Samples For Annual Leave Application

By: Job Hai | December 30, 2025 11 min read
Samples For Annual Leave Application

Want to take a break from the office and plan to apply for annual leave? Sounds simple, right? Well, the first step is writing an annual leave application and that is where many employees start to hesitate. Deciding how much to write, what tone to use or whether the reason sounds appropriate often creates unnecessary confusion.

Applying for annual leave is a normal part of professional life, but writing the application does not always feel that simple. This blog clears that confusion by explaining how to write an annual leave application in a clear and practical way, making the process easier and more comfortable for everyday workplace situations.

What Is An Annual Leave Application?

An annual leave application is a formal request made by an employee to take time off from work for personal reasons, rest or vacation. It is usually an email to a manager or HR, clearly stating the leave dates and reason.

Submitting an annual leave application helps ensure smooth workflow planning and avoids work disruptions during the absence. It allows teams to manage responsibilities in advance and maintain productivity.

A clear and properly written leave request also reflects professionalism and responsible work behavior, helping build trust between employees and management.

Importance Of Annual Leave Application

Writing an annual leave application is an important professional practice in any workplace. It helps maintain clear communication, smooth workflow and a positive relationship between employees and management.

1. Ensures Clear Communication: A well-written annual leave application clearly mentions the leave dates, duration and reason. This helps managers understand the request easily without confusion or repeated clarification.

2. Helps In Smooth Work Planning: Informing about leave in advance allows managers to plan tasks and assign responsibilities. This ensures that work continues smoothly while the employee is away.

3. Shows Professionalism And Responsibility: Submitting a proper leave application reflects discipline and respect for company policies. It shows that the employee follows formal processes and values workplace etiquette.

4. Reduces Last-Minute Confusion: A clear and timely leave request avoids misunderstandings related to workload, deadlines or handovers. It helps teams prepare in advance and manage work efficiently.

5. Increases Chances Of Quick Approval: A polite and well-structured annual leave application makes the approval process easier. Managers are more likely to approve leave requests that are clear, planned and professional.

Format Of An Annual Leave Application

Before writing an annual leave application, it’s essential to follow a clear and simple format. A professional annual leave application format makes your message easy to read and ensures no important detail is missed. Here’s the basic structure of an annual leave application:

  • Subject Line: Write a short and direct subject line like “Annual Leave Request from [Your Name]”.
  • Salutation: Address your manager or HR politely. (Example: Dear [Manager’s Name],)
  • Opening Line: Mention your purpose clearly. (Example: I am writing to request annual leave for…)
  • Duration And Dates: Specify the exact number of leave days and dates.
  • Reason For Leave: Keep it brief and genuine,  whether personal, medical or family-related.
  • Work Handover Plan: Mention if tasks are completed or handed over to a colleague.
  • Closing Line: End politely with a thank-you note and your willingness to discuss if needed.
  • Sign-Off: Use professional closing phrases like Regards, Sincerely or Thank you, followed by your full name and designation.

10 Samples Of Annual Leave Application 

1. Annual Leave Application For Travel

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to apply for my annual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date], as I plan to travel with my family for a short vacation. I have discussed my leave plans with you earlier and ensured that my ongoing assignments are either completed or delegated to [Colleague’s Name].

I will make sure all urgent deliverables are taken care of before my leave begins. Please let me know if any additional handover details are required.

Kindly approve my annual leave application for the mentioned dates.

Thanks,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

2. Annual Leave Application For Personal Work

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I would like to request my annual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to attend to some personal commitments. I have planned my work schedule accordingly to ensure there are no pending tasks during my absence.

I have also informed [Colleague’s Name] about ongoing projects, so the workflow continues smoothly in my absence. Please consider my leave request for the mentioned period.

Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

3. Annual Leave Application For A Family Visit

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to request annual leave for a period of three weeks, from [Start Date] to [End Date], as I plan to visit my family in [Location]. I also request an additional five working days from my personal leave allowance to extend my stay.

I have already briefed [Colleague’s Name] on my key tasks and will complete all urgent deliverables before leaving. I understand this is a longer leave request, but I hope it will be considered favorably, given my consistent work record and timely project completion.

Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

4. Annual Leave Application For Medical Reasons

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to request annual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] for medical reasons. My doctor has advised a short rest period, and I would like to use my leave allowance for recovery.

All urgent deliverables have been completed and I have delegated responsibilities to [Colleague’s Name] for any pending matters. Please approve my leave application for the mentioned period.

Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

5. Annual Leave Application For Marriage

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am pleased to inform you that I am getting married next month and would like to apply for my annual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to attend the wedding ceremonies and related events.

I have already shared the project handover notes with my team and briefed [Colleague’s Name] on all ongoing responsibilities. Please consider my annual leave request for approval.

Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

6. Annual Leave Application For Festival Celebration

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to formally request my annual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to celebrate the upcoming festival with my family. This time off will allow me to participate in family traditions and events while returning to work refreshed.

I have completed all critical tasks and shared updates with [Colleague’s Name] to ensure that ongoing projects continue smoothly during my absence. I will also be available via email in case of urgent matters.

Kindly approve my annual leave application for the mentioned period. I appreciate your consideration and support.

Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

7. Annual Leave Application For Child’s School Event

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I would like to request annual leave on [Date(s)] to attend my child’s annual school function. Being present for this event is important for my family, and I have ensured that my work commitments are managed in advance.

I have briefed [Colleague’s Name] on ongoing projects and assigned responsibilities to avoid any delays in work during my absence. I will also be reachable by email in case of emergencies.

Please consider and approve my annual leave request.

Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

8. Annual Leave Application For Family Vacation

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to apply for annual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] for a family vacation. This break will allow me to recharge and return to work with renewed focus and energy.

I have completed all pending tasks and coordinated with my team to ensure that there are no disruptions in ongoing projects. I have also briefed [Colleague’s Name] on any urgent matters to maintain workflow continuity.

I kindly request your approval for my annual leave application and appreciate your understanding.

Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

9. Annual Leave Application For Personal Emergency

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I would like to request annual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] due to a personal emergency that requires my immediate attention. I apologize for the short notice and have ensured that all critical tasks are completed or delegated to [Colleague’s Name].

I will make sure to stay reachable via email in case any urgent issues arise. I hope my annual leave request will be approved considering the circumstances.

Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

10. Annual Leave Application For Travel Abroad

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to formally request annual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] as I plan to travel abroad to visit my relatives and manage personal matters. I would also like to request an additional [X days] from my personal leave allowance to extend the leave period.

I have briefed [Colleague’s Name] on my ongoing responsibilities and ensured that all urgent tasks are completed before my leave. I will be available via email in case of critical issues, and I will ensure a smooth transition during my absence.

Kindly approve my annual leave application for this period. Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated.

Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Designation]

Conclusion

Writing a clear and professional annual leave application helps maintain smooth communication and uninterrupted workflow at the workplace. When leave details, dates and work handover are clearly mentioned, managers can plan better and approvals become easier. A simple, polite and well-structured leave request reflects professionalism, responsibility and respect for company policies, leaving a positive impression even while you are away from work.

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FAQs

Q1: What is an annual leave application?

An annual leave application is a formal written request to an employer for time off from work, usually specifying the leave dates and reason.

Q2: How do I write a professional annual leave email?

Start with a clear subject line, address your manager politely, mention leave dates, give a brief reason, explain work handover and close with a polite sign-off.

Q3: What is the best format for an annual leave application?

Include subject line, salutation, opening line, leave dates, reason for leave, handover plan and professional closing.

Q4: How many days in advance should I apply for annual leave?

Ideally, submit your annual leave request at least 2 – 3 weeks in advance or longer for extended leaves, to allow smooth planning.

Q5: Can I request additional leave beyond my annual allowance?

Yes, you can request extra leave, but it should be clearly mentioned in the email and may need approval from HR or management.

Q6: How to request annual leave for personal reasons?

Clearly state your leave dates, mention the reason briefly (without too many personal details) and assure your manager that work will not be affected.

Q7: Can annual leave be applied via email?

Yes, an email is a standard way to submit an annual leave application, provided it follows a professional format.

Q8: How to make sure my annual leave is approved?

Submit your leave application in advance, complete urgent work, delegate responsibilities, be polite and clearly explain your reason for leave.