Am I entitled to paternity leave in Cyprus?
Yes — you're entitled to 2 weeks' paternity leave. Paternity leave is 2 consecutive weeks, under the Protection of Paternity Law (117(I)/2017, expanded by the 2022/2023 work-life balance legislation transposing EU Directive 2019/1158). Pay is 72% of insurable earnings, paid by the Social Insurance Fund (not the employer). It's taken within 16 weeks of the birth. The right applies to insured fathers regardless of length of service, and even if the child doesn't survive birth. In short: yes, 2 paid weeks.
📋 The rules
- 2 consecutive weeks of leave
- Pay 72% of insurable earnings (from the Fund)
- Taken within 16 weeks of the birth
- Applies regardless of length of service
- Protection from dismissal + right to return
🔓 Exceptions
- Some sources cite a 180-day service condition (unverified/superseded)
- Applies even if the child doesn't survive birth
- Combines with parental leave (a separate right)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Refusing paternity leave or dismissing the employee because of it breaches employment law; the worker can apply to the Department of Labour Relations or the Industrial Disputes Tribunal for compensation/reinstatement. Beware a myth: "paternity leave is paid by the employer and needs years of service" is false — it's paid by the Fund at 72% and applies regardless of length of service. Tip: notify your employer in good time and claim the benefit from Social Insurance Services.
📎 Official sources
- gov.cy · parental leave benefit →
- European Commission · Cyprus benefits →
- GZG · work-life balance law →
❓ Frequently asked
How much paternity leave do I get?
You're entitled to two consecutive weeks of paternity leave, under the Protection of Paternity Law. The leave is paid and must be taken within sixteen weeks of the child's birth, with flexibility over exactly when within that window you use it.
How much is it paid?
Pay is 72% of your insurable earnings and is paid by the Social Insurance Fund, not by the employer. The rate mirrors the maternity allowance. You claim the benefit from Social Insurance Services, which administers the payment during your leave.
Do I need years of service?
No. The right to paternity leave applies to insured fathers regardless of length of service. Some sources mention a 180-day condition, but this appears superseded by the broader entitlement and wasn't confirmed here, so the leave is generally available to insured fathers.
When must I take it?
Paternity leave must be taken within sixteen weeks of the child's birth. Within that window you have flexibility to choose when to use it, provided it's two consecutive weeks, in line with the law. Notify your employer in good time about the dates.
Am I protected from dismissal?
Yes. During paternity leave there's protection from dismissal and a right to return to your job. Dismissal because of the leave is unlawful, and you can apply for compensation or reinstatement to the Department of Labour Relations or the Industrial Disputes Tribunal.
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