A frequently discussed and emotional topic surrounding unemployment in Switzerland: Are you actually allowed to go on vacation when you are registered with the RAV? The clear answer is: Yes, you have a legal entitlement to so-called control-free days ("Stempelferien").
In this article, we take a closer look at how exactly these days are calculated, what obligations you have to fulfill beforehand, and why this time off is so important for your mental health.
The Rules: How Many Days Are You Entitled To?
The unemployment insurance (ALV) system is designed in such a way that you must actively and continuously make efforts to find a new job. This also means that you must generally be available for placement (i.e., present and ready for job interviews).
Nevertheless, the law recognizes that rest is necessary. After every 60 days of controlled unemployment (this corresponds to about 3 months, as only working days are counted), you earn the right to 5 control-free days (one week of "Stempelferien").
Important points:
- Saving up allowed: You can save up these days. So, if you are unemployed for half a year (120 controlled days), you are entitled to 10 control-free days (two weeks).
- No job search efforts required: During the taken "Stempelferien", you are exempt from the duty to look for work, attend counseling sessions, or participate in labor market measures (such as courses).
- Daily allowances continue: Most importantly: You continue to receive your full daily allowance during your "Stempelferien".
The Application: How to Register Your Vacation
Simply packing your bags and disappearing is unfortunately not an option. "Stempelferien" must be registered officially and in good time with the RAV.
- Observe the deadline: You must report your vacation to your RAV advisor at least two weeks before departure.
- The form: Usually, there is a short form for this ("Meldung von kontrollfreien Tagen" / Notice of control-free days) that you need to fill out and submit. Sometimes a written notification via email or through the Job-Room platform is sufficient (clarify this with your advisor in advance).
- Wait for approval: The RAV checks your entitlement. If you have saved up enough days and no important courses or job interviews are scheduled during this time, the vacation is usually approved without any problems.
Can I Travel Without "Stempelferien"?
A common question: What happens if you urgently need to go away but haven't saved up any "Stempelferien" yet (for example, shortly after registering with the RAV)?
You can travel at any time – but at your own expense. If you do not have "Stempelferien" or take more days than you are entitled to, you must deregister with the RAV for this period (declare yourself as not available for placement).
As a result, you will not receive a daily allowance for these days. As soon as you return, you register back and are available for placement again. However, you should definitely communicate this transparently with the RAV, as unexcused absences lead to sanctions (suspension days).
Why You Should Use Your "Stempelferien"
Job searching is a full-time job and can be mentally very taxing. Constant rejections, the pressure of providing proof, and financial uncertainty strain your nerves.
We at PARAT strongly recommend that you claim your entitlement to control-free days.
- Mental recovery: Use the time to completely clear your head from the job search. No checking emails, no reading job postings.
- New energy: Distance often helps gain new perspectives. Many applicants report that after a short break, they return to their desks with fresh motivation and better ideas.
To ensure you can hit the ground running efficiently after your vacation, PARAT RAV-Tracking is here to help. All the applications you made before your vacation are securely saved there and exported with a single click into the correct ZIP format for your RAV advisor. This saves you from tedious file searching after your trip.
The Swiss system grants you this time – take it without feeling guilty!
