Public Holidays in Switzerland
Switzerland has few federally mandated public holidays, only 1 August (National Day) is a guaranteed day off by federal law. All other holidays are cantonal, and vary significantly. An employee in Ticino has significantly more official holidays than one in Zurich. Here is how the system works.
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Federal and Cantonal Holidays
Only 1 August (Swiss National Day) is a federal public holiday. All other holidays are set at cantonal level. Most cantons observe: New Year's Day (1 Jan), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, and Christmas Day (25 Dec). Catholic cantons add Corpus Christi, Assumption (15 Aug), All Saints' Day (1 Nov) etc. Reformed/Protestant cantons may not observe these. Total holidays range from approximately 8 (Zurich) to 15 (Ticino, Valais). GAV and employment contracts often specify which holidays apply.
Pay on Public Holidays
If a public holiday falls on a working day, employees receive their normal salary (the day counts as paid time off). If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to a 25% pay supplement or equivalent time off in lieu (ArG Art. 20 or applicable GAV). Employees on time-based pay (hourly) must check their contract, some hourly contracts do not include holiday pay unless explicitly stated.
Part-Time and Shift Workers
For part-time workers: a public holiday on a day they normally work is a paid day off (same rules). A public holiday on a day they do not normally work creates no additional entitlement. For shift workers: the GAV or employment contract specifies the holiday supplement. In sectors with 24/7 operations (healthcare, hospitality), holidays are typically compensated by a supplement or compensatory rest day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Switzerland have in 2026?
Only 1 August is guaranteed federally. Depending on the canton, total public holidays range from 8 to 15 per year. Check your cantonal list and your GAV.
Do I get paid if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
There is no federal right to a compensatory day off if a holiday falls on a weekend. Some cantons and GAV provide this, but it is not universal. Check your employment contract or GAV.
Am I entitled to extra pay for working on a public holiday?
Yes, if your employment in a sector subject to the Labour Act requires holiday work: at least 25% pay supplement or equivalent compensatory rest. GAV often provide higher supplements.
Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal) · Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH/BAG) · admin.ch