How Many Vacation Days Do You Get in Europe?

By Michael Ferguson

When it comes to vacation time, everyone wants to know how much time they’ll be able to take off work. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you may be wondering how many vacation days you can expect to have. In this article, we’ll explore the typical number of vacation days in Europe and what you can expect when it comes to taking time off.

European Vacation Day Standards

Europe is known for its generous vacation time policies compared to other parts of the world. In fact, most countries in Europe have legal requirements for employers to provide their employees with a minimum number of paid vacation days per year.

The Average Number of Vacation Days in Europe

The average number of vacation days in Europe varies from country to country, but most offer at least 20 days of paid leave per year. Some countries even offer up to 30 or more days.

  • In France, employees are entitled to at least 25 working days (five weeks) of paid leave per year.
  • In Germany, employees are legally entitled to at least 20 working days (four weeks) of paid leave per year.
  • In the United Kingdom, employees are entitled to a minimum of 28 days off work including public holidays.

Countries with More Vacation Days

Some countries in Europe offer even more generous vacation policies than those mentioned above. For example:

  • In Austria and Denmark, employees are entitled to at least five weeks (25 working days) of paid leave per year.
  • In Sweden and Finland, employees are entitled to at least six weeks (30 working days) of paid leave per year.

How Vacation Time is Calculated in Europe

In most European countries, vacation time is calculated based on the number of days an employee works per week. For example, if an employee works five days per week, they will typically be entitled to at least 20 working days (four weeks) of paid leave per year.

It’s also important to note that vacation time is typically earned over the course of a year and must be taken within a certain period. In some countries, such as France, employees can carry over unused vacation time to the following year. In others, like Germany, unused vacation time is typically lost if not used by a certain deadline.

Conclusion

In general, Europe offers more generous vacation policies than many other parts of the world. While the number of vacation days varies from country to country, most offer at least 20 days of paid leave per year. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, knowing your rights when it comes to taking time off can help you make the most of your travels.