Paternity Leave in Europe
Compare paternity leave across 15 European countries: how long it lasts, how it is paid and where to find the official rules.
Last updated: 13 November 2026
Paternity leave by European country (2026)
| Country | Father's leave | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | No separate paternity leave; up to 3 years Elternzeit | Unpaid by employer; Elterngeld may apply |
| France | 28 days (3 birth + 25 paternity) | Daily allowance, max €104.02/day (2026) |
| Spain | 19 weeks (6 compulsory) | 100% of reference base (Social Security) |
| Netherlands | 1 week + up to 5 extra weeks | 100% for week 1, then 70% (capped) via UWV |
| Belgium | 20 working days | 3 days full salary, then 82% (capped) |
| Austria | 1 month (Papamonat) | Unpaid; Familienzeitbonus €54.87/day |
| Switzerland | 2 weeks (10 working days) | 80% of earnings, max CHF 220/day |
| Italy | 10 working days (20 for twins) | 100% via INPS |
| Portugal | 28 compulsory + 7 optional days | 100% via Social Security |
| Poland | 2 weeks | 100% of benefit base (ZUS) |
| Ireland | 2 consecutive weeks | €299/week Paternity Benefit (2026) |
| Sweden | 10 days + share of 480 days | ~80% of income (Försäkringskassan) |
| Norway | 2 weeks + 15–19 week quota | NAV benefit at 100% or 80% (capped at 6G) |
| Denmark | 2 weeks + 9 reserved weeks | Up to DKK 5,085/week (2026) |
| Finland | No separate leave; 160 days parental allowance | Kela allowance, min €31.99/day |
Click a country for its full guide, official sources and a calculator set up with its rules.
What the EU requires
The EU Work-Life Balance Directive sets a floor for member states: at least 10 working days of paternity leave around the birth, paid at least at the level of national sick pay, plus two months of parental leave per parent that cannot be transferred. Switzerland and Norway are not EU members and set their own rules.
Longest and shortest paternity leave in Europe
- Longest: Spain – 19 weeks per father at 100% of the reference base.
- Long reserved quotas: Norway (15 weeks at 100% or 19 at 80%), Sweden (90 non-transferable days) and Denmark (11 non-transferable benefit weeks).
- Around one month: France (28 days), Portugal (35 days) and Austria (1 month Papamonat).
- Two weeks: Ireland, Switzerland, Poland, Italy (10 working days) and Belgium (20 days).
- No separate paternity leave: Germany and Finland, where fathers use parental leave.
Paternity leave vs parental leave in Europe
Paternity leave is the short period reserved for the father or partner around the birth. Parental leave is usually longer, can often be shared between parents and may be taken later. Many European countries combine both, so check each country guide for the full picture — and plan your dates with the paternity leave calculator.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Editorial note: we summarise official government guidance and link to it. Laws change — always confirm your entitlement with your employer or the relevant authority. This page is not legal advice.