Private Sector in the Economy, which sets the allowance at no less than 40 percent of the wage base. For the K-15 calculation the reference is the average monthly net wage per worker paid in the last three months.
For February the average net wage was 46.159 denars, in March it rose to 48.433 denars and in April it reached 48.779 denars. The three-month average comes to about 47.790 denars, and 40 percent of that equals roughly 19.116 denars.
Who qualifies and how it must be paid
Workers in the private sector who meet the conditions of the collective agreement are entitled to K-15. One key requirement is that a worker must have been employed for at least six months in the calendar year with the same employer. Employers may pay the allowance any time during the year but must do so no later than the end of the calendar year.
The sum stated is the minimum: many employers pay considerably more. Trade unions report that some companies with good results provide allowances between 40.000 and 50.000 denars, and in particularly successful firms or sectors with serious labour shortages K-15 can reach 80.000 or even 100.000 denars. Some employers also add extra financial benefits such as a 13th salary or annual bonuses.
K-15 is a monetary right and must be paid in cash; employers cannot unilaterally replace it with goods, vouchers, services or other forms of compensation. In cases of genuine financial distress, a company may pay a reduced allowance, but any reduction must follow the conditions and procedures set out in the collective agreement. For the majority of private-sector employees, however, the minimal K-15 this year is around 19.116 denars, providing an important boost to many household budgets during the summer holiday period.
Photo: press material from the event
