Switzerland
Switzerland guarantees a statutory minimum of 4 weeks annual vacation (5 weeks for under-20s), under the Code of Obligations (CO art. 329a). No federal sick pay law: jurisprudence (Bernese, Basel, Zurich scales) defines duration based on seniority.
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Annual paid leave
CO art. 329a4 weeks minimum, 5 weeks for under-20s (CO art. 329a). Reference year = calendar year. No mandatory split but at least 2 consecutive weeks. Pay = normal salary during leave. Balance transferable per agreement/CLA.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual vacation | 4 sem | 100% salaire | ≥ 2 consecutive wks |
| Employees < 20 | 5 sem | 100% | Until 20th birthday |
| Accrual | Monthly pro rata | — | Includes year 1 |
| Termination | Balance allowance | 100% | If unused |
Public holidays
1 federal + cantonal variableOnly 1 mandatory federal holiday: August 1 (National Day). Other holidays are defined by each canton (8 to 15 depending on canton). Pay continued if it falls on a working day.
| Day | Date | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1er janvier | New Year | All cantons | — |
| Jan 1-2 (per canton) | Berchtoldstag | Variable | AG/BE/ZH… |
| April | Good Friday | Most cantons (except TI, VS) | — |
| April | Easter Monday | Most cantons | — |
| 1er mai | Labour Day | BS, BL, JU, NE, SH, TI, ZH… | Not federal |
| May | Ascension | All cantons | — |
| May-Jun | Pentecost Monday | Most cantons | — |
| 1er août | National Day | Mandatory federal | 1993 federal law |
| 15 août | Assumption | Catholic cantons | AI, FR, JU, LU, NE, OW… |
| 1er novembre | All Saints | Catholic cantons | — |
| 25 décembre | Christmas | All cantons | — |
| 26 décembre | St. Stephen’s | Most cantons | — |
Sick leave
CO art. 324a + scalesNo federal law fixing sick pay duration. CO art. 324a requires pay during 3 weeks in year 1, then by seniority (cantonal scales: Bernese, Basel, Zurich — most used). Beyond: sickness loss-of-earnings insurance (APGM) usually contracted by employer.
| Scenario | Waiting | Pay | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (3-12 months) | 0 days | 100% salaire 3 sem | CO art. 324a |
| Year 2-3 (Bernese scale) | 0 j | 100% 1 mois | — |
| Year 4-9 | 0 j | 100% 2 mois | — |
| Year 10-14 | 0 j | 100% 3 mois | — |
| APGM (after cap) | 0 j | 80% salary 720 days | Over 900 days |
Maternity, paternity, parental
14 wks mat. · 2 wks pat.Maternity 14 mandatory weeks (CO art. 329f) at 80% via APG (Loss of Earnings Compensation), capped CHF 220/day. Paternity 2 weeks since 2021 via APG (80%). No federal parental leave. Adoption 14 weeks planned but not yet in force.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 14 sem (98 j) | 80% LEC (max CHF 220/d) | CO art. 329f |
| Paternity | 2 sem (10 j) | 80% LEC | Within 6 months |
| Adoption leave | 14 wks (since 2024) | 80% APG | — |
| Caregiver leave | 14 sem (enfant grav. malade) | 80% APG | Enfant gravement malade |
| Breastfeeding | On working time | Payé jusqu’à 1 an | CO art. 35a OLT 1 |
Special leaves
Per CLA / regulationsNo federal blanket leaves for personal events. Collective agreements or internal rules often provide marriage 2-3 days, bereavement 1-3 days, moving 1 day. Some cantons add specific rules (BE, GE).
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | 2-3 j | 100% | Per CLA |
| Spouse/child death | 3 j | 100% | CCT variable |
| Parent death | 1-2 j | 100% | CCT |
| Birth (father) | Included in 2-wk APG | — | — |
| Moving | 1 j | 100% CCT | CCT seulement |
| Military service | Per obligation | 80% LEC | OPP / Service civil |
| Training | Per CLA | Variable | — |
Information current as of last update. This guide does not replace local legal advice. For specific situations, consult a labor lawyer in the relevant country.
Centralize Switzerland absence management
Illizeo automatically applies Swiss CO/CLA rules (5 wks <20, APG, Bernese/Zurich scales) with cantonal holiday management.
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