Sunday Work in the Retail and Craft Sectors in the Grand Duchy: What’s Changing in 2026!

Regarding employees’ working time on Sundays

Since 1 January 2026, commercial and craft businesses may have their employees work up to 8 hours on Sundays (previously limited to 4 hours), with different rules depending on the size of the company:

• Fewer than 30 employees:
  Up to 8 hours on Sundays, with no specific formalities.
  
• 30 employees or more:
  Up to 4 hours by default, and up to 8 hours only with a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or a social agreement.
  As before, it remains possible to work up to 8 hours with ministerial authorisation, for a maximum of 6 Sundays per year (e.g. Christmas, sales periods).

Reminder

Employers must always ensure compliance with minimum daily and weekly rest periods and apply the required Sunday pay premium for hours worked on Sundays.

Regarding opening hours in the retail and craft sectors

From 19 June 2026, shops will be allowed to open during the following time slots:

• Monday to Friday: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (instead of 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m previously)
• Saturday and the day before public holidays: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (instead of 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. previously)
• Sunday and public holidays: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (instead of 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. previously)
• 22 June, 24 and 31 December: 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (instead of 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. previously)

👉 Extension possible until 1:00 a.m. through a collective bargaining agreement or an interprofessional agreement.

Mandatory closure

Shops must remain closed on 1 May, 25 December and 1 January, with certain exceptions (bakeries, butcher shops, caterers, etc.), which may remain open from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

👉 Opening on these days is only permitted with a collective agreement.

Other new provisions

• 24/7 opening permitted twice per year (prior notification to the Minister required)
• Essential goods retailers: 24/7 opening possible all year round with a collective or interprofessional agreement

Penalties for non-compliance with opening hours

• Fines from €1,000 to €25,000
• In case of repeat offences: closure for up to 2 years may be imposed

Our teams are available to answer any questions and assist you if needed.

👉 Contact us for any assistance!