Work & taxes
Working hours, overtime and holiday
By law: 40 hours a week, limited overtime, at least 11 hours’ rest a day, and 25 days of holiday a year. Collective agreements often give more.
At a glance
- Normal hours
- Max 40 hours a week
- General overtime
- Max 200 hours a year
- Rest
- 11 hours a day, 36 hours a week
- Holiday
- 25 days a year
Working hours and overtime
| Rule (Working Hours Act) | Limit |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 40 hours a week (can be averaged over up to four weeks) |
| General overtime | 200 hours a calendar year; max 48 hours in four weeks or 50 hours in a month |
| Extra overtime (special reasons) | Another 150 hours a year |
| Daily rest | At least 11 hours in every 24 |
| Weekly rest | At least 36 hours in every 7 days |
Holiday
Every employee is entitled to 25 days of holiday a year under the Holiday Act. Paid days are earned during the previous year, so in your first year you may have fewer paid days — but you can still take unpaid holiday. Starting after 31 August gives you five unpaid holiday days that year. Collective agreements often add more.
Official sources
Rules and fees change. Always confirm on the official page before you apply or pay. Last checked 14 Oct 2026.