Paid time off in Switzerland

Overview of Public Holidays in Switzerland

Public holidays in Switzerland are highly decentralized, with most observances determined at the cantonal level. The only nationwide, federally recognised public holiday is Swiss National Day on 1 August, which commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. Beyond this, cantons and in some cases municipalities establish their own official holidays, resulting in significant variation in the number and type of public holidays across the country. Many public holidays are shared by multiple cantons, particularly religious festivals, while others are unique to specific regions.

Employee Entitlements on Public Holidays

All employees in Switzerland are legally entitled to paid time off on Swiss National Day when it falls on a working day, as this is the only public holiday guaranteed under federal law. There is no federal entitlement to paid leave for any other holiday. However, each canton may designate up to eight of its recognised public holidays as statutory days off. These cantonal public holidays are legally treated as equivalent to Sundays, meaning employers may not require employees to work on these days without obtaining a permit. Work on non-statutory holidays—those not elevated to the status of an official cantonal day off—may be requested by employers, subject to normal employment contract terms.

Paid vs. Unpaid Public Holidays in Switzerland

Employees who are paid monthly or weekly generally receive their usual salary even when a public holiday occurs during the pay period, provided the holiday is a designated day off and they do not work that day. In contrast, employees paid by the hour, day or per piece are usually only entitled to paid leave on Swiss National Day. For other public holidays, payment is not automatically required unless established by the canton, a collective agreement, or the employment contract. Employers should therefore verify applicable cantonal rules and contractual obligations when determining holiday pay.

Public Holidays Observed Across Switzerland

These include New Year’s Day on 1 January, Easter Monday on 1 April, Ascension Day on 9 May, Swiss National Day on 1 August and Christmas Day on 25 December. While the exact dates of moveable feasts change annually, these holidays are commonly recognised across the country.

Cantonal Public Holidays

Cantonal public holidays vary widely and reflect regional history, religious traditions and cultural practices. Examples from recent years illustrate this diversity, such as Republic Day in Neuchâtel on 1 March, Näfelser Fahrt in Glarus on 4 April, the Sechseläuten half-day observance in Zürich on the afternoon of 15 April and Jura Independence Day on 23 June. Each canton determines the holidays that apply within its jurisdiction and designates which of these are statutory days off. Employers operating in multiple cantons must ensure that their holiday calendars align with the specific rules of each employee’s canton of work.