Working Hours and Rest
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Icelandic National Law
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 should you do?
- 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.
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