Excused absences in Brazil: when you can miss work without a pay deduction

Art. 473 of the CLT (Brazil's Consolidated Labor Laws) guarantees absences without pay deduction in several situations, such as the death of a family member, marriage, blood donation, appearing in court and accompanying medical appointments. In addition, a medical certificate justifies an absence due to illness. Collective agreements often extend these periods.

Quick summary

• Death of a spouse, parents, children, siblings or dependent: 2 consecutive days.
• Marriage: 3 consecutive days.
• Birth of a child: paternity leave (currently 5 days, increasing from 2027).
• Blood donation: 1 day every 12 months.
• Appointments and tests for a pregnant wife or partner: up to 2 days.
• Medical appointment for a child up to 6 years old: 1 day a year.
• Preventive cancer screenings: up to 3 days every 12 months.

List of excused absences (art. 473)

• Bereavement — 2 consecutive days (spouse, ascendant, descendant, sibling or declared dependent)
• Marriage — 3 consecutive days
• Voluntary blood donation — 1 day every 12 months, with proof
• Voter registration — up to 2 days
• Military service — the time required by law — see Military leave
• University entrance exam — exam days
• Appearing in court — for the time needed (including as a witness)
• Union representation at an official meeting of an international body — for the time needed
• Accompanying a pregnant wife or partner — up to 2 days for appointments and tests
• Accompanying a child up to 6 years old to an appointment — 1 day a year
• Preventive cancer screenings — up to 3 days every 12 months

How to secure the excused absence

1. Notify the employer in advance whenever possible.
2. Hand in proof: certificate, blood bank statement, attendance statement.
3. Keep a copy with proof of delivery.
4. Check your payslip: the absence cannot lead to a deduction or loss of weekly rest pay — see Paid weekly rest.

What about absence due to illness?

Absence due to illness is justified by a medical certificate. The first 15 days are paid by the employer — see Medical certificates and Sickness benefit.

Frequently asked questions

Does a grandparent's death give the right to time off?

Yes, grandparents are ascendants. The law provides 2 consecutive days.

Can I miss work to take my 8-year-old to the doctor?

The CLT provides for children up to 6. Beyond that, check your collective agreement.

Read more in this series

• Medical certificates: validity and rules
• Paid weekly rest (DSR)
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Pregnant workers: rights at work
• Index: complete guide to labor rights