Parental Leave

The length of the parental leave after the birth of a child is 320 working days, divided equally between the two parents if the child has two parents. Up to 63 days of the parental leave quota can be transferred to the other parent or another adult. It is possible to take the parental leave in four periods of at least 12 working days. The parents may take leave at the same time or separately.

Parents are entitled to parental allowance during parental leave. However, parental allowance is only granted to both parents at the same time for a period of 18 working days.

An employee may also take partial parental leave. In that case the employer and the employee agree that the employee shall take parental leave on a part-time basis and agree on the terms of part-time work. The maximum working time during partial parental leave is 5 hours a day.  

Partial parental allowance is paid for the duration of the partial parental leave. The amount paid for a partial parental allowance day corresponds to half of a full parental allowance day. Partial parental allowance can be paid to both parents at the same time, if both parents have agreed on part-time work and take care of the child part-time.

In order to suspend part-time work or amend its terms, it must be agreed on. If no agreement is reached, the employee has the right to suspend part-time work and return to full-time parental leave or their former working hours.

If the employer refuses to make an agreement on partial parental leave or the terms of part-time work, the grounds must be stated in writing.