🇨🇭 Leave and Benefits in
Switzerland
Statutory leave entitlements and mandatory benefits for employers in Switzerland — annual leave, sick leave, maternity, paternity and public holidays.
Leave Entitlements at a Glance — Switzerland
Annual Leave
20 days
Sick Leave
21 days
Maternity Leave
14 weeks
Paternity Leave
2 weeks
Public Holidays
15 days
13th Month Pay
Not required
Statutory Leave Types
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Paid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| annual | 20 days | Yes | 100% pay |
| sick | 30 days | Yes | 80% pay |
| maternity | 14 days | Yes | 80% pay |
| paternity | 10 days | Yes | 80% pay |
| parental | — | No | — |
| bereavement | 3 days | Yes | 100% pay |
Public Holidays — Switzerland 2026
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Berchtoldstag | 2 Jan 2026 |
| Epiphany | 6 Jan 2026 |
| Good Friday | 3 Apr 2026 |
| Easter Monday | 6 Apr 2026 |
| Labour Day | 1 May 2026 |
| Ascension Day | 14 May 2026 |
| Whit Monday | 25 May 2026 |
| Corpus Christi | 4 Jun 2026 |
| Swiss National Day | 1 Aug 2026 |
| Assumption of Mary | 15 Aug 2026 |
| All Saints' Day | 1 Nov 2026 |
| Immaculate Conception | 8 Dec 2026 |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec 2026 |
| St. Stephen's Day | 26 Dec 2026 |
Mandatory Employer Benefits — Switzerland
Legally required employer contributions and benefits under Switzerland law.
| Benefit | Type | Employer Cost | Frequency | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AHV/IV/EO Old Age, Disability, Income Compensation Employer contribution: AHV 5.3% + IV 0.7% + EO 0.225% = 6.225% with no ceiling. Employee pays matching rates. Covers old age pension, disability, and military and maternity income compensation. | Cash | 6.225% | monthly | Exempt |
ALV Unemployment Insurance Employer pays 1.1% of gross salary up to CHF 148,200 annual ceiling (2024). Employee pays equal rate. Additional solidarity contribution of 0.5% applies on earnings above the ceiling. | Cash | 1.1% | monthly | Exempt |
BVG/LPP Occupational Pension (2nd Pillar) Mandatory for employees earning over CHF 22,050 per year. Employer must contribute at least 50% of total BVG savings contributions. Age-based rates: 25-34: 7%, 35-44: 10%, 45-54: 15%, 55-65: 18% of coordinated salary. | Cash | Varies | monthly | Exempt |
UVG/LAA Accident Insurance Occupational accident insurance is fully employer-funded; rate varies by sector. Non-occupational accident insurance is typically borne by the employer for employees working 8+ hours per week. Ceiling at CHF 148,200. | Cash | Varies | monthly | Exempt |
EOR Intelligence
Manage leave compliance in Switzerland via EOR.
An Employer of Record administers all statutory leave and benefits on your behalf.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Leave entitlements in Switzerland are subject to change. Always consult a qualified local employment lawyer.
About This Guide
- \u2713 Sourced from official government publications
- \u2713 Updated monthly — always current rules
- \u2713 For guidance only — not legal advice
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