RAV 'Stempelferien': How Much Vacation Time You Are Entitled to While Unemployed

An often discussed and emotional topic regarding unemployment in Switzerland: Are you actually allowed to go on holiday when you are registered with the RAV? The clear answer is: Yes, you have a legal right to so-called control-free days ('Stempelferien').

In this article, we take a closer look at how exactly these days are calculated, which duties you must fulfill beforehand, and why this rest period is so important for your mental health.

The Rules: How Many Days Are You Entitled To?

The unemployment insurance system (ALV) is designed so that you must actively and permanently search for a new job. This also means that you must generally be available for placement (i.e., present and ready for job interviews).

Nevertheless, the lawmaker recognizes that rest is necessary. After every 60 days of controlled unemployment (which 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 days 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 application efforts required: During the 'Stempelferien' taken, you are exempt from the duty to search for work, attend advisory interviews, or participate in labor market measures (such as courses).
• Daily allowances continue: The most important thing: 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 possible. The 'Stempelferien' must be registered with the RAV officially and in good time.

1. Observe the deadline: You must report your vacation to your RAV advisor at least two weeks before departure.
2. The form: Usually, there is a short form ("Reporting of control-free days") that you need to fill out and submit. Sometimes a written notification by email or via the Job-Room platform is sufficient (clarify this in advance with your advisor).
3. Wait for approval: The RAV checks your entitlement. If you have saved enough days and there are no important courses or job interviews scheduled during that time, the vacation is usually approved without any issues.

Can I Also 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 from 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 communicate this transparently with the RAV, as unexcused absences lead to sanctions (suspension days).

Why You Should Take Advantage of Your 'Stempelferien'

Job hunting is a full-time job and can be mentally very taxing. Constant rejections, the pressure of proof, and financial uncertainty strain the nerves.

At PARAT, we strongly recommend that you claim your entitlement to control-free days.

• Mental recovery: Use the time to clear your mind completely from the job hunt. No checking emails, no reading job postings.
• New energy: Distance often helps to gain new perspectives. Many applicants report returning to their desks with fresh motivation and better ideas after a short break.

To ensure that you can restart efficiently right after your holiday, the PARAT RAV Tracking will help you. All your applications submitted before your holiday are securely stored there and can be exported to the correct ZIP format for your RAV advisor with just one click. This saves you from tedious file searching after your vacation.

The Swiss system grants you this time – take it without feeling guilty!