Switzerland Labor Law Guide 🇨🇭
Every employee is entitled to at least 4 weeks of paid holiday per year. Employees under the age of 20 are entitled to 5 weeks per year.
Switzerland Labor Law Guide
Every employee is entitled to at least 4 weeks of paid holiday per year. Employees under the age of 20 are entitled to 5 weeks per year.
Primary Legislation
Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) & Swiss Labour Act (LTr)
Secondary Legislation
Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) & Swiss Labour Act (LTr)
View Switzerland Holiday Calendar
See all public holidays for Switzerland in 2025
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Start Free TrialGeneral Statutory Framework
Essential compliance data regarding minimum entitlement and standard work hours in Switzerland.
Ref: CO Art. 329aEvery employee is entitled to at least 4 weeks of paid holiday per year. Employees under the age of 20 are entitled to 5 weeks per year.
Accrual
If employment does not cover a full year, entitlement is calculated pro rata.
Carry Over
Unused holidays cannot be paid out in cash during employment. They must be financially compensated only at the end of the contract.
Standard Week
45 hours
Max Weekly
50 hours
Max Daily
12.5 hours
Rest Period
11 consecutive hours. (Reduced to 8h once/week if 2-week average remains 11h).
Employment Contract & Termination
Notice Period
1 month (1st year), 2 months (2nd-9th year), 3 months thereafter.
Code of Obligations Art. 335cProbation Period
Standard is 1 month. Notice period is 7 days during probation.
Code of Obligations Art. 335bCore Labor Obligations
Operational rules regarding leave requests, sick pay, and public holiday work that every HR manager must know.
Ref: CO / LTrLeave Requests
Dates must be agreed. Employer takes employee wishes into account where possible.
Sick Pay
Employer pays for limited time (e.g. 3 weeks in 1st year) per CO Art 324a, unless insurance exists.
Holiday Work
Varies by canton. No single federal list applies to all employees.
Part-Time Calculation
Pro-rata entitlement based on service duration and percentage.
Parental & Family Leave
Maternity Leave
Paid at 80% of salary (max CHF 220/day). Employment prohibited first 8 weeks.
Loss of Earnings ActPaternity/Partner Leave
Paid at 80% of salary. Must be taken within 6 months of birth.
Loss of Earnings ActSick Pay & Compensation
Sick Pay
Employers pay for a limited time (e.g. 3 weeks in 1st year) unless insured.
Source: Code of Obligations Art. 324aSpecific Laws & Regulations
Unique regulations and legal concepts that distinguish the Switzerland labor market from others.
Two Consecutive Weeks Rule
At least two consecutive weeks of holiday must be granted and taken during each service year.
Overtime Compensation
Statutory overtime must be compensated by a wage supplement of at least 25% OR by compensatory time off.
Sunday Work
Employees are legally entitled to at least one day off per week, which generally must be Sunday.
No Cash for Holidays
Holidays may not be replaced by cash payments while the employment relationship is ongoing.
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Relying on local counsel or static wikis for labor law compliance leaves you vulnerable. Leavo provides a single system of record that monitors statutory changes and updates your policies automatically.
- Single source of truth for legal data
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are employees compensated if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
If it falls on a non-working day, it is lost. There is no statutory requirement to move it.
What happens if an employee falls ill while on annual leave?
Illness days are not counted as vacation days if proven by a medical certificate.
Are public holidays paid time off?
August 1st is the only federally mandated paid holiday. Cantons designate up to 8 others which are treated as Sundays.
Looking for the holiday calendar?
View the official Switzerland public holiday list for 2025.
Legal Guides by Country
Select a jurisdiction to view detailed labor law requirements.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official government sources and legal counsel for compliance matters.
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