How much annual leave am I entitled to in Switzerland?
Yes — you're entitled to at least four weeks of paid holiday a year. Under OR 329a the statutory minimum is 4 weeks a year, and 5 weeks for employees up to the completed 20th year of age. The minimum may only be increased, not reduced, by contract. At least 2 weeks must be taken consecutively (OR 329c). The employer sets the timing but must accommodate the employee's wishes where compatible. During employment, leave may not be replaced by money (OR 329d) — it's for recovery. Remaining leave can be paid out on termination. In short: yes, at least four weeks, normally as time off.
📋 The rules
- At least 4 weeks a year (OR 329a)
- Up to age 20: 5 weeks
- At least 2 weeks consecutive
- Minimum only increasable, not reducible
- No cash instead of leave during employment
🔓 Exceptions
- Pay-out of remaining leave possible on termination
- Pro-rata reduction for long absence (1/12 per month)
- Narrow exception for irregular part-time (shown separately)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The leave entitlement is a civil-law claim, not a fine matter: if the employer grants too little leave or pays it out unlawfully, you can enforce the claim before the civil court; claims expire after 5 years. Beware a myth: "I can just have my leave paid out" — usually not during employment; leave is for recovery and must be taken as time off. Tip: plan leave early and take at least two weeks consecutively, and claim any remaining leave when you leave the job.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How much leave am I entitled to?
The statutory minimum is four weeks of paid holiday a year. For employees up to the completed twentieth year of age it's five weeks. More can be agreed by contract or a collective agreement, but not less than the statutory minimum, which can't be reduced by agreement.
Must the leave be taken in one block?
At least two weeks of leave a year must be taken consecutively. The remaining days can be split up. The employer decides the timing but must take the employee's wishes into account, as far as this is compatible with the needs of the business.
Can I have leave paid out?
During employment, leave generally may not be replaced by money, as it serves recovery. There's a narrow exception for irregular part-time work. When the employment ends, any remaining leave not taken can be paid out as part of the final settlement.
Can leave be reduced?
Yes, for longer absences. Per full month of absence the entitlement can be reduced by one twelfth, from the first month for your own fault and from the second for no-fault absence. There's no reduction for statutory maternity or care leave under the law.
When does my leave claim expire?
Leave claims expire after five years. It's still best to take leave as you go, since it serves recovery and deferring it over years isn't the purpose of the law. When you leave a job, claim any untaken leave in good time as part of your final pay.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “annual leave switzerland”
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- “consecutive leave switzerland”
- “leave reduction switzerland”
- “or 329a leave”