Annual holidays

If you work at least 14 days or 35 hours per month, you accrue annual holidays. If you work less than that, you have a right to leave and to holiday compensation, which is paid during leave.

The number of annual holidays is calculated from 1 April to 31 March (for example, from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020). How many days you accrue per calendar month depends on the length of your employment. For example, if you start a new job on 1 May and your employment lasts for six months, you earn two holidays per each month of work, which makes 12 annual holidays in total. To find out the exact number, ask your employer or trade union.

The holiday season is from 2 May to 30 September. You usually have to take your summer holiday during this time period. Most people who live in Finland take some annual holidays in July. Tell your employer when you would like to take your annual holidays. However, your employer decides when you can take annual holidays.

During annual holidays, you receive holiday pay. Your employer must give you a holiday payslip with the payment of your holiday pay. If your employment ends, you have a right to receive holiday compensation for any holidays or leave that you did not take.

Read more about working culture in Finland on the InfoFinland page Finnish working culture. More information on Finnish public holidays is available on the InfoFinland page Finnish holidays.