New from 1 January 2027
Bildungsurlaub (educational leave) in Saxony
From 1 January 2027, in Saxony you are entitled under the Sächsisches Qualifizierungszeitgesetz (SächsQZG) to 3 working days per calendar year, paid and on top of your annual leave. The law calls it Qualifizierungszeit. Until then there is no statutory entitlement in Saxony.
For courses from 1 January 2027 you can already plan: you submit your request no later than 12 weeks before the course starts.
Compiled by Bildungszeit from the statute · Law read on 31 August 2026 · Last updated 24 October 2026 · Spotted a mistake? Write to us
Your entitlement from 1 January 2027
3working days per calendar year
- Waiting period
- 6 months
- Notice period
- 12 weeks
- No reply
- deemed approved, not in every case*
Under the Sächsisches Qualifizierungszeitgesetz (SächsQZG)
* Does not apply in every case. Details under the §.
How to get your Bildungsurlaub in Saxony
- from month 7
You are entitled
As soon as you have worked for your employer for more than 6 months. Renewed every calendar year.
§ 2 Abs. 1 SächsQZG - Course
A course recognized in Saxony
Each course is recognized individually. 3 days per calendar year (only vocational training, political education or qualification for voluntary activities)
- 12 weeks before
Apply no later than 12 weeks before the start
If your course starts on 1 March 2027, hand in your application before 7 December 2026.
§ 3 Abs. 2 SächsQZG - Reply
Your employer replies
If your employer doesn't reject it in the required form within 4 weeks, the request is deemed approved, provided you made it stating the dates, as early as possible and at the latest twelve weeks before the course starts, in writing, electronically or in text form.Automatic approval no reply after 4 weeks*
* Does not apply in every case. Details under the §.
§ 3 Abs. 5 Satz 2 SächsQZGIf your employer doesn't reject it in the required form within 4 weeks, the request is deemed approved, provided you made it stating the dates, as early as possible and at the latest twelve weeks before the course starts, in writing, electronically or in text form.
- Course week
You take part
On full pay, on top of your annual leave.
When does my application have to be in?
Hand in your application to your employer before 7 December 2026
What else applies in Saxony?
Who is entitled in Saxony?
Covered: employees, trainees, dual students, employee-like persons, home workers, civil servants, judges, public prosecutors, and sheltered workshop employees.
3 days per calendar year (only vocational training, political education or qualification for voluntary activities)
Does this apply in small businesses too?
The SächsQZG makes no exception for small businesses.
Can I save up days or combine them?
Combining: with the following year, up to 6 days
§ 3 Abs. 6 Satz 2 SächsQZG