Working Hours and Rest in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Icelandic law limits working hours and guarantees rest periods, implementing the EU Working Time Directive via the EEA Agreement:
- Standard full-time hours: 40 hours per week (set by collective agreements).
- Maximum working week: 48 hours including overtime, averaged over a 4-month reference period (extendable to 6 months by collective agreement).
- Daily rest: At least 11 consecutive hours off in every 24-hour period.
- Weekly rest: At least 1 full day off per week, which should generally include Sunday.
- Overtime: Work beyond 8 hours per day is overtime. Rates are set by collective agreements.
If rest is shortened for operational reasons, you must receive equivalent compensating rest as soon as possible.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee — the Act covers most workers.
- Certain sectors (e.g., transport, fishing) may have sector-specific rest rules under separate regulations or collective agreements.
What to Do If Your Employer Is Violating Working Time Rules in Iceland
- Track your hours — keep a personal record of hours worked, including overtime.
- If your employer regularly exceeds 48 hours per week or denies rest periods, report the breach to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH / Vinnueftirlitið).
- Contact your trade union — they can enforce working time provisions through grievance procedures.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't waive your rest periods — mandatory rest is non-negotiable under law.
- Don't work unpaid overtime — collective agreements require overtime compensation.
- Don't confuse standard and maximum hours — 40 hours is the norm; 48 is the legal ceiling.
Common Questions
What is the maximum working week in Iceland?
The standard full-time week is 40 hours, set by collective agreements. The legal ceiling is 48 hours per week including overtime, averaged over a 4-month reference period (extendable to 6 months by collective agreement). Any work beyond 8 hours per day is overtime and must be paid at rates set by the applicable collective agreement.
What rest periods am I entitled to in Iceland?
You must have at least 11 consecutive hours of rest in every 24-hour period, plus at least 1 full day off per week — generally including Sunday. If rest is shortened for operational reasons, you must receive equivalent compensating rest as soon as possible. Some sectors like transport and fishing follow sector-specific rules under separate regulations.
How do I report a working time violation in Iceland?
Keep a personal record of hours worked, including overtime. If your employer regularly exceeds 48 hours or denies rest, report the breach to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (Vinnueftirlitið). Also contact your trade union — it can enforce working time provisions through grievance procedures under Act No. 46/1980.
When does it apply — working hours and rest?
You are an employee — the Act covers most workers.Certain sectors (e.g., transport, fishing) may have sector-specific rest rules under separate regulations or collective agreements.
What should I do if my employer is forcing me to work more than 48 hours a week in Iceland?
Track your hours — keep a personal record of hours worked, including overtime.If your employer regularly exceeds 48 hours per week or denies rest periods, report the breach to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH / Vinnueftirlitið).Contact your trade union — they can enforce working time provisions through grievance procedures.
What should you NOT do — working hours and rest?
Don't waive your rest periods — mandatory rest is non-negotiable under law.Don't work unpaid overtime — collective agreements require overtime compensation.Don't confuse standard and maximum hours — 40 hours is the norm; 48 is the legal ceiling.