How much annual leave am I entitled to in Czechia?
At least 4 weeks per year — on a 40-hour week that is 160 hours. Since 2021 leave is counted in hours (weekly hours × weeks of leave), so part-timers get a proportional share, and since 2024 even DPP and DPČ agreement workers accrue it. The public sector gets 5 weeks by law. The employer schedules leave and must give at least 14 days' written notice; it should respect your interests and grant at least two weeks in one block. Two myths at once: leave does not expire — it carries over, and if the employer hasn't scheduled it by 30 June of the following year you may set the date yourself. And it can only be paid out when employment ends — cashing it in mid-job is banned even by mutual agreement.
📋 The rules
- Minimum 4 weeks (160 h at 40 h/week); public sector 5
- Counted in hours: weekly hours × weeks of leave
- Employer schedules it, 14 days' written notice
- Unused leave carries over; payout only at termination
- Since 2024 DPP/DPČ agreement workers accrue leave too
🔓 Exceptions
- Extra leave for demanding professions (healthcare, mining)
- Reductions only for unexcused absence — sickness or parental leave don't erase the statutory core
- If the employer doesn't schedule carried-over leave by 30 June of the next year, you may set the date yourself
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Withholding leave or cutting it unlawfully brings Labour Inspectorate fines in the range of CZK 200,000 and above. For employees the money side matters more: unpaid compensation for untaken leave at termination is an enforceable debt with interest, claimable 3 years back. Watch the quiet loss — leave cannot be cashed in while you work, so if you don't take it and the employer doesn't schedule it, the hours simply pile up until you leave. And unexcused absence is the only ground on which your leave may lawfully be cut.
📎 Official sources
- Dostupný advokát · Leave entitlement 2026 (CS) →
- Pracomat · Labour Code — taking leave (CS) →
- Money.cz · When employees can take leave (CS) →
❓ Frequently asked
How much leave on a half-time contract?
Proportional to your load: 20 hours a week × 4 weeks = 80 hours a year. The number of days off stays the same as full-time; you simply draw down hours matching your own shift, since leave is counted in hours.
Can my boss order me to take leave?
Yes, the employer schedules leave and must notify you in writing at least 14 days ahead. A shorter notice is possible only with your agreement, and the employer should still respect your interests and give two weeks in a block.
Can I cash out my leave?
Only when employment ends — during employment a payout is banned even if both sides agree. The law wants you rested, so untaken hours are compensated only in your final pay after termination.
Does unused leave expire?
No, it carries over into the next year. If the employer hasn't scheduled it by 30 June of that year, you may set the dates yourself and simply notify them in writing — you don't need their approval.
Do agreement workers (DPP) get leave?
Yes, since 2024 DPP and DPČ workers accrue leave once they meet the worked-hours conditions. It is calculated exactly as for employees, in hours actually worked, and paid out when the agreement ends.
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