Special Leave (Leave for Personal Reasons)

Updated on 15/07/2026

Definition

Special leave is designed for addressing important personal life events that require time away from work. In Luxembourg, employees are legally entitled to specific days of leave for various personal circumstances without losing pay or job security.

Frequently asked questions

How many days is the employee entitled to for which event?
An employee can have several leave days depending on the circumstances:

  • 1 day for the death of a relative or second degree relative of the employee or his/her spouse or partner
  • 1 day for each parent when a child marries
  • 1 day for the employee entering into a registered partnership
  • 1 day (within an employment period of 12 months) in case of force majeure for urgent family reasons, when an illness or accident requires the immediate presence of the employee
  • 2 days in the event of relocation during a period of employment of 3 years with the same employer, unless the employee has to relocate for professional reasons
  • 3 days in the event of the death of the employee’s spouse or partner or of a first-degree relative of the employee or of the employee’s spouse or partner.
  • 3 days for the employee’s marriage
  • 5 days for the death of a minor child
  • 5 days (in any 12-month period of employment) to care for or assist a relative or a person living in the same household as the employee who, for serious medical reasons, requires substantial care or assistance
  • 10 days for fathers or, where applicable, persons who are recognised as equivalent second parents under the applicable national legislation on the basis of the place of residence or nationality of the child or the parent concerned and who are entitled to establish parental responsibility without recourse to adoption proceedings, on the occasion of the birth of a child
  • 10 days if the employee takes in a child under the age of 16 with a view to adoption, unless the employee takes adoption leave, which may be taken from the date on which the child actually lives with the employee in the same household or from the date on which the adoption takes effect
Does the 3-month waiting period apply when it comes to special leave?
The standard 3-month waiting period required for annual leave does not apply to special leave. Employees can access their special leave entitlements immediately upon employment.
Can I get fired while on special leave?
Employment contracts remain fully protected during special leave periods. Employees cannot be terminated while taking legitimate special leave for personal reasons.
Why is it important to understand special leave entitlements in Luxembourg?
Understanding your special leave entitlements helps you balance work responsibilities with important personal and family needs while maintaining job security in Luxembourg's employment framework.

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