In Europe, working hours are strictly regulated by law to protect workers’ health and work-life balance.
The legal maximum working time in Europe is 48 hours per week, including overtime.
This rule is set under labor standards followed across the European Union, with some country-specific variations.
Legal Weekly Working Hours in Europe (Quick Answer)
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Standard working week: 40 hours
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Maximum legal limit: 48 hours per week (including overtime)
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Rest days: At least 1 full day off per week
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Paid annual leave: Minimum 4 weeks per year
Employers cannot legally force workers to exceed these limits.
What Is the Standard Work Week in Europe?
Most European countries follow a 40-hour work week, usually:
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8 hours per day
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5 days per week
Examples:
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Office jobs
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Factories
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Healthcare
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Hospitality
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Construction
Some countries have even shorter standard weeks (37–39 hours).
Maximum Legal Working Hours (48-Hour Rule)
EU law allows a maximum of 48 hours per week, which includes:
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Normal working hours
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Overtime
This limit is usually calculated as an average over several months, not every single week.
? Working more than 48 hours regularly is illegal.
Overtime Rules in Europe
Overtime is allowed, but strictly controlled.
Key rules:
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Overtime must be paid or compensated
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Extra hours cannot break the 48-hour limit
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Some jobs require employee consent for overtime
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Night work and shift work have additional protections
Unpaid overtime is illegal in Europe.
Daily and Weekly Rest Requirements
European labor laws also protect rest time.
Workers are entitled to:
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11 consecutive hours of rest per day
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24 consecutive hours of rest per week
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Breaks during long shifts
These rules apply to both local and foreign workers.
Are There Exceptions to the 48-Hour Rule?
Yes, but only in specific cases:
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Emergency services
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Healthcare (doctors, nurses)
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Transport and logistics
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Seasonal or shift-based work
Even in these cases:
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Rest time must be provided
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Worker safety must be ensured
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Abuse of exceptions is illegal
Working Hours for Foreign Workers
Foreign workers in Europe:
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Follow the same working-hour laws
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Have equal protection under labor rules
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Cannot be forced to work longer hours than locals
If an employer forces excessive hours, workers can report it to labor authorities.
What Happens If an Employer Breaks Working Hour Laws?
If employers violate working-hour rules, they may face:
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Heavy fines
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Legal action
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Business license suspension
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Ban on hiring foreign workers
Workers are legally protected when reporting violations.
Why Europe Has Strict Working Hour Laws
These laws exist to:
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Protect worker health
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Prevent exploitation
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Ensure fair pay
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Promote work-life balance
This is one reason Europe is considered a safe and regulated destination for workers.
Final Answer: How Many Hours per Week Is Legal in Europe?
Legally, workers in Europe can work up to 48 hours per week, including overtime.
The standard work week is around 40 hours, with guaranteed rest days and paid leave.
If you are working legally in Europe, your working hours are protected by law.