EU Notice Period by Country

Look up statutory notice periods across Europe. See what your employer must give you and what you must give them, by country.

Select a country

🇩🇪 Germany — Statutory Notice Periods

Employer must give employee

• 4 weeks (under 2yrs)

• 1 month (2yrs)

• 2 months (5yrs)

• 3 months (8yrs)

• 4 months (10yrs)

Employee must give employer

• 4 weeks minimum

💡 Notice given to end of month or 15th.

Why notice periods vary so much across Europe

European employment law is shaped by each country's own legal tradition and history of collective bargaining. Germany and Austria have elaborate statutory systems with notice periods that scale with tenure, designed to protect long-serving workers. Countries like the UK and Ireland have simpler statutory minimums with the expectation that contracts will often go further. In France and Italy, sector-level collective agreements often set the real standards, which can be considerably more generous than the statutory floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in most countries both parties can agree to waive or shorten the notice period. The statutory minimums are floors, not ceilings. Garden leave arrangements are also increasingly common across Europe.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

TheCalcOra.com provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on current UK law and EU regulations but may not reflect your exact circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial or legal decisions.