In Liechtenstein, the Labor Act stipulates that employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 working days) of paid vacation leave per year. For those who work a 6-day workweek, the entitlement is 24 working days.

Youth Workers and Disabled Employees

Employees under the age of 20 are entitled to a minimum of five weeks (25 working days) of paid vacation leave per year. Employees with disabilities may be entitled to additional vacation days, as outlined in specific agreements or regulations.

Accrual and Carryover of Vacation Time

Vacation leave accrues on a monthly basis, meaning employees earn a portion of their annual entitlement for each month they work. Unused vacation days can typically be carried over to the following year, but must be used by a certain deadline (often March 31st of the following year).

Scheduling Vacation Leave

Employees generally have the right to request specific vacation dates. However, employers have the right to approve or deny vacation requests based on operational needs. They must consider factors such as workload, staffing levels, and the potential impact on business operations.

Liechtenstein observes a blend of religious and secular public holidays throughout the year.

New Year's Day (Neujahrstag)

Celebrated on January 1st, this holiday marks the start of the calendar year.

Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige)

This Christian holiday, celebrated on January 6th, commemorates the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to the infant Jesus.

Candlemas (Mariä Lichtmess)

Celebrated on February 2nd, this Christian holiday marks the presentation of Jesus at the Temple.

St. Joseph's Day (Josefstag)

This holiday, celebrated on March 19th, honors Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary.

Good Friday (Karfreitag)

The date varies between March or April. It's a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.

Easter Monday (Ostermontag)

The date varies between March or April. It's the day after Easter Sunday, a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.

Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit)

Celebrated on May 1st, this holiday celebrates workers and the labor movement.

Ascension Day (Auffahrt)

The date varies between May or June. It's a Christian holiday commemorating Jesus' ascension to heaven.

Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag)

The date varies between May or June. It's the day after Pentecost, a Christian holiday commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam)

The date varies between May or June. It's a Catholic holiday celebrating the Eucharist.

Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt)

Celebrated on August 15th, this Catholic holiday commemorates the bodily assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

National Day (Staatsfeiertag)

Also celebrated on August 15th, this is Liechtenstein's national holiday, celebrating its sovereignty.

Nativity of Our Lady (Mariä Geburt)

Celebrated on September 8th, this Catholic holiday commemorates the birth of the Virgin Mary.

All Saints' Day (Allerheiligen)

Celebrated on November 1st, this Christian holiday honors all saints.

Immaculate Conception (Mariä Empfängnis)

Celebrated on December 8th, this Catholic holiday commemorates the conception of the Virgin Mary.

Christmas Day (Weihnachten)

Celebrated on December 25th, this Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus.

St. Stephen's Day (Stephanstag)

Celebrated on December 26th, this Christian holiday honors Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

In Liechtenstein, employees are entitled to various types of leave as per the Labor Act (Arbeitsgesetz).

Annual Leave

Employees working a 5-day week are entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave. For employees under the age of 20, this entitlement increases to five weeks (25 working days). Those working a 6-day week are entitled to an additional day of leave per week. Leave is generally accrued on a monthly basis. Employers and employees must collaborate to schedule vacation time, considering both operational needs and employee preferences.

Sick Leave

Employees who become ill are entitled to paid sick leave, provided they can present a medical certificate. According to the Health Insurance Act (Krankenversicherungsgesetz), paid sick leave entitlement lasts for up to 720 days within a period of 900 consecutive days. During sick leave, employees receive at least 80% of their regular salary.

Maternity Leave

Women in Liechtenstein receive 20 weeks of paid maternity leave (Mutterschaftsurlaub), with at least 16 weeks taken after childbirth as per the Health Insurance Act (Krankenversicherungsgesetz). Women on maternity leave receive 80% of their regular salary, paid for by the health insurance fund.

Paternity Leave

The Labor Act (Arbeitsgesetz) grants fathers the right to two weeks of paid paternity leave within the first six months after the child's birth.

Parental Leave

While not explicitly stated in the law, in practice, parents often have the opportunity to take unpaid parental leave to care for a child.

Caregiver Leave

Employees are entitled to up to three days of paid leave per year to take care of sick family members as per the Labor Act (Arbeitsgesetz).

It's important to note that individual employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements may provide for more generous leave benefits than the statutory minimums.