Two new laws adopted on 19 December 2025 significantly amend the rules governing Sunday work and opening hours in the commerce and craft sectors.

These rules apply to commercial and craft activities requiring an establishment authorisation, carried out in a physical point of sale accessible to the public, and involving direct sales or the provision of services to the final consumer.

Sunday work: possible extension up to 8 hours

As of 1 January 2026, the maximum authorised working time on Sundays will increase from 4 to 8 hours. This 8‑hour limit is absolute and cannot be exceeded. The measure aims to offer businesses greater flexibility while responding to the needs expressed by certain employees.

Application rules vary depending on company size:

• Up to 30 employees: Businesses may have staff work up to 8 hours on Sundays without any special conditions.

• More than 30 employees: A collective agreement or inter‑professional agreement is required to exceed the currently authorised 4 hours.

• Exception maintained for large companies: in the absence of a collective agreement, companies with more than 30 employees may nevertheless have staff work up to 8 hours on a maximum of 6 Sundays per year (“Mantelsonndeg”, clearance sales, end‑of‑year festivities, etc.), subject to obtaining ministerial authorisation.

To calculate the threshold of 30 employees, the new law refers to the rules already in force for determining staff numbers when establishing an employee delegation. In principle, the workforce is assessed on 31 December of the previous calendar year.

Regarding remuneration for Sunday work, there is no change: All hours worked on Sundays remain subject to a 70% wage supplement, in accordance with the provisions in force.

Opening hours  

As of 19 June 2026, new rules will apply to opening hours for points of sale in the commerce and craft sectors.

• Monday to Friday: Shops may open from 5 am to 9 pm  without conditions. An extension until 01 am is possible with a collective agreement or inter‑professional agreement.

• Saturdays and  Sundays, as well as public holidays and the eves of public holidays: Shops may open from 5 am to 7 pm. As during the week, an extension until 1 am is possible via a collective or inter‑professional agreement.

• Essential‑goods retailers: A collective agreement or inter‑professional agreement may allow 24/7 opening. This category includes food retailers, fuel, and health and hygiene products.

• Activities excluded from the scope of the law: Certain activities are not subject to the new opening‑hour rules. Street markets and temporary clearance sales are expressly excluded and may therefore operate without time restrictions during such events.
  Other activities also benefit from this exclusion, including cinemas, restaurants and accommodation establishments, bars and sports and fitness centres.

In the event of non‑compliance, fines ranging from €1,000 to €25,000 may be imposed. In the case of a repeat offence within 5 years, the law provides for the possibility of closing the establishment for a period of 6 months to 2 years.

AUTHORISED OPENING HOURS	CURRENT LEGISLATION	NEW LEGISLATION as of 29 June 2026
Monday to Friday	6 am – 8 pm *	5 am – 9 pm **
Saturday and eve of public holidays	6 am – 6 pm	5 am – 7 pm **
Sunday and public holidays	6 am – 1 pm	5 am – 7 pm **
22 June 24 and 31 December		5 am – 6 pm **
01 May 25 December and 01 January		In principle: closed   By exception, opening from 5 am to 7 pm for:   – Butchers,  bakeries,  patisseries, caterers and tea rooms – Other points of sale subject to a collective agreement or inter-professional agreement
Dérogations		– Continuous opening for essential-good retailers, subject to a collective agreement or inter-professional agreement.   – 24-hour opening twice per year upon notification to the Ministry responsible for the middle classes.

* Once a week, the closing time may be extended from 8 pm to 9 pm.
** Opening until 1 am subject to a collective agreement or an inter-professional agreement.

These changes create new opportunities for businesses in the commerce and craft sectors. Take advantage of them to optimise your organisation ahead of their entry into force.