Can I take paternity leave at the birth?
Yes: you're entitled to 14 working days of fully paid paternity leave. Under Law 4808/2021 (Article 27), paternity leave is 14 working days, fully paid, around the birth (up to 2 days before the due date, the rest within 30 days of birth), paid by the employer. There's also protection from dismissal for 6 months from the birth. Beyond that is parental leave: 4 months per parent, non-transferable, until the child turns 8. The first 2 months are subsidised by DYPA, at an amount equal to the minimum wage (€920 from 1.4.2026). In short: yes, 14 days of paternity leave + 4 months of parental leave.
📋 The rules
- Paternity leave: 14 working days, fully paid
- Up to 2 days before birth, the rest within 30 days
- Protection from dismissal for 6 months from birth
- Parental leave: 4 months per parent, non-transferable
- First 2 months of parental: DYPA subsidy (€920 in 2026)
🔓 Exceptions
- Parental leave: until the child turns 8
- DYPA subsidy: requires ≥1 year with the same employer
- Old "2 days" rule: abolished since 2021
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Paternity and parental leave are rights; there's no "sanction" for the employee. If the employer refuses to grant them or dismisses you within the protected period, the dismissal may be void and give rise to claims. Beware an outdated myth: paternity leave is no longer "2 days" — since Law 4808/2021 it's 14 working days. For 2026, the minimum wage rose to €920 from 1.4.2026, the figure to which DYPA's subsidy for the two subsidised months of parental leave is pegged. To exercise your rights: notify the employer in good time, keep the birth documents, and if refused, turn to the Labour Inspectorate or DYPA.
📎 Official sources
- Law 4808/2021 (Article 27) — paternity leave →
- DYPA — parental leaves and benefits →
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security →
❓ Frequently asked
How many days of paternity leave am I entitled to?
You're entitled to 14 working days of paternity leave with full pay, under Law 4808/2021. You can take up to 2 days before the expected due date and the rest within 30 days of the birth. The leave is paid by the employer.
Does the 2-day rule still apply?
No. The old 2-day rule has been abolished. Since Law 4808/2021, paternity leave is 14 working days. Articles mentioning 2 days are outdated and refer to the previous regime.
What is parental leave?
Parental leave is 4 months per parent, non-transferable, that can be taken until the child turns 8. The first 2 months are subsidised by DYPA, at a monthly amount equal to the minimum wage, provided you have at least 1 year with the same employer.
How much is the DYPA subsidy in 2026?
For the two subsidised months of parental leave, DYPA pays an amount equal to the minimum wage, which from 1 April 2026 rose to €920 gross per month. The subsidy requires at least one year of employment with the same employer.
Am I protected from dismissal?
Yes. There's protection from dismissal for 6 months from the child's birth. A dismissal within that period, without serious cause, may be deemed void. If your rights are violated, you can turn to the Labour Inspectorate.
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