Updated on
22/07/2025
Overtime
What is overtime? — In Luxembourg an hour is considered overtime as soon as it exceeds the normal duration provided by law, that is, more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. In certain cases, the limit may also be set by a contract or collective agreement.
When can the employer resort to overtime? — The employer can resort to overtime only in the following cases:
- Prevention of loss of perishable materials or to avoid compromising the technical result of the work.
- Special work such as preparing inventories, balance sheets, deadlines, liquidations, and account closures.
- Exceptional situations in the public interest or in case of events presenting a national danger.
- Work undertaken to deal with an accident that has occurred or is imminent.
- Urgent work to avoid serious hindrance to the normal operation of the establishment.
These conditions are defined by article L. 211-23 of the Labor Code.
Is the employer required to keep a register of overtime hours? — Yes. The employer must keep a special register recording all extensions of normal working time, including:
- Overtime hours.
- Hours worked on Sundays and legal holidays.
- Night work hours.
- Related compensation.
This register must be presented to the Labor and Mines Inspection (ITM) during controls.
How is overtime compensated? — Overtime can be compensated in two ways:
- Compensatory rest: 1 overtime hour entitles to 1.5 hours of paid rest.
- Increased compensation: if compensatory rest is not possible, the overtime hour is compensated at 140% of the normal hourly rate.
The choice between these two options depends on collective agreements, internal company policies, or the specific situation of the employee.
Is there a limit on overtime hours per day? — Yes. The total daily working time, including overtime, cannot exceed 10 hours. This means that an employee cannot work more than 2 overtime hours per day. Exceptions may apply in case of accident or emergency.
Can an employer impose overtime? — Yes, but only in exceptional situations and under certain conditions. However, certain categories of employees cannot be forced to work overtime:
- Adolescents.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Part-time employees.
- Senior executives.
- Temporary workers.
Other useful words to check out
Special Leave (Leave for Personal Reasons)
Unjustified absence (absence injustifiée)
Tax (Impôt)
Tax class (classe d’impôt)
Unjustified absence (absence injustifiée)
Tax (Impôt)
Tax class (classe d’impôt)