Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements in Liechtenstein requires a clear understanding of the local labor laws and regulations. Employers must adhere to statutory minimums for various types of leave, ensuring compliance and fostering a positive working environment for both local and international employees. These regulations cover everything from standard annual vacation to specific provisions for illness, parental responsibilities, and other personal circumstances.
Navigating these requirements is essential for companies operating or employing individuals in Liechtenstein. Understanding the nuances of each leave type helps ensure fair treatment of employees and smooth business operations. The following sections detail the key aspects of leave policies applicable in Liechtenstein for 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Liechtenstein are entitled to a statutory minimum amount of paid annual leave. The specific entitlement depends on the employee's age.
- Employees up to and including 50 years of age are entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave per calendar year.
- Employees over 50 years of age are entitled to a minimum of 5 weeks (25 working days) of paid annual leave per calendar year.
This leave accrues over the course of the employment year. The timing of vacation should be agreed upon between the employer and employee, taking into account the operational needs of the business and the employee's preferences. Unused leave can typically be carried over to the next year, though specific company policies or collective bargaining agreements may define limits or conditions for carry-over. During vacation, employees are entitled to their regular salary.
Public Holidays
Liechtenstein observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these holidays. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, there is typically no automatic substitute day off, although this can vary based on specific employment contracts or collective agreements.
Here are the anticipated public holidays for 2025:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 6 | Epiphany |
| March 19 | St. Joseph's Day |
| April 18 | Good Friday |
| April 21 | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 29 | Ascension Day |
| June 9 | Whit Monday |
| June 19 | Corpus Christi |
| August 15 | National Day |
| September 8 | Nativity of Mary |
| November 1 | All Saints' Day |
| December 8 | Immaculate Conception |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | St. Stephen's Day |
Note that some holidays may have regional variations or be subject to specific collective agreements.
Sick Leave
Employees in Liechtenstein are entitled to paid sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The duration and amount of sick pay depend on the length of service with the employer.
| Length of Service | Minimum Paid Sick Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | No statutory entitlement to paid leave, but often covered by insurance or collective agreements. |
| 3 months - 5 years | 3 weeks at full pay |
| 5 years - 10 years | 6 weeks at full pay |
| 10 years - 15 years | 9 weeks at full pay |
| 15 years - 20 years | 12 weeks at full pay |
| Over 20 years | 15 weeks at full pay |
After the initial period of full pay, the entitlement may continue at a reduced rate or be covered by mandatory sickness insurance, which provides benefits typically covering a significant portion of the employee's salary for a longer period (e.g., up to 720 days within a 900-day period). Employees are generally required to notify their employer promptly of their absence and provide a medical certificate (doctor's note) for absences exceeding a certain duration, often three consecutive days.
Parental Leave
Liechtenstein provides various types of leave related to childbirth and childcare, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- Maternity Leave: Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave. The statutory minimum is typically 16 weeks, with at least 8 weeks taken after childbirth. During this period, employees are entitled to receive maternity benefits, often paid through social insurance, covering a significant percentage of their previous income.
- Paternity Leave: Fathers are entitled to paternity leave upon the birth of a child. The statutory minimum is typically 2 weeks (10 working days). This leave can usually be taken flexibly within a certain period after the birth, often within the first six months. Paternity leave is also typically compensated through social insurance.
- Adoption Leave: Similar provisions exist for employees adopting a child. The duration and conditions are comparable to maternity or paternity leave, depending on the circumstances and the age of the adopted child.
Specific entitlements and payment details can be influenced by social insurance regulations and collective bargaining agreements.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the main categories, employees in Liechtenstein may be entitled to other types of leave for specific circumstances:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically granted a short period of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The exact duration may be defined by company policy or collective agreements.
- Study Leave: While not a universal statutory right for all types of study, employees may be entitled to leave for further education or training, particularly if it is related to their job. This is often subject to employer discretion or specific agreements.
- Sabbatical Leave: Longer periods of leave for personal or professional development (sabbaticals) are not statutorily mandated but may be offered by employers as a benefit or agreed upon individually.
- Leave for Personal Reasons: Short periods of leave may be granted for important personal events such as moving house, weddings, or attending official appointments, often subject to company policy.
