🏖️ Can I decide my own holiday in Sweden?

With conditions

Quick answer

You have a statutory right to leave, but the employer generally decides when. Under the Annual Leave Act, every employee is entitled to at least 25 days of paid leave per year (more only via collective agreement). You are also entitled to at least 4 continuous weeks during June–August unless otherwise agreed — but it is the employer who sets the timing after negotiation, and who may move the summer leave for special reasons. If you have more than 20 paid days you may save up to 5 days a year, to be taken within 5 years. Holiday pay is roughly 12% of earned pay, and holiday compensation is paid within one month of employment ending. A collective agreement can give more days.

📋 The rules

At least 25 days of paid leave per year (more via collective agreement)
Right to 4 continuous weeks of leave June–August
Save up to 5 days/year, take within 5 years
Holiday pay ≈ 12% of earned pay
Holiday compensation paid within 1 month of leaving

🔓 Exceptions

A collective agreement can give more days or a different summer window
In the first year of employment some days may be unpaid
The employer can move the summer leave for special reasons

⚠️ Penalties & fines

The Annual Leave Act carries no fines — it works through damages. If the employer breaches it, for instance by withholding holiday compensation, which must be paid within one month of employment ending, you can claim both the withheld amount and general damages on top. The dispute is normally run by the union and heard ultimately by the Labour Court. What most often costs employees money, though, is not a breach at all: saved days not taken within 5 years and unpaid days in the first year of employment are perfectly lawful.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

How many holiday days am I entitled to?

At least 25 paid days a year under the Annual Leave Act. More can follow from a collective or employment agreement, but in the first year of employment some of those days may be unpaid.

Can I choose when I take holiday?

You are entitled to 4 continuous weeks during June–August, but the employer sets the timing after negotiation. For special reasons the employer may also move the summer leave to another period.

How many days can I save?

If you have more than 20 paid holiday days you may save up to 5 a year, and the saved days must be taken within 5 years. If you do not take them within that time, you lose them with no compensation.

What is holiday compensation?

Money for earned but untaken holiday days when employment ends. It must be paid no later than one month after you leave, and holiday pay itself is about 12% of the pay you earned during the year.

Can the employer refuse my summer holiday?

Only for special reasons — otherwise you are entitled to four continuous weeks during June–August. If you are still refused, the union can pursue it, ultimately before the Labour Court, which can award damages.

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