Vuosiloma: annual leave

Detailed explanation

Annual leave in Finland is governed by the Annual Holidays Act (Vuosilomalaki), which sets minimum standards for vacation accrual and use. The system is based on two overlapping periods:

Holiday credit year (lomanmääräytymisvuosi): April 1 to March 31 — the period during which you earn vacation days based on your work. Holiday year (lomakausi): May 2 to September 30 for summer vacation, and October 1 to April 30 for winter vacation — the periods when you can use your accrued leave.

You earn vacation days for each month you work during the holiday credit year:

• •First year of employment: 2 days per qualifying month (up to 24 days/year)

• •After one year: 2.5 days per qualifying month (up to 30 days/year)

A month qualifies if you work at least 14 days or 35 hours during that month. Part-time workers and those with irregular schedules follow different calculation rules.

How it affects expats

• •Accrual from day one: You start earning vacation immediately when you begin work

• •Summer timing: Most Finns take 4 weeks in summer (June-August); expect quiet workplaces

• •Cannot skip vacation: Finnish law encourages taking your earned leave; unused days have limited carryover

• •Paid upon termination: If you leave your job, unused vacation is paid out in your final salary

• •First summer may be limited: If you started mid-year, you'll have fewer days available

• •Collective agreements may offer more: Many TES agreements provide better terms than the legal minimum

Vacation pay and holiday bonus

During your vacation, you continue to receive your normal salary. Additionally, many employees receive lomaraha (holiday bonus), an extra payment equal to 50% of your vacation pay:

• •Lomaraha is not required by law but is standard in most collective agreements

• •It's typically paid when you start your summer vacation or with your June/July salary

• •Some employers may not pay lomaraha; check your contract and applicable TES

Using your annual leave

Summer vacation (kesäloma):

• •Most of your leave (24 days for long-term employees) should be taken May 2

• •September 30

• •Your employer determines the exact timing but must consult with you

• •You must receive at least 2 weeks' notice of summer vacation dates

Winter vacation (talviloma):

• •Remaining days (up to 6) taken October 1

• •April 30

• •Often used for winter holidays, ski trips, or spring breaks

• •At least 1 week notice required

Carrying over unused leave:

• •If circumstances prevent you from taking all leave, some may carry over

• •Carried-over leave must typically be used within 1 year

• •Check your collective agreement for specific rules

Practical example

Starting work on September 1, 2024:

• September 2024 — March 2025 (7 months in holiday credit year)

• Accrual: 7 months x 2 days = 14 vacation days earned

• Available from: May 2, 2025

• Next holiday credit year: After March 31, 2025, you've completed one year

• New accrual rate: 2.5 days per month going forward

Special situations

Illness during vacation: If you become ill during vacation, the sick days may not count against your vacation allowance (with a doctor's certificate). Part-time employees: Different calculation methods may apply based on hours worked rather than days. Maternity/paternity leave: Time on parental leave counts toward vacation accrual.

Related terms

• •Holiday Pay (Lomaraha) — A common extra payment related to annual leave, often defined by collective agreements

• •Employment Contract (Työsopimus) — Legal agreement between employee and employer in Finland defining job duties, salary, working hours, and terms

• •Collective Agreement (TES) — Industry-wide minimum employment conditions in Finland, set by collective bargaining

• •Sick Leave (Sairausloma) — Paid time off work due to illness in Finland, with specific rules for notification, pay, and medical certificates