When hiring employees (whether local or remote), businesses often ask one simple question: What are full-time hours?
The answer changes by country, industry, and sometimes even by employer. Understanding it is essential, especially when hiring global teams through Remire.
This article outlines the global definition of full-time hours as well as the information that employers should be aware of before designating an employee as full-time.
What Are Full-Time Hours?
An individual who works full-time often puts in 30 to 40 hours a week. There isn’t a universal standard, though. Every nation establishes its own regulations.
Some governments define full-time hours by law, while others allow employers to set internal policies.
Remire helps companies classify workers correctly so they remain compliant with labor laws in every country they hire.
Full-Time Hours by Country
Working hour rules vary widely from one country to another. Below is a global comparison based on the standards used by Remire during international onboarding.
Full-Time Hours in the United States
Full-time hours in the United States depend on two factors:
- Employer policies
- Federal or state guidelines for benefits
General Standard in the U.S.
Most full-time employees work a standard 40-hour workweek.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Definition
Under the ACA, an employee is full-time if they work:
- 30 hours per week, or
- 130 hours per month
This definition is widely used for benefit eligibility.
Remire ensures all U.S. classifications align with ACA rules to help employers avoid penalties.
What are Full-Time Hours in the United Kingdom (UK)
In the UK, a full-time employee typically works 35 to 40 hours a week. Anything above 35 hours is typically regarded as full-time; however, employers determine the precise amount.
When companies hire in the UK through Remire’s Employer of Record services, all working-hour classifications are aligned with local labor laws to ensure full compliance.
Confused by different full-time rules in each country?
Remire ensures correct worker classification and legal onboarding wherever you hire.
What are Full-Time Hours in Canada
Full-time hours in Canada depend on the province.
General Range: 30 to 40 hours per week
Provincial Examples
- Ontario: 37.5–40 hours
- Alberta: 30–40 hours
- British Columbia: 35–40 hours
Canada does not have a single national definition for all industries. Remire reviews provincial regulations to ensure proper classification during onboarding.
What are Full-Time Hours in Australia
Full-time employees typically work 38 hours per week. The Fair Work Act identifies 38 hours as the standard workweek, with reasonable overtime allowed.
European Union (EU)
The EU Working Time Directive sets:
- Maximum 48 hours per week, including overtime
- Standard full-time hours of 35–40 hours per week
Some countries, like France, have even lower national limits at 35 hours per week.
Remire uses these country-specific definitions when onboarding employees across global teams.
Why Full-Time Classification Matters
Correct classification affects multiple areas of employment.
1. Benefits and Compliance
Full-time employees often receive:
- Healthcare
- Overtime protections
- Paid leave
- Social insurance
- Tax-related benefits
Incorrect classification can lead to compliance issues and financial penalties.
2. Payroll and Cost Forecasting
Full-time employees typically:
- Costs more than part-time staff
- Receive a broader benefits package
- Work predictable weekly schedules
3. Global Hiring
Full-time definitions vary by country, making global hiring complex. Remire ensures consistent, compliant hiring processes across all regions.
Hiring full-time employees across borders?
Let Remire handle compliance, contracts, and classification—so you stay risk-free in every country.
Final Thoughts
Full-time hours do not have a single global definition. They vary by country, state, and even by individual employer policies.
Yet, accurate classification remains essential for compliance, payroll planning, and proper workforce management.
With Remire, companies can confidently hire full-time remote talent anywhere in the world while staying aligned with all local labor laws.
