Umzugstag (Moving Day Leave)
Umzugstag is paid leave granted to an employee for the day of their household move. Swiss law does not mandate it at federal level, but many cantons recognize it as a custom or in collective labour agreements (GAV). Your obligation depends on your canton, your GAV membership, and your employment contract. Always check your cantonal employment law and any applicable GAV before denying the request.
Umzugstag—moving day leave—is a paid day off for an employee relocating their residence. It appears in cantonal practice, collective labour agreements (GAV), and employment contracts across Switzerland, but federal law does not require it.
As an employer, you need to know whether your canton recognizes it as a custom, whether your industry GAV mandates it, and what your employment contract says. Ignoring a canton-level expectation or GAV clause is the fastest way to create conflict with an otherwise straightforward request.
When Umzugstag Applies
An employee typically requests Umzugstag when they are physically moving house—changing their primary residence within Switzerland or relocating from abroad. The leave usually covers one day, sometimes two if the move crosses canton lines.
The request usually arrives with notice of 2–4 weeks. It is distinct from vacation days and should not be deducted from annual leave. The employee expects to be paid their normal wage for that day.
- Applies to a genuine household relocation, not office moves or temporary absences
- Typically one day; occasionally two for cross-canton or international moves
- Requested in advance; rarely an emergency
- Paid at the employee's standard daily rate (100% of Pensum salary equivalent)
- Not deducted from vacation or overtime balances
- May apply only to the primary move, not repeat relocations within the same year
Your Obligation as an Employer
Your duty depends on three layers: federal law (which is silent), your canton's practice, and your GAV or employment contract. Check all three before responding to a request.
If your canton recognizes Umzugstag as custom or your GAV mandates it, you must grant it—even if your employment contract is silent. If none apply, granting it remains a courtesy gesture that builds goodwill.
- Review your cantonal employment law or contact your cantonal labour office (Amt für Wirtschaft, Arbeit, etc.)
- Check your industry or employer GAV for Umzugstag provisions
- Review your employment contract for any explicit clause
- Document your decision and reasoning in writing
- If granted, record it separately from vacation; do not reduce Pensum for that day
- Communicate the policy to all employees before requests arise
The Most Common Mistake
Employers often treat Umzugstag as a vacation day or simply deny it because federal law does not mandate it. Both approaches ignore your canton's custom or your GAV, both of which may bind you.
The mistake costs goodwill and sometimes triggers disputes. The fix is simple: establish your canton's position and your GAV status in writing before hiring, then apply the rule consistently.
- Denying Umzugstag because federal law does not require it, despite your GAV mandating it
- Deducting Umzugstag from the employee's annual leave balance
- Requiring the employee to provide moving invoices or proof
- Offering Umzugstag inconsistently to different employees in the same role
- Allowing only a half-day when your canton or GAV specifies a full day
- Failing to clarify the policy in the employment contract at hire
Frequently asked questions
- Is Umzugstag legally required in Switzerland?
- No federal law mandates it. However, many cantons recognize it as custom, and numerous GAVs require it. Check your canton and GAV; if either applies, it is binding on you even without a contract clause.
- Can I deduct Umzugstag from the employee's annual leave?
- No. Umzugstag is paid leave separate from vacation. If granted, it is in addition to the employee's standard holiday entitlement. Deducting it violates the principle and may breach your GAV.
- What if my employee moves twice in one year?
- Most cantons and GAVs limit Umzugstag to one occurrence per employment year. A second move typically does not qualify. Specify this in your policy.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.