Special leave is a specific type of work leave granted to employees in the event of significant life events. For example marriage, the birth of a child, or the death of a close family member. This leave is an additional entitlement provided by labour law. It does not reduce the annual leave allowance. In 2025, the rules for granting special leave remain unchanged. However, it is important to be familiar with the details regarding its duration, eligibility conditions, and employer obligations.
Table of Contents
- Special Leave – How Many Days Can an Employee Use?
- Special Leave – How to Apply for It?
- What Documents Are Required for Special Leave?
- Special Leave for the Birth of a Child – Father’s Entitlement
- Marriage and Special Leave
- Special Leave for the Death of Another Person
- Special Leave – Summary
- FAQ – Special Leave
Special Leave – How Many Days Can an Employee Use?
Labour law specifies particular situations in which an employee is entitled to special leave. Below is a list of qualifying events and the corresponding leave entitlement:
| Event | Number of Days of Special Leave | |
| Employee’s wedding | 2 | |
| Birth of the employee’s child | 2 | |
| Death and funeral of spouse, child, father, mother, stepfather, stepmother | 2 | |
| Wedding of the employee’s child | 1 | |
| Death and funeral of a sibling, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, or a dependent person under the employee’s care | 1 |
Special Leave – How to Apply for It?
To take special leave, the employee must notify their employer of the absence.
If the absence is predictable, the request should be made in advance. This helps to avoid workplace disruption.
If the event is unforeseen, the employee can notify their employer after it occurs but no later than the second day of absence.
What Documents Are Required for Special Leave?
After returning to work, the employee must provide documentation proving the circumstances that entitled them to special leave. These may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Child’s birth certificate
- Death certificate – in the case of the death of a close relative.
There is no strict deadline for submitting the document. However, it should be provided within a reasonable timeframe.
Special Leave for the Birth of a Child – Father’s Entitlement
According to labour law, both mother and father are entitled to special leave for the birth of a child. In practice, fathers often use this leave. Mothers typically start their maternity leave immediately after childbirth.
After maternity leave, most mothers take additional parental leave. However, it is not possible to use special leave for childbirth after returning from maternity-related leave.
Marriage and Special Leave
Under the Family and Guardianship Code, a marriage is considered valid when:
- A man and a woman declare their intent to marry before a civil registrar.
- A man and a woman marry in a religious ceremony that is legally recognized, and a marriage certificate is subsequently issued by the civil registrar.
Special leave applies to civil and concordat marriages. However, no extra leave is granted for a separate ceremony after a civil wedding.
Special Leave for the Death of Another Person
Employees are also entitled to special leave if they are responsible for supporting or directly caring for the deceased.
The law does not specify how an employee should prove financial support or personal care. Yet, the burden of proof falls on the employee. Employees must provide documentation confirming the circumstances that entitle them to special leave.
Special Leave – Summary
Special leave is an important employee right. It allows individuals to handle personal matters related to significant life events. It is granted based on specific circumstances. It does not impact the employee’s standard leave entitlement. Employees must notify their employer of their need for special leave and provide the necessary documentation. This ensures they can focus on personal matters without the risk of unpaid absence or disciplinary action.
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FAQ – Special Leave
Does special leave count as annual leave?
No, it is an additional leave from work.
Can an employer deny special leave?
No, if the employee meets the necessary criteria.
Can I use special leave at a later date?
No, it must be taken in connection with the specific event.
Is special leave paid?
Yes, employees receive full payment during special leave.
Can I take special leave before the event occurs?
Yes, as long as it is directly related to the event.
Can special leave be split into separate days?
Yes, a two-day leave entitlement can be used on separate days.
Does special leave apply to contract workers?
No, it is only available to employees with a contract of employment.
Can unused special leave be converted into financial compensation?
No, it cannot be exchanged for a financial equivalent.
Is special leave applicable in every company?
Yes, it is a statutory right under labour law.
Do I need to submit a written request for special leave?
Yes, although the format may depend on the internal company’s policy.
