Holiday bonus, holiday pay and holiday compensation in Finland
Short answer: lomapalkka means pay during annual leave, lomaraha is a separate agreement-based bonus, and lomakorvaus is compensation for leave in legally defined situations. A holiday bonus is not an automatic statutory entitlement for every employee.
Three different payments
Suomi.fi’s annual holiday pay guide distinguishes holiday pay from the bonus agreed in collective agreements. InfoFinland describes lomaraha as a possible holiday bonus. Checked on 11 November 2026.
| Finnish term | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Lomapalkka | Pay during annual leave |
| Lomaraha | A separate bonus under applicable terms |
| Lomakorvaus | Compensation for leave, for example unused leave when employment ends |
Use “holiday pay” and “holiday bonus” distinctly. “Holiday money” can create confusion if employer and employee mean different payments.
How much is the bonus?
Suomi.fi says the bonus is often half of annual holiday pay. This common practice is not a universal calculation. The payroll glossary also describes other methods, such as a percentage connected with holiday length.
Check the applicable agreement. Do not simply halve your monthly salary without establishing the calculation basis and the leave period covered.
Timing and conditions
Your colleague’s payment date does not establish yours. Check the agreement for timing, any return-to-work conditions and the effect of employment ending.
If a bonus can be exchanged for leave, ask for the applicable procedure in writing. Do not assume the exchange is automatic or calculated in the same way across sectors.
Checking the payslip
Identify separate entries for holiday pay, holiday bonus and holiday compensation. Ask payroll which agreement provision and period each entry covers. Also check that your tax-card income estimate reflects the payments you expect.
When asking a question, give the payment’s name, payslip date and unclear entry. This helps payroll answer the right question.
For starting employment, see the job-search guide. For independent work, see the freelancing guide.
Frequently asked questions
No. It is an additional payment.
Not automatically. Check the basis applying to your employment.
No. The agreement determines the calculation.
There is no single payment date to promise. Check your terms.
That depends on the applicable conditions. Distinguish it from compensation for unused leave.
Ask the employer for its full title and consult Finlex for generally applicable agreements.
Official sources
Checked on 11 November 2026.
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