Across Europe, the approach to paid time off varies widely — shaped by different cultures, labour laws, and work-life philosophies. While the UK famously offers the fewest public holidays (8 in England and Wales), countries like Cyprus enjoy up to 15. The Netherlands sits somewhere in the middle with around 9 public holidays but features a unique system called ADV & ATV days, giving Dutch employees extra time to recharge.
Understanding these variations is crucial for employers hiring across Europe — and for professionals planning a move. This guide from Go Ahead HiRe explores the European holiday landscape and what it means for your international workforce.
The European Holiday Landscape
EU Minimum Leave Standards
Under EU law, all full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave.
However, the real picture varies from country to country — as many nations offer more generous entitlements and additional public holidays.
Country-by-Country Overview of Holiday Entitlements
| Country | Statutory Minimum Annual Leave (Days) | Typical Public Holidays (Days) | Total Time Off (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| Germany | 20 | 9–13 (varies by region) | 29–33 |
| Spain | 22 | 14 | 36 |
| Netherlands | 20 | ~9 | ~29+ (excluding ADV) |
| UK (England & Wales) | 20 | 8 | 28 |
| Austria | 25 | 13 | 38 |
| Sweden | 25 | 11 | 36 |
Public holidays are where the biggest differences emerge.
In the Netherlands, for example, not all public holidays guarantee a day off unless stated in the employment contract or a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA). And unlike some countries, the Dutch rarely move public holidays that fall on weekends to a weekday.
Understanding National Differences
Public Holidays Across Europe
The number and treatment of public holidays vary dramatically.
Southern Europe tends to have more religious or regional holidays, while Northern Europe often offers more consistent, standardized leave policies.
Employers hiring across multiple European countries must factor these variations into employment contracts to stay compliant and competitive.
How the Netherlands Stands Out
The Netherlands combines a relatively low number of statutory holidays with additional time-off schemes known as ADV/ATV days. These reflect the country’s focus on work-life balance and flexibility, providing employees with more opportunities for rest throughout the year.
Unpacking the Dutch “ADV & ATV Days”
The Dutch system includes a special benefit called ADV (Arbeidsduurverkorting) or ATV (Arbeidstijdverkorting) , literally, reduction of working hours.
These are not statutory holidays but additional days off negotiated between employer and employee, typically outlined in a contract or collective agreement.
For a detailed breakdown, read our full blog:
👉 What Do ADV & ATV Days Mean in the Netherlands?
Why Holiday Entitlements Matter for Employers and Talent
Understanding European holiday entitlements isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating a competitive and attractive employment package.
In a market where skilled professionals have choices, generous leave policies and clear communication around time off can significantly improve:
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Employee well-being and retention
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Productivity and motivation
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Employer branding
At Go Ahead HiRe, we help international employers design compliant, appealing offers across European markets, including local insights on annual leave, benefits, and employment culture.
Our recruitment experts ensure your hiring strategy aligns with both legal standards and talent expectations.
👉 Contact us to discuss your European hiring strategy.
Source: European Union
