Moving not only involves a change of residence, but also a lot of planning and organization. In addition to packing and transporting furniture, there is often a lot of bureaucracy involved. An extra day off is therefore often urgently needed. Find out what special leave is and when you are entitled to it during your move in this article!
Special leave in general can be approved by the boss and is in addition to the vacation days agreed in the employment contract. This is regulated by Section 616 of the German Civil Code (BGB) and relates to situations in which the employee finds themselves in an exceptional situation through no fault of their own. The entitlement to special leave is based on temporary prevention and mental relief during demanding or surprising situations. The paragraph itself does not give any explicit examples of possible reasons. For this reason, most employers are guided by the reasons listed in the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD), which also stipulates the duration of special leave in Section 29. These occasions include, for example, the birth of a child, the death of a spouse or a wedding anniversary.
Relocations are also not expressly listed in the BGB as a possible reason for special leave. In the collective agreement for the public sector, however, a professional rel ocation is listed as a possible reason ! The length of paid special leave is defined as one working day. In this case, you can discuss your upcoming move with your boss. In the case of a professional relocation where you are being transferred to another company location, for example, your boss will probably already be aware of the circumstances and will certainly approve the additional day of leave. Depending on the individual provisions in your employment contract, they may also grant you a second day.
Tip: When moving for work, you can not only get a day off, but also some tax back! Take a look at our blog article on saving taxes when moving: Moving and taxes: Clever savings through clever planning
Unfortunately, there is no entitlement to special leave for a private move under the Federal Leave Act and the German Civil Code. However, you still have the option of taking time off on the day of your move!
First of all, your employment contract may contain special provisions on relocation leave or there may be a separate company agreement .
If this is not the case, you can also refer to the TVöD in this matter. § Section 29 states that time off work is also possible "in justified cases" that have not previously been listed - such as a professional relocation - but only if the professional circumstances permit.
A note to the minutes adds:
"Justified cases" may also include occasions for which there is no entitlement to time off work under paragraph 1 (e.g. relocation for personal reasons)."
This means that you may also be able to get additional leave for a private move, but you will have to forgo your pay. Nevertheless, this gives you another day off, which saves you the stress of moving day!
Of course, you can always approach your employer and explain the situation, whether you are moving for work or for pleasure. They are also interested in a well-rested employee. You can expect a positive response, especially if you express your wish early on and make the appointment on a day that suits your job. You can also ask your colleagues in advance whether a similar case has already occurred and how it was handled. And if you only get half a day off in a conversation, that will also help!
Special leave for relocation can be a great help in organizing and carrying out the move without stress. Although there is no legal entitlement to this, you should consider possible regulations in your employment contract and the collective agreement for the public sector and also appeal to the personal level of your employer. We wish you a pleasant and stress-free move!
Global Move Management
Parsdorfer Weg 10
85551 Munich / Kirchheim
Germany