Close Relative's Funeral – Paid Leave
· 1 min read
Summary
Funeral leave is paid in many sectors under the collective agreement. If the agreement does not provide for paid leave, the employer may grant paid or unpaid leave at their discretion. Justify the need and notify in good time.
Key points
- Whether the leave is paid is determined primarily by the collective agreement.
- The definition of a close relative varies between agreements.
- Notify the employer as early as possible and provide the required documentation.
Rights and agreements
- Collective agreement: many sectors provide 1–3 paid days; check your own agreement.
- Employment contract: may contain more specific terms on absences.
- Employer's practice: possibility of paid/unpaid leave in the absence of an agreement.
Documents for the employer
- Death certificate/notification or other documentation required by the employer.
- Details of the service (date, location) and duration of the absence.
- Any travel or organisational justifications for the period of absence.
Practical steps
Check your collective/employment agreement, discuss with your supervisor, and agree on the duration and payment of the leave. Typically the leave is 1–3 days.
Request template (email)
Subject: Absence request – close relative's funeral
Hello [Supervisor's name], I am requesting leave on [date–date] due to my close relative's funeral. Based on my collective/employment agreement, the absence is [paid/unpaid]. I will attach the required documentation. Kind regards, [Name]
Frequently asked questions
Is funeral leave always paid?
No, funeral leave is not automatically paid. The Employment Contracts Act (55/2001) Chapter 4, Section 7 guarantees the right to temporary absence for a compelling family reason but does not oblige the employer to pay wages. Whether the leave is paid depends primarily on the applicable collective agreement (TES), the terms of the employment contract, or the employer's established practice. In many collective agreements, such as those in the retail and technology industry sectors, 1–3 paid days off are granted for a close relative's funeral. If the collective agreement does not cover the situation, the employer may still grant paid or unpaid leave at their discretion.
How long is the leave?
Typically, funeral leave is 1–3 working days. The exact duration is defined by the applicable collective agreement or the terms of the employment contract. For example, in many collective agreements, 1–2 days are usually granted for the funeral of a close relative (spouse, child, parent), and additional days may be granted if the funeral is held far from the place of residence and travel time is needed. In some sectors the leave may be longer, and the employer has the right to request documentation of the need for absence. Always check your own collective agreement and employment contract and discuss with your supervisor as early as possible.
Who is considered a close relative?
The definition of a close relative varies between collective agreements, but most commonly close relatives are considered to be the spouse (including cohabiting partner), own and spouse's children, parents, grandparents, and siblings. In some agreements, the spouse's parents and grandparents as well as own grandchildren are also included. The status of a cohabiting partner varies: in some agreements it is treated the same as a spouse, in others not. It is important to check the precise definition in your own sector's collective agreement, as this determines whether paid leave is granted.
Read also
The estate inventory must be conducted within three months of the deceased's death. Learn about calculating the deadline, consequences, and requesting an extension.
Funeral timelines: typical scheduling, bookings, and exceptions. A practical guide for the family.
Funeral etiquette: arriving, condolences, photography, address cards and behaviour. For guests and the family.