Question 1

How many vacation days am I entitled to in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

You are entitled to 25 days of annual leave per leave year. Unless otherwise agreed, you are entitled to at least four consecutive weeks of leave during June, July and August. The employer must inform you of when your leave is scheduled no later than two months before it starts. Holiday pay under the percentage rule is twelve percent of your earnings during the accrual year.

Question 2

Can I save vacation days to next year in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

If you have more than 20 paid leave days in a year, you may save the days above 20 to a later year. Saved days must be taken within five years. You must tell your employer that you want to save days when the leave is being scheduled.

Question 3

How is holiday pay calculated in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

The main rule is the percentage rule: holiday pay is twelve percent of the wages you earned during the accrual year. If you have a fixed monthly salary the same-salary rule applies instead: you keep your normal monthly salary during leave plus a holiday supplement of 0.43 percent of the monthly salary per paid leave day. For variable pay, 0.8 percent is added per leave day. Collective agreements may provide other rules.

Question 4

Do I get paid for unused vacation when I quit in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When employment ends, holiday pay that has not been taken must be paid out as holiday compensation. This covers both earned days and saved days. The compensation must be paid no later than one month after the employment ended.

Question 5

What happens if I get sick during my vacation in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

If you fall ill during your leave you can request that the sick days are not counted as leave days. You must make the request without delay, ideally on the first day of illness. The days can then be taken as leave later. Proof of illness may be required under sick pay rules and agreements.

Question 6

Can my employer decide when I take vacation in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

The employer has the final say on when leave is scheduled, but must first negotiate with the union holding a collective agreement, or otherwise consult you. You are entitled to at least four consecutive weeks of leave during June, July and August unless otherwise agreed. The employer must notify you of the scheduling no later than two months before the leave starts.

Question 7

Do I get vacation days as a new employee in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are entitled to 25 leave days, but how many of them are paid depends on how long you worked during the accrual year. The remaining days are unpaid. If your employment starts after 31 August, you are only entitled to five leave days in the first leave year.

Question 8

Do I earn vacation while on sick leave or parental leave in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

Yes, certain absence counts as work when leave is accrued. Sickness counts for up to 180 days per accrual year. Parental leave counts for up to 120 days per child and birth, and 180 days for single parents. Absence beyond these limits does not earn paid leave days.

Question 9

When is holiday pay paid out in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

Holiday pay must be paid in connection with the leave. If you have a fixed salary, the holiday supplement may instead be paid no later than the month after the leave. Collective agreements may set other dates.

Question 10

Which days count as vacation days in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

Sundays, other public holidays, Midsummer Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve do not count as leave days. Saturdays therefore count under the Act, but collective and employment agreements often count five leave days per week for people working Monday to Friday.

Annual leave in Sweden: days, holiday pay and saved leave