What are the paid and unpaid leave entitlements in Austria?

In Austria, employees are entitled to various types of leave to accommodate different personal and family needs. Here is a summary of the key types of paid and unpaid leave available:


Paid Leave

  • Maternity/Pregnancy Leave

    • Duration: 16 weeks (8 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after birth).
    • Allowance: Maternity allowance is paid by social security and is based on the average salary of the last 3 months.
    • Employer Contributions: Employers are required to continue contributing 1.53% to the Pension Fund (Vorsorgekasse) during maternity leave. However, no salary is paid directly by the employer.

  • Paid Care Leave ("Pflegefreistellung" / "Pflegekarenz")

    • Duration: Up to 1 week per year, with the possibility of an extension for an additional week if a relative in the household requires care (e.g., a sick child).
    • Allowance: Salary is paid by the employer for the first week, followed by a caregiver allowance after this period.

  • Bereavement Leave

    • 3 Working Days: For the death of a spouse, partner, parent, or child.
    • 1 Working Day: For the death of a sibling, parent-in-law, or grandparent.

  • Wedding Leave

    • 3 Working Days: For the employee’s own wedding.
    • 1 Working Day: For the wedding of a sibling, parent, or child.

  • Relocation Leave

    • 2 Working Days: For relocating to a new residence.

  • Partner/Spouse Birth Leave

    • 1 Working Day: For the birth of a partner's or spouse's child.

  • Doctor's Appointments

    • Time necessary for doctor visits upon certification.


Unpaid Leave

  • Unpaid Parental Leave ("Elternkarenz")

    • Duration: Until 2 years after childbirth, with a minimum of 2 months.
    • Childcare Allowance: Paid by social security.
    • Protection: Employees are protected against termination or dismissal for 4 weeks after the leave.

  • Unpaid Educational Leave ("Bildungskarenz")

    • Duration: No legal entitlement, but can be agreed upon for a minimum of 2 months up to a maximum of 12 months.
    • Education Allowance: Paid by the Public Employment Service.


These leave provisions ensure that employees in Austria have access to essential support for family and personal needs, with both paid and unpaid options to accommodate different situations.

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