Special leave for moving How to apply for your moving leave correctly
Moving is often a stressful matter and requires a lot of time for organisation and execution. But what happens if the move falls in the middle of the working week? Many employees wonder whether it is possible to get special leave for moving. In this blog article, you will learn which regulations apply to special leave for moving, what options are available to you and how best to proceed so you can move without stress.
Is there a legal entitlement to special leave for moving?
A frequently asked question is: Am I legally entitled to special leave when moving? Unfortunately, there is no general statutory entitlement to special leave for a private move in Germany. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a close look at your employment contract or collective agreement, as individual rules may be set out there. In some industries or companies, special leave for moving is granted, especially if the move is work-related.
Important reasons for special leave:
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The move is work-related, for example due to a job change or relocation by the employer.
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The move has to take place during working hours and cannot be organised outside working hours.
Our tip: Check the conditions in your employment contract in advance and, if in doubt, speak to your HR department or works council to clarify your options.
What alternatives are available if no special leave is granted?
If your employment contract or collective agreement does not provide for special leave when moving, there are still several options for taking time off for the move. Here are some alternatives:
Use vacation days for the move.
If special leave is not available, regular vacation days can be requested for the move. It is often worth planning them carefully so the move can take place on a day with a lighter workload.
Use up overtime hours.
If overtime hours have been accumulated, they can be used to take time off for the move. This offers flexibility without having to use regular vacation days.
Unpaid leave.
In some cases, unpaid leave can be requested to allow enough time for the move. This may be a sensible option if vacation days are limited and the move is urgent.
Tips for planning moving leave.
A move usually involves a lot of coordination, from arranging a temporary no-parking zone to booking a moving company. If your move cannot take place over the weekend, it is important to make sure there is enough time for both preparation and execution. Here are a few useful tips:
- Plan early: Apply for special leave for your move as early as possible to reduce stress on moving day. Planning well in advance ensures enough lead time to take care of all the necessary arrangements.
- Make use of weekends and public holidays: To avoid additional costs for vehicle rentals or moving companies, it is worth checking whether the move can take place on a weekend or public holiday. This can save not only time, but potentially money as well.
- Consider professional moving support: It may be worth hiring a professional moving company such as DACHSER & KOLB to carry out the move efficiently and with minimal stress. Our experts provide tailored moving solutions and also support the effective planning of your moving day.
Well planned for a successful move.
Even though there is no statutory entitlement to special leave for a move, there are several ways to create the time and flexibility needed for a stress-free relocation. Whether by using vacation days for the move, taking time off in lieu for overtime, or requesting unpaid leave, the right planning helps ensure that everything runs smoothly.
With DACHSER & KOLB by your side, the moving process becomes even more manageable. Get advice from our moving professionals and enjoy a seamless, stress-free moving day — regardless of whether special leave is granted.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about special leave for a move
Am I entitled to special leave for my move?
In Germany, there is no statutory entitlement to special leave for a move. However, many employers grant their employees a certain number of days for relocation, often in the form of “special leave” or time off in lieu. It is advisable to clarify this with the employer at an early stage.
How many days of special leave am I entitled to for a move?
The number of days of special leave varies depending on the employer and any applicable collective agreement. In most cases, it amounts to one or two days. Some employers may also grant a longer period of leave, especially if the move involves a greater distance.
Do I have to use vacation days for special leave due to a move?
In many cases, moving leave is treated separately from regular annual vacation. It should be clarified with the employer whether the leave for the move is granted as special leave or counted as part of regular vacation entitlement.
Can I also apply for special leave for an international move?
Yes, if the move is abroad or within a larger geographical area, the arrangement may vary from one employer to another. The exact policy should therefore be clarified with the employer in advance.
Do I need to provide proof of my move to my employer?
In many cases, the employer will require proof, for example in the form of a moving invoice or confirmation from the moving company. However, this is not always necessary and depends on the company’s internal policies.
Can moving leave also be split up or postponed?
Depending on company policy, it may be possible to spread the leave for the move over several days or postpone it if this is necessary to ensure the relocation runs smoothly. Early coordination with the employer is essential in such cases.
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Donna Draganov
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - ROAD
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