How much annual leave am I entitled to in Czechia?
At least 4 weeks per year — 160 hours on a 40-hour week. Since 2021 leave is counted in hours (weekly hours × weeks of leave), so part-timers get a proportional share. The public sector gets 5 weeks by law, and many companies offer 5 as a benefit. The employer schedules leave (written notice 14 days ahead) but should consider your interests — and grant at least 2 weeks in one block unless agreed otherwise. Unused leave can only be paid out when employment ends — selling it back mid-employment is prohibited. Since 2024 even workers on DPP/DPČ agreements accrue leave.
📋 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
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Withholding leave or unlawful cuts brings Labour Inspectorate fines (hundreds of thousands CZK); unpaid leave compensation at termination is an enforceable debt with interest (3-year limitation).
📎 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: 20 h/week × 4 weeks = 80 hours a year.
Can my boss order me to take leave?
Yes — the employer schedules leave with 14 days' written notice (shorter only by agreement).
Can I cash out my leave?
Only when employment ends; payouts during employment are banned.
Does unused leave expire?
No — it carries over; if the employer doesn't schedule it by 30 June of the next year, you may set the date yourself.
Do agreement workers (DPP) get leave?
Yes — since 2024 DPP/DPČ workers accrue leave after meeting the worked-hours conditions.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “annual leave czech republic”
- “vacation days czechia law”
- “4 weeks holiday czech”
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- “dpp leave entitlement”