Overtime Calculator
Calculate the value of your overtime, night work, weekends and holidays based on each EU country's legislation
🇵🇹 Rules for Portugal
1st hour +25%, following +37.5%. Night +25%. Holiday +50%.
⚠️ Values are estimates. Consult a specialist lawyer.
Overtime Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about overtime pay in the EU
Overtime Pay Rules and Regulations in EU Countries
Overtime compensation is regulated differently across EU member states. Whether you work extra hours regularly or occasionally, understanding how overtime pay (heures supplémentaires, Überstunden, horas extraordinarias) is calculated in your country is essential for protecting your employment rights and maximizing your earnings.
EU Working Time Directive and Overtime Limits
The EU Working Time Directive 2003/88/EC establishes a maximum average working week of 48 hours including overtime. Standard working hours typically range from 35 hours (France) to 40 hours (most countries). Any hours worked beyond the contractual or legal limit qualify as overtime (heures supplémentaires, Überstunden, straordinario). Employers must track working time, and employees have the right to refuse excessive overtime in most jurisdictions.
Overtime Rates by Country
Overtime premiums vary significantly. France mandates +25% for the first 8 overtime hours and +50% thereafter. Germany does not have a statutory overtime rate but most collective agreements (Tarifverträge) provide 25-50% premiums. Luxembourg applies +40% on weekdays and +100% on Sundays and holidays. Belgium pays +50% on weekdays and +100% on Sundays. Spain applies a minimum +75% premium for horas extraordinarias. Portugal mandates +25% for the first hour and +37.5% for subsequent hours.
Night Work and Weekend Premiums
Night work (travail de nuit, Nachtarbeit, lavoro notturno) typically carries additional compensation. Most countries define night work as between 22:00 and 06:00. Night shift premiums range from 15% to 50% depending on the country and collective agreement. Weekend work, especially on Sundays (travail dominical, Sonntagsarbeit), often commands double pay or compensatory rest. Public holiday work (jours fériés, Feiertage) usually pays 100-200% premium.
Overtime Tax Treatment
Some countries offer tax incentives for overtime work. France exempts overtime hours from income tax up to certain limits (exonération des heures supplémentaires). Belgium applies a reduced rate on overtime premiums (overuren). Most countries tax overtime at the marginal income tax rate, which means overtime earnings may push you into a higher tax bracket. Understanding the net value of overtime after tax helps evaluate whether extra hours are financially worthwhile.
Your Rights: Compensatory Rest and Limits
Beyond monetary compensation, many countries offer compensatory rest (repos compensatoire, Freizeitausgleich) as an alternative to overtime pay. The EU mandates minimum daily rest of 11 consecutive hours and weekly rest of 24 hours. Annual overtime limits range from 150 hours (France) to 250 hours (Portugal). Knowing your rights regarding maximum overtime limits, rest periods, and compensation options protects your health and work-life balance.