Maximum working time in Finland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Regular working time is at most 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, and total working time including overtime may average 48 hours a week over four months. Employees need 11 hours of daily rest and 35 hours of weekly rest.

RuleWhat applies
Maximum average weekly working timeEmployees (adults) in general employment48 hours [1]
Maximum daily working timeEmployees (adults) in general employmentRegular working time is at most 8 hours a day. By agreement it may be extended by up to 2 hours a day, provided weekly regular hours average 40 over at most four months and never exceed 48 in a week. [1]
Minimum daily restEmployees (adults) in general employment11 hours [1]
Minimum weekly restEmployees (adults) in general employmentAt least 35 hours of uninterrupted rest once in every seven days, where possible in connection with Sunday. It may be arranged as an average of 35 hours over 14 days, but never less than 24 consecutive hours in each seven-day period. [1]
Normal full-time working weekEmployees (adults) in general employmentRegular working time is at most 40 hours a week (and 8 hours a day). [1]
Individual opt-out from the weekly maximumEmployees (adults) in general employment⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Total working time including overtime. Section 18 refers to section 34 for the right to agree a different reference period in a collective agreement.
  • The 11 hours must be given within the 24 hours after the start of each shift. In shift work it may be shortened to 9 hours, and with flexible working time to 7 hours at the employee's initiative.
  • No individual opt-out was found in the Act sections read. Collective agreements may deviate in some respects (sections 10 and 34). Whether any individual opt-out exists was not confirmed.

Sources

  1. Finlex (Ministry of Justice): Työaikalaki 872/2019 (ajantasaistettu) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.