Statutory Leave Entitlement in Germany
Minimum paid leave required by law in Germany: the number of days, the legal source, and how it applies.
Last updated:
How many paid leave days are required by law in Germany?
The statutory minimum paid leave in Germany is 20 working days per year. The legal basis is Federal Holidays Act (BUrlG) § 3. 4 weeks (20 working days) for 5-day work week This figure is the legal floor; collective agreements or employment contracts can grant more leave, never less. Proration for a mid-year start and the treatment of public holidays are separate rules that apply on top of this minimum. This information is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice. Confirm the exact entitlement for your region, industry, and employment type with qualified legal counsel, because labor laws change over time. TODO: verify the current legal position before relying on this for compliance decisions.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Statutory minimum paid leave | 20 working days |
| Legal source | Federal Holidays Act (BUrlG) § 3 |
| Notes | 4 weeks (20 working days) for 5-day work week |
| Last verified | 2025-10-18 |
Source: Federal Holidays Act (BUrlG) § 3. Not legal advice. TODO: verify current status.
Frequently asked questions
20 working days per year under Federal Holidays Act (BUrlG) § 3. Contracts can grant more. TODO: verify.
No. This is general guidance only. For binding answers about your situation, consult qualified legal counsel.
Public holidays are usually handled separately from statutory paid leave. Check the regional rules. TODO: verify.