How to take a sabbatical in Germany #

A sabbatical is an extended unpaid break from work, often used for travel, study, rest, or personal projects. This guide explains how to take a sabbatical in Germany.

1. Working Time Account (Wertguthaben): Get paid during your sabbatical #

A working time account lets you save part of your salary in advance so your employer can keep paying you during your sabbatical. It’s one of the best ways to take extended time off without losing income.

Example:
You save 20% of your salary for 4 years, then take 1 year off. During your sabbatical, you still receive 80% of your regular pay. Essentially, instead of earning 4 × 100%, you earn 5 × 80%.

Why it’s good

• Keep your job, salary, and employee benefits (health, pension, and unemployment insurance).
• Maintain your residence permit (since your job continues).
• Pay less income tax overall, for instance, on a €50,000 salary, you might save around €5,200.

What to watch out for

• You must save up first, which can take several years.

How to start a working time account

Talk to your HR department to see if your company offers a working time account. Every company has its own rules and not all of them offer this option.

2. Unpaid Leave (Unbezahlter Urlaub): The simple sabbatical option #

If your company doesn’t offer a working time account, you can ask for unpaid leave.

When you are entitled to unpaid leave:

• Emergencies or family care duties
• Parental leave (Elternzeit)
• Looking after children under 12
• Volunteering
• When your work contract allows it

Otherwise, your employer can refuse your request.

Why it’s worth considering

• Keep your job and residence permit while you’re away.

Things to keep in mind

• No salary or benefits during your break.
• After one month, you must pay for your own health insurance unless covered by your spouse or parents.
• You can’t work for competitors while still employed.

How to take unpaid leave #

1. Review your work contract for unpaid leave terms.
2. Check if other employees have taken unpaid leave you’re entitled to equal treatment.
3. Discuss your plan with your manager or HR early.

3. Quitting your job #

If your employer doesn’t support a sabbatical, you can always quit and take time off on your own. It gives you complete freedom, but it comes with risks.

Downsides to consider:

• You must pay full health insurance costs.
• You may lose your residence permit (especially with a Blue Card).
• You’ll need to find a new job after your break.

Final Thoughts #

Taking a sabbatical in Germany is absolutely possible, you just need the right setup. If your company supports working time accounts, that’s the easiest way to take paid time off. If not, unpaid leave or a well-planned career break can still make your dream sabbatical happen.

If you are taking time off or leaving your job, make sure you know how unemployment benefits in Germany (ALG I) work. Learn more in our full guide to Unemployment Benefits in Germany and stay financially secure during your career break.