Published on Apr 8, 2025
If you are working in Switzerland, you are entitled to regular time off work, when you fall ill, when you are pregnant or when you want to go on holiday. All companies in Switzerland are mandated to provide some form of sick and maternity leave, as well as regular holiday days, to their employees. If you are looking for a job in Switzerland, it is essential you find out your rights to sick and maternity leave before signing a contract.
Annual leave in Switzerland
Annual leave (also known as holiday leave) in Switzerland is decided upon by the employer and employee through a work contract. All employees are entitled to at least four weeks of holiday per year, on top of national and regional public holidays. Find out more about your entitlement to vacation days, and the rules governing how and when you can take them, in our dedicated guide.
Sick leave in Switzerland
Employers in Switzerland are required to continue paying employees who are off sick. If you find yourself ill and unable to work, you must inform your employer and take sick leave. Find out how long you can claim sick leave for, and how you should report illness to your employer, in our guide to sick leave in Switzerland.
Maternity leave in Switzerland
If you are planning to have a baby in Switzerland, you will be entitled to maternity leave when the child is born. Anyone who is employed on a full- or part-time contract in Switzerland can benefit from maternity leave. The time is designed to be used to take care of the child in their early stages of development. During maternity leave, you cannot be fired or made redundant, and can access the Swiss maternity allowance in Switzerland. Find out more in our guide.
Care leave
According to the Swiss Code of Obligations, there is a provision for employees to take time off to help care for family members or partners who have suffered an injury, illness or are health impaired. This provision is for brief absences only and can only be taken out for three days at a time, for a maximum of 10 days a year. During this time, you will receive a full salary and will be able to give short-term care to members of your family.
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