Updated April 2026Rates effective 29 January 2025

10-Hour Day Rate Subsistence Ireland: When and How to Claim

Away from the office for a long day? If you're 8 km or more from your normal workplace for 10+ hours, you can claim €46.17. For 5–10 hours, it's €19.25. Here's exactly how to qualify and how the time is calculated.

The Two Day Subsistence Rates

5 to 10 hours away
€19.25
8 km+ from normal workplace
Over 10 hours away
€46.17
8 km+ from normal workplace

These are flat allowances — no receipts required. Governed by Circular 04/2025. For overnight rates, see our overnight subsistence guide.

Two Conditions Must Be Met

Time: 5+ consecutive hours

Duration runs from departure to return, including travel time. If you leave at 8am and return at 1:30pm, that's 5 hours 30 minutes — qualifies for the 5–10 hour rate.

Distance: 8 km+ from workplace

You must be at least 8 km from your normal place of work. A 6-hour meeting in a building 5 km from the office doesn't qualify — the distance threshold isn't met.

Under 5 hours? No claim. There is no rounding — 4 hours 59 minutes does not qualify. And there is no lower-tier rate for shorter trips.

How Time Is Calculated

Departure to return — time starts when you leave and ends when you get back. Travel time counts.
From home? — Time starts when you leave home. But the 8 km distance is measured from the lesser of your home or office to the temporary location.
Meal periods — lunch and breaks during the trip don't pause the clock. If your trip spans a meal period, it counts towards the total duration.

Worked Example

Scenario: You leave your Dublin office at 7:30am, drive to Cork for a client meeting (264 km), and return to Dublin at 6:45pm.

Departure7:30am
Return6:45pm
Duration11 hours 15 minutes
Distance (Dublin → Cork)264 km
Time: 11h 15m > 10 hours
Distance: 264 km > 8 km
Subsistence claim (10+ hour rate)€46.17

This employee would also claim mileage for the round trip separately — see our mileage calculation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

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