Can I take parental leave in Cyprus?
It depends: yes, up to 18 weeks per child until age 8 — partly paid. Under the Work-Life Balance Law, each parent is individually entitled to up to 18 weeks of parental leave per child up to age 8, after 6 months with the same employer. The leave is mostly unpaid, but 8 weeks are paid via a Social Insurance allowance (with 12 months' employment in the last 24). Per-year cap: 5 weeks (1–2 children), 7 weeks (3+). There's also carer's leave. In short: yes, up to 18 weeks, with 8 paid.
📋 The rules
- Up to 18 weeks per child until age 8
- After 6 months with the same employer
- 8 weeks are paid (Social Insurance)
- Per year: 5 wks (1–2 children), 7 (3+)
- Right is personal; up to 9 wks transferable
🔓 Exceptions
- Single parents & widow(er)s: 23 weeks
- Force majeure leave (urgent family reasons): separate
- Carer's leave & flexible working: also need 6 months
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Employees taking these leaves are protected against dismissal and detrimental treatment; complaints go to the Department of Labour Relations / Equality Body, which can pursue compensation. Of the 18 weeks, 8 are paid; the rest are unpaid. Beware a myth: "parental leave in Cyprus is fully paid" is false — only 8 weeks are paid via a Social Insurance allowance; the remaining weeks up to 18 are unpaid. Tip: for the allowance you need 12 months' employment in the last 24.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How much parental leave am I entitled to?
Each parent is individually entitled to up to 18 weeks of parental leave per child up to age eight, provided they've completed six months with the same employer. The right is personal, though up to nine weeks can be transferred to the other parent.
Is parental leave paid?
Partly. Of the 18 weeks, 8 are paid via a parental-leave allowance from Social Insurance, if you have 12 months' employment in the last 24. The remaining weeks are unpaid.
How much can I take each year?
There's a per-year cap. With one or two children you can take up to five weeks a year, and with three or more children up to seven weeks a year, until you exhaust the total entitlement of 18 weeks per child.
Are there special cases?
Yes. Single parents and widows or widowers get an extended entitlement of 23 weeks. There's also separate force majeure leave for urgent family reasons and carer's leave to care for a relative or household member.
Am I protected from dismissal?
Yes. Employees taking parental leave, carer's leave or requesting flexible working are protected against dismissal and detrimental treatment. Complaints go to the Department of Labour Relations or the Equality Body, with possible compensation.
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