Annual Leave by Country
Compare statutory annual leave and public holidays across 18 countries. See which countries get the most time off and how they compare in a colour-coded ranking.
International Annual Leave Comparison
Compare statutory annual leave and public holidays by country
Data represents statutory minimums as of 2026. Actual entitlements vary by employment type, tenure, and region. Many employers offer more generous benefits above the statutory minimum.
Comparison Table
| Country | Annual Leave Days | Public Holidays | Total Days Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| Germany | 20 | 11 | 31 |
| Australia | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| United Kingdom | 20 | 8 | 28 |
| Japan | 10 | 16 | 26 |
| United States | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ranking by Total Days Off (among selected)
France
Very GenerousAnnual Leave
25 days
Public Holidays
11 days
Total Minimum Days Off
36
= 9.9% of the year
Statutory: 25 days annual leave plus 11 public holidays = 36 days minimum.
Germany
ExcellentAnnual Leave
20 days
Public Holidays
11 days
Total Minimum Days Off
31
= 8.5% of the year
Statutory minimum: 20 days. Most employers offer 25-30 days. Public holidays: 9-13.
Australia
GoodAnnual Leave
20 days
Public Holidays
10 days
Total Minimum Days Off
30
= 8.2% of the year
Minimum 20 days annual leave. Public holidays: 8-12 depending on state.
United Kingdom
ModerateAnnual Leave
20 days
Public Holidays
8 days
Total Minimum Days Off
28
= 7.7% of the year
Statutory Minimum: 20 days. Bank holidays: 8 (varies by country within UK).
Japan
ModerateAnnual Leave
10 days
Public Holidays
16 days
Total Minimum Days Off
26
= 7.1% of the year
Statutory: 10 days (rising to 20 with tenure). Public holidays: 16. Limited take-up.
United States
MinimalAnnual Leave
0 days
Public Holidays
0 days
Total Minimum Days Off
0
= 0.0% of the year
No federal statutory paid leave requirement. Average: 10-15 days offered by employers.
Key Insights
Most Generous:
France offers the most statutory time off (36 days)
Least Generous:
United States has the minimum statutory entitlement (0 days)
Average Work Year:
In France, you work approximately 340 days per year on average
Note: These are statutory minimums. Many countries have regional variations, collective agreements, or employer benefits that exceed these standards.
Important Notes:
- Statutory minimums vary by employment type (full-time, part-time, contract work)
- Tenure may affect entitlements (e.g., Japan: more leave with length of service)
- Regional variations apply in many countries (e.g., UK bank holidays vary by country)
- Some countries require you to take leave (no "banking" of unused days)
- Sectarian holidays vary by region and may be optional in some countries
- Self-employed workers may have different entitlements
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