Children's and adolescents' work hours

About children’s and adolescents’ work in general

  • Children younger than 13 years are not permitted to work long hours every day and may in such cases only undertake very light work such as in culture, arts and sports events.
  • Children aged 13-14 years are permitted to work light and safe jobs such as service jobs.
  • Adolescents aged 15-17 years are permitted to work most jobs except those considered dangerous or physically very strenuous. They are not permitted to work with dangerous chemicals or machines.
  • Children’s and adolescents’ night work is prohibited.
  • According to law, children and adolescents (up to 18 years of age) must have two days off per week and 12-14 hours rest per 24-hour period (14 hours for 13-14-year-olds, 15 hours for adolescents aged 15 attending compulsory education and 12 hours for adolescents aged 15 to 17.).
  • Children’s and adolescents’ work must be performed under the supervision of an individual who has reached the age of 18. 
  • Parents have a supervisory obligation towards their children when they enter the labour market. Children up to 18 years of age are not permitted to sign an employment contract except with the consent of their parents.

See information regarding the work of children and adolescents.