Annual Leave in Sweden: A Guide for Employers

As in many European countries, annual leave in Sweden is generous and usually taken all at one time for an extended vacation.  This may come as surprise to employers in countries like the US where average leave is much shorter and not statutory. 

If you are hiring employees in Sweden you will want to understand the entitlements, when leave is taken and how it can be carried over.

How many days of annual leave are Swedish employees entitled to?

Swedish employees are entitled to 25 days of leave after one year of employment.  This will mean employers will have to plan to be without employees for up to 5 weeks during the summer, four of which can be continuous.  As employer, you can decide when the employee takes their annual leave (from June to August), but you must inform them of the dates two months prior.

If employment starts after August 31, the employees is entitled to 5 days until April 1 the following year, when the full entitlement will be allocated. 

Can leave be carried over in Sweden?

If more than... read more 

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