You should apply at least 6 weeks in advance of the start date of the leave.
Special leave without pay up to a maximum period of five years may be allowed in order to accompany a spouse who is working abroad.
You will be able to take leave without pay, up to a maximum of 5 years, to accompany your spouse who is working abroad. This is usually when your spouse is also a civil servant (or is employed in other areas of the public sector) and has either been posted abroad or has secured a position with the EU or other international organisations of which Ireland is a member.
You may also be granted special leave if your spouse is employed by a private company, but this usually involves only short periods of special leave – for long term postings you are encouraged to apply for a career break.
How to apply for Leave to Accompany a Spouse Abroad
Log into your HR self-service account.
Select Non-Annual Leave.
Select Special Leave Local HR from the drop down menu.
Fill out the online form.
Your manager will make a recommendation on the form.
The NSSO will contact your Local HR to request approval or denial.
Supporting Information
