Are you planning to work in Sweden or move there for a vacation? If so, you may be wondering how many weeks of vacation you can expect. In this article, we will delve into the Swedish vacation system and answer this question.
The Basics of Swedish Vacation System
Swedish labor law mandates that employees are entitled to a minimum of 25 days (or 200 hours) of paid vacation annually. This is based on a full-time workweek of 40 hours. Therefore, if you work part-time, your vacation days will be prorated according to the number of hours worked.
Accumulation and Carryover
Vacation days accumulate from the first day of employment and can be taken after six months of employment. Any unused vacation days can be carried over to the next year but must be used within five years; otherwise, they will expire.
Holidays in Sweden
Apart from the minimum 25 days of vacation, Swedish employees are also entitled to public holidays. There are currently eleven public holidays in Sweden, which include:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Epiphany (January 6)
- Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
- Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday
- Ascension Day (sixth Thursday after Easter Sunday)
- Swedish National Day (June 6)
- Midsummer Eve (Friday between June 19-25)
- Christmas Eve (December 24)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Boxing Day/St Stephen’s Day/Second Christmas Day (December 26)
If any public holiday falls on a weekend, it will be compensated by an extra day off during the week.
Bonus Vacation Days
Swedish employers often offer their employees extra vacation days, commonly referred to as “bonus vacation” or “extra vacation.” These bonus days are not mandated by Swedish labor law and are entirely at the discretion of the employers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Swedish labor law mandates a minimum of 25 days (or 200 hours) of paid vacation annually. Employees also get public holidays off, and some employers may offer additional bonus vacation days. It is essential to note that these are minimum requirements, and some collective bargaining agreements may provide for more generous benefits.
If you plan on working or visiting Sweden for an extended period, it is crucial to understand your entitlements and ensure that you take your vacations when due. With this information, you can enjoy your time in Sweden without worrying about work-related stress.