2025 Holidays - Switzerland

Switzerland Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. Entitlement to Public Holidays

- Switzerland observes several public holidays each year, including national and regional holidays. Public holiday entitlements vary by canton, as Switzerland’s federal system allows cantons to determine their own holiday schedules. August 1st (Swiss National Day) is the only nationwide public holiday. Source

2. Substitution of Holidays Falling on a Weekend

- Public holidays that fall on a Saturday or Sunday are generally not moved to a weekday. However, some cantons or employers may offer substitute leave depending on their specific policies or collective agreements. Source

3. Working on Public Holidays

- Employees required to work on public holidays may be entitled to additional compensation or a compensatory day off, depending on cantonal laws, employment contracts, or collective agreements. Source

4. Public Holidays During Paid Leave

- Public holidays occurring during an employee’s paid leave are not deducted from their annual leave entitlement. Employees retain their full vacation allowance in such cases. Source

5. Additional Notes

- Switzerland’s public holidays vary significantly between cantons, with some cantons observing additional holidays such as Berchtold’s Day or Jeûne Genevois. Employers and employees should refer to cantonal regulations and specific employment agreements for accurate holiday observance. Source