Public Holidays in Switzerland

Federal and Cantonal Holidays

Only 1 August (Swiss National Day) is a federal public holiday. All other holidays are set at cantonal level. Most cantons observe: New Year's Day (1 Jan), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and Christmas Day (25 Dec). Catholic cantons add Corpus Christi, Assumption (15 Aug), All Saints' Day (1 Nov) etc. Reformed/Protestant cantons may not observe these. Total holidays range from approximately 8 (Zurich) to 15 (Ticino, Valais). GAV and employment contracts often specify which holidays apply.

Pay on Public Holidays

If a public holiday falls on a working day, employees receive their normal salary (the day counts as paid time off). If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to a 25% pay supplement or equivalent time off in lieu (ArG Art. 20 or applicable GAV). Employees on time-based pay (hourly) must check their contract, some hourly contracts do not include holiday pay unless explicitly stated.

Part-Time and Shift Workers

For part-time workers: a public holiday on a day they normally work is a paid day off (same rules). A public holiday on a day they do not normally work creates no additional entitlement. For shift workers: the GAV or employment contract specifies the holiday supplement. In sectors with 24/7 operations (healthcare, hospitality), holidays are typically compensated by a supplement or compensatory rest day.

Context on the Swiss job market helps frame any career decision in Switzerland. Our gross-to-net salary guide shows what Swiss gross salaries look like after AVS, LPP and tax deductions. The salary negotiation guide covers how to use market data in offer discussions and which arguments work with Swiss recruiters. Our guide to working in Switzerland as a foreigner covers entry conditions, permit categories and practical relocation steps. The work permit guide explains B, C, G and L permit categories and processing timelines. For cross-sector salary benchmarks, the Switzerland salary guide covers all major roles and cities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holidays does Switzerland have in 2026?

Only 1 August is guaranteed federally. Depending on the canton, total public holidays range from 8 to 15 per year. Check your cantonal list and your GAV.

Do I get paid if a public holiday falls on a weekend?

There is no federal right to a compensatory day off if a holiday falls on a weekend. Some cantons and GAV provide this, but it is not universal. Check your employment contract or GAV.

Am I entitled to extra pay for working on a public holiday?

Yes, if your employment in a sector subject to the Labour Act requires holiday work: at least 25% pay supplement or equivalent compensatory rest. GAV often provide higher supplements.

What is the 13th month salary in Switzerland?

The 13th month salary in Switzerland refers to an additional monthly salary paid once a year, typically in December. It is included in annual salary benchmarks as standard: when a Swiss employer quotes CHF 120,000 per year, this normally means 13 monthly payments of approximately CHF 9,231 each, not 12 payments of CHF 10,000. The 13th month is governed by the employment contract or collective agreement (GAV), not by statute. It is subject to social contributions (AHV/ALV) and income tax. Always clarify with a prospective employer whether a quoted annual figure includes or excludes the 13th month.

How do Swiss notice periods work for employment contracts?

Under Swiss law (Code of Obligations, Art. 335c), notice periods during probation (default 1 month, up to 3 months by agreement) are 7 days. After probation, statutory notice periods are: 1 month during the first year, 2 months in years 2 to 9, and 3 months from year 10 onwards. Notice must be given in writing by end of calendar month (or end of the agreed notice period month). Contractual or GAV notice periods can be longer but cannot be shorter than statutory minimums. Protected periods exist (illness, accident, pregnancy) during which termination is suspended or prohibited.