How Many Vacation Days Do You Get in Switzerland?

By Alice Nichols

Switzerland is known for its breathtaking scenery, world-renowned chocolates, and of course, its efficient work-life balance. One important aspect of this balance is the number of vacation days that employees are entitled to.

But how many vacation days do you actually get in Switzerland? Let’s explore.

Legal Requirements

As per Swiss law, every employee is entitled to at least four weeks or 20 working days of paid vacation per year. This applies to all employees, irrespective of their job position or industry.

Additional Vacation Days

Apart from the legal requirements, many companies offer additional vacation days as part of their employee benefits package. These additional days can vary depending on the company policy and may be based on seniority or job position.

Public Holidays

In addition to vacation days, employees in Switzerland are also entitled to public holidays. There are a total of 9 public holidays at the federal level and an additional 1-4 regional public holidays depending on the canton (state).

  • New Year’s Day – January 1st
  • Berchtold’s Day – January 2nd (only in some cantons)
  • Good Friday – The Friday before Easter Sunday
  • Easter Monday – The day after Easter Sunday
  • Ascension Day – 39 days after Easter Sunday
  • Whit Monday – The day after Pentecost (50 days after Easter Sunday)
  • National Day – August 1st
  • Christmas Day – December 25th
  • St. Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day – December 26th

Conclusion

In summary, every employee in Switzerland is entitled to a minimum of four weeks or 20 working days of paid vacation per year, as per Swiss law. However, many companies offer additional vacation days as part of their employee benefits package. In addition, employees are entitled to public holidays which vary depending on the canton.

So, whether you’re planning a trip to the Swiss Alps or just want to spend some time relaxing in one of Switzerland’s picturesque cities, rest assured that you will have ample vacation time to do so!