How much paid vacation am I entitled to in Italy?

The statutory minimum is 20 working days (4 weeks) of paid vacation per year for full-time employees. Many employees receive more through collective bargaining agreements, often 25-30 days, especially after several years of service.

Can my employer refuse my vacation request?

Employers can refuse vacation only for urgent operational reasons. Otherwise, leave must be granted. Employers must make reasonable efforts to allow employees to take their vacation within the required time frame.

Are public holidays in addition to ferie?

Yes, Italy has 12 national public holidays (giorni festivi) that are separate from your 20 days of ferie. These are paid days off that don't count against your vacation entitlement.

How does vacation work for part-time employees?

Part-time employees receive proportional leave based on hours worked. If you work 20 hours per week (half of full-time), you receive half the vacation entitlement (10 days instead of 20).

What are collective bargaining agreements?

Collective bargaining agreements (contratti collettivi) are negotiated between unions and employers. They often provide more generous leave entitlements than the statutory minimum, such as 25-30 days of vacation, especially for senior employees or specific industries.

Italy Paid Leave Rules - Your Complete Guide

Comprehensive guide to paid leave rules in Italy. Understand your legal entitlements to ferie (vacation), accrual rules, carryover policies, collective bargaining agreements, and employer obligations under Italian labor law.

Legal Framework

Italian paid leave (ferie) is guaranteed by the Italian Civil Code and collective bargaining agreements. The statutory minimum is 20 days of paid annual leave per year for full-time employees. Many employers offer more through collective agreements or company policies.

Vacation Entitlement

Full-time employees in Italy are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid vacation per year. This is typically 4 weeks for employees working 5 days per week. Part-time employees receive proportional leave based on their working hours.

Accrual and Timing

Vacation entitlement accrues at a rate of approximately 1.67 days per month worked. After completing 12 months of employment, you become entitled to the full 20 days. Vacation can typically be taken after the accrual period, with employers required to allow it within 18 months of accrual.

Carryover and Forfeiture

Annual leave must generally be taken within 18 months of accrual. Unused leave may be paid out in certain circumstances, but it's typically expected to be taken. Employers must inform employees about upcoming forfeiture and make reasonable efforts to allow leave to be taken.

Collective Agreements

Many Italian employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements (contratti collettivi) that may provide more generous leave entitlements than the statutory minimum. These agreements often provide 25-30 days of vacation, especially for senior employees or specific industries.

Employer Obligations

Employers must grant vacation when requested if no urgent operational reasons prevent it. They must allow employees to take at least 2 weeks of consecutive vacation, and must inform employees about upcoming forfeiture of leave. Employers cannot unreasonably refuse vacation requests.