Special Leave in Switzerland
Beyond annual holidays, Swiss employees are entitled to specific days off for personal life events, marriage, bereavement, birth of a child or house move. These entitlements come from the law, collective agreements or employment contracts. The exact days vary, but the minimum is set.
- Swiss employment law explained for international professionals
- Legal basis, practical advice and what to do
- Relevant for expats, cross-border workers and newcomers
Statutory Special Leave Entitlements
Swiss law and GAV practice provide the following minimum special leave: Own marriage: 1 day (some GAV: 2–3 days). Death of spouse/partner, child or parent: 3 days. Death of sibling or grandparent: 1–2 days. Birth of own child: 2 weeks (paternity leave, since 2021, EO-funded at 80%). House move: 1 day (not universally guaranteed by law; most GAV include it). These are paid days off, employees receive their normal salary. GAV (collective agreements) often extend these entitlements significantly.
Paternity and Adoption Leave
The 2-week paternity leave (10 working days) is paid at 80% via the EO income replacement scheme (same as maternity leave). It must be taken within 6 months of the child's birth and can be taken as a block or day by day. For adoption of a child under 4: 2 weeks adoption leave since 2023, also at 80% EO. Same-sex registered partners have the same rights. Many large employers and GAV in pharma, finance and hospitality offer 4–6 weeks parental leave, far above the legal minimum.
GAV and Contract Extensions
Always check your GAV and employment contract for better terms: the L-GAV (hospitality) provides generous provisions; many cantonal civil service regulations grant 5+ days for marriage, 5 days for bereavement of close family. Unmarried partners: many GAV now include civil partners or cohabitating couples in bereavement and marriage leave rights. If your employer refuses special leave that your GAV grants, you can enforce it through the joint commission (PK) or civil court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I entitled to paid leave when a close family member dies?
Yes. The legal minimum is 3 days for death of spouse/partner, child or parent; 1–2 days for siblings or grandparents. Your GAV or contract may grant more. The days are paid at normal salary.
Can I take the 2-week paternity leave over several months?
Yes. The 2 weeks (10 working days) can be taken as a block or spread across individual days within 6 months of the child's birth. You must inform your employer in advance.
Am I entitled to a day off for my house move?
Not by federal law, but most GAV and employment contracts include it. If not explicitly in your contract or GAV, you would need to use holiday or take unpaid leave for a move.
FSO · Swiss Earnings Structure Survey (LSE/ESS) 2022 · SECO · admin.ch