Trading Sundays in Europe
Laws and restrictions by country
Compare weekend shopping rules across European countries. Find out where stores are open and where they are closed on Sundays.
Why does this matter?
Many European countries restrict or ban stores from operating on Sundays. This affects travel, shopping, and work. Learn about each country's rules.
Country Comparison
Poland
8 trading Sundays per year. Most stores closed on regular Sundays, but pharmacies and gas stations are open.
Germany
Very strict restrictions. Only 4 trading Sundays per year, determined by each federal state separately.
Austria
Full ban. Almost all stores closed on Sundays. Only pharmacies and station shops are open.
Slovenia
New ban since 2021. Most stores closed on Sundays.
Greece
7 trading Sundays per year. Tourist areas have more exceptions.
Hungary
Stores are open! The 2015 ban was repealed. Most stores operate on Sundays.
Croatia
16 trading Sundays per year. Partial ban in effect since 2022.
Czech Republic
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Popular shopping day at malls.
Romania
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Very popular for family shopping.
Slovakia
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Popular family shopping day.
Bulgaria
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Very popular for family shopping.
Serbia
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Popular family shopping day.
Moldova
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Popular for family shopping.
Lithuania
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Popular family shopping day.
Latvia
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Popular for family shopping.
Estonia
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Popular for family shopping.
Ukraine
No restrictions! All stores can open on Sundays. Popular for family shopping.
Country Comparison
| Country | Status | Sundays Open | Law Since | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | Partial ban | 8 per year | 2018 | View details |
| Germany | Very strict | 4 per year | 1956 | View details |
| Austria | Full ban | 0 per year | 1958 | View details |
| Slovenia | Full ban | 0 per year | 2021 | View details |
| Greece | Restricted | 7 per year | 2014 | View details |
| Hungary | Was banned | all | - | View details |
| Croatia | Partial ban | 16 per year | 2022 | View details |
| Czech Republic | Open | all | - | View details |
| Romania | Open | all | - | View details |
| Slovakia | Open | all | - | View details |
| Bulgaria | Open | all | - | View details |
| Serbia | Open | all | - | View details |
| Moldova | Open | all | - | View details |
| Lithuania | Open | all | - | View details |
| Latvia | Open | all | - | View details |
| Estonia | Open | all | - | View details |
| Ukraine | Open | all | - | View details |