10 Countries Where You Can Get Paid Marriage Leave
Some governments allow newlyweds to take paid time off just for getting married. This isn’t annual leave or vacation; it’s a separate, recognized type of leave. In a few places, the policy even stretches well beyond a few days.
While policies vary, they all share a common theme: treating marriage as an event that deserves space outside of regular work demands.
Spain
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Workers receive 15 calendar days of paid leave upon marriage. This arrangement is part of Spain’s national labor agreements and is strongly enforced across industries. Civil unions and informal partnerships do not qualify for this time off. Labor groups challenged that boundary in court, but Spain’s Supreme Court upheld the existing rule.
Pakistan
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For those working in government or regulated sectors in Pakistan, marriage leave is a common part of the job, even though it’s not written into national labor law. Employees in these roles can take up to 15 days off on full salary once they submit proof of marriage. The benefit usually applies only once during their time with an employer.
Portugal
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Employees who marry in Portugal can take 15 calendar days off with full pay. The rule is valid across most sectors and does not reduce vacation or sick leave balances. Employers follow a national standard rather than setting their own version of the entitlement. This policy aligns with local wedding customs, where guests often give money rather than traditional gifts.
France
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Though it is not the longest allowance in Europe, France provides four paid days off for marriage or civil partnership. The benefit covers people across both public and private sectors and doesn’t reduce regular vacation days. Staff also receive one paid day if their child gets married.
China
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Marriage leave in China depends on official registration with local authorities. Anyone who registers a legal marriage can qualify, including foreign workers and people who marry again. The national minimum provides three paid days. On the other hand, provinces like Gansu and Shanxi extend the time off to 30 days.
Germany
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Many employment agreements in Germany include one paid day off for marriage. The same type of leave may apply to other family events, such as a child’s wedding or a parent’s 25th or 50th anniversary. The time is brief, yet it allows workers to mark personal milestones without spending vacation days.
Italy
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A legally married employee in Italy may take 15 calendar days of paid leave after providing official proof of the marriage. The leave does not need to match the wedding date but must be used within a year. In addition, the marriage must take place during an active employment contract.
Japan
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In Japan, time off to marry is not part of national labor laws, but some employers make sure they do not skip it. Workers get five paid days that don’t cut into regular vacation time, and it applies to both full-time and part-time employees. You’ll usually need to go through your company’s HR system to request it, and give a bit of notice.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
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Dubai grants 10 paid working days of leave linked to marriage to UAE nationals employed by government entities. However, the rule applies only when both partners hold UAE citizenship and the marriage contract is officially certified after December 31, 2024. Even so, staff must complete their probation period before qualifying.
Ireland
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If you work for Ireland’s Health Service Executive, you can take up to five paid days off when you get married or have a civil ceremony. There’s a catch, though: your combined annual and special leave can’t exceed 24 days that year. And if you’re part-time, you’ll get a smaller amount based on your hours.