How many hours can I work in Switzerland?
It depends on the sector — the Labour Act sets clear ceilings. The weekly maximum hours are 45 for office, industrial and technical staff and large-retail sales staff, and 50 for everyone else. There's a distinction between overtime (Überstunden) (beyond contractual but within the legal maximum; +25% or time off, surcharge waivable in writing) and excess hours (Überzeit) (beyond the legal maximum; only allowed in limited cases, capped at 170/140 hours a year). Rest periods apply: at least 11 hours daily, plus breaks by length of day. Night and Sunday work need a permit. In short: yes, up to 45 or 50 hours — beyond that, strict rules apply.
📋 The rules
- Max hours 45 (office/industry/retail)
- 50 for everyone else
- Overtime: +25% or time off (surcharge waivable)
- Excess hours: cap 170/140 hrs/year
- Rest min 11 hrs daily + breaks
🔓 Exceptions
- Higher managerial staff: partly excluded from the ArG
- Breaks: ¼ hr from 5.5 hrs, ½ hr from 7 hrs, 1 hr from 9 hrs
- Night/Sunday work: permit required, with surcharges
⚠️ Penalties & fines
An employer who ignores the maximum hours or rest periods breaches the Labour Act; cantonal labour inspectorates can impose measures and fines. Unpaid overtime can be claimed back under civil law. Beware a myth: "overtime must always be paid at +25%" — for overtime the surcharge is waivable in writing (common for salaried staff), while for actual excess hours it's non-waivable for certain groups. Tip: record your working hours, as it helps enforce claims later.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
What's the maximum working time?
The weekly maximum is 45 hours for employees in industry, offices and technical occupations and for sales staff in large retail businesses. For all other employees it's 50 hours per week, under the Labour Act. Different rules can apply to higher managerial staff.
What's the difference between overtime and excess hours?
Overtime is hours beyond the contractual but within the legal maximum. Excess hours, Überzeit, is work beyond the legal maximum of 45 or 50 hours. Excess hours are only allowed in limited cases and are subject to yearly caps of 170 or 140 hours.
Must overtime be paid with a surcharge?
Overtime is compensated with a 25 percent surcharge or equivalent time off. The surcharge can, however, be waived in writing, which is common for salaried staff on a monthly wage. For actual excess hours, a non-waivable surcharge applies to certain groups of employees.
What rest periods apply?
A daily rest of at least 11 continuous hours applies. There are also breaks: a quarter hour from 5.5 hours of work, half an hour from 7 hours and one hour from 9 hours. Daytime and evening work falls in the window from 6 am to 11 pm.
Do I need a permit for night work?
Yes. Night work between 11 pm and 6 am and Sunday work are in principle subject to a permit and only allowed under certain conditions. Regular night work brings a time bonus, and temporary Sunday work a wage surcharge. The details are set by the Labour Act.
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