Hong Kong vs Taiwan | Statutory Paid Annual Leave 2026
A practical comparison of service-based annual leave, statutory leave days and employer checks in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Hong Kong statutory paid annual leave is 7–14 days a year: 7 days after 12 months of service and 14 days from the ninth year. Taiwan special leave is 3–30 days a year: 3 days after six months, increasing with seniority up to 30 days. Employers should verify service calculations and payment for unused leave.
Hong Kong
Employees covered by a continuous contract in Hong Kong receive statutory paid annual leave based on service. The entitlement generally starts at 7 days after 12 months of service, increases by one day a year and reaches 14 days from the ninth year. Applicability should be checked against the Employment Ordinance, contract and worker status.
Taiwan
Article 38 of Taiwan’s Labor Standards Act provides special leave by seniority with the same employer or business entity: 3 days after 6 months to under 1 year; 7 days after 1 year to under 2 years; 10 days after 2 years to under 3 years; 14 days after 3 years to under 5 years; 15 days after 5 years to under 10 years; and one additional day for each year after 10 years, up to 30 days.
What to check carefully
The systems use different terms and calculation units. Hong Kong focuses on continuous-contract status and service, while Taiwan uses special leave and seniority with the same employer. Payment for unused leave, the service start date, year-end arrangements and pro-rata treatment for part-time staff should be confirmed from current official sources and the individual case.
Practical reminders for employers and jobseekers
When arranging a role in Hong Kong or Taiwan, employers should state the jurisdiction, service start date, leave entitlement, scheduling method and unused-leave treatment in the employment information. Jobseekers should compare more than the headline number of days and confirm whether work status, scheduled days and contract terms affect the calculation.
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This article was prepared from public official sources. Applicable year and data-check date: 10 October 2026. It is general information only and is not legal advice. Law, contract and worker status may affect actual rights. Unverified items are labelled “Pending confirmation”. Employment Agency Licence No. 82734.