In Sweden, employees are entitled to at least 25 working days of paid annual leave per year under the Annual Leave Act (Semesterlagen). The leave year runs from April 1 to March 31. Many collective agreements provide additional leave beyond the statutory minimum.

Statutory entitlement

25 working days of paid annual leave per year. Many collective agreements provide 30 days.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to annual leave. Leave accrues during the qualifying year (April 1 to March 31) and is taken during the following leave year.

Employer obligations

  • Grant at least 25 working days of paid annual leave per year.
  • Pay the employee's normal remuneration during annual leave.
  • Allow the employee to take at least four consecutive weeks of annual leave during June–August.
  • Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.

Employee rights

  • Right to 25 working days of annual leave.
  • Right to take at least four consecutive weeks during the summer.
  • Right to be paid at normal remuneration during annual leave.
  • Right to paid leave payout on termination.

Common pitfalls

  • Not allowing four consecutive weeks during summer — the Act requires this.
  • Not paying for unused leave on termination — this is a statutory requirement.

The leave year

The Swedish leave year runs from April 1 to March 31. Leave accrues during this period and is taken during the following leave year.

Annual leave pay

Annual leave pay is calculated based on the employee's earnings during the qualifying year.

Frequently asked questions

Can annual leave be carried forward?

Yes, up to five days of annual leave can be carried forward to the next leave year by mutual agreement.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.