👨‍👩‍👦 Can I transfer all my parental leave to the other parent?

Quick answer

Not in full: 9 weeks belong exclusively to each parent and can't be passed on. After the changes, parental leave is due to both parents jointly for up to 41 weeks (for one child; 43 for a multiple birth). The key rule: 9 weeks of this is non-transferable — it belongs exclusively to each parent (in practice usually the "father's part") and is lost if that parent doesn't use it. The rest the parents can divide freely and use until the end of the year the child turns 6. The benefit is 70% of the basis for the part covered by these 9 weeks, and with a long application (within 21 days of the birth) — 81.5% over the basic period of leaves. The leave is a worker's right and is protected.

📋 The rules

Parental leave: up to 41 weeks (one child), 43 for a multiple birth
9 weeks is non-transferable for each parent
The non-transferable part is lost if a parent doesn't use it
The rest the parents divide freely
Benefit 70% (or 81.5% with the long application)

🔓 Exceptions

Multiple birth: up to 43 weeks
Long application within 21 days of birth: benefit 81.5% over the basic period
Use by the end of the year the child turns 6

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Trying to transfer the whole parental leave to one parent will fail — the 9 weeks assigned to the other parent is non-transferable and, if they don't use it, simply lapses. A worker on parental leave is protected from dismissal, and groundless notice can be challenged in the labour court. To use the leave well: plan with the other parent the split of weeks (mindful of the non-transferable 9), decide on the benefit variant (70% / 81.5% with the long application), file applications on time with the employer, and plan any unused part by the end of the year the child turns 6. Part of the leave can also be combined with part-time work.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

How long is parental leave?

For the birth of one child it's up to 41 weeks for both parents jointly, and up to 43 weeks for a multiple birth. Of this, 9 weeks is reserved exclusively for each parent. The leave can be used until the end of the calendar year the child turns 6.

Can I give all my parental leave to the other parent?

Not in full. Of the leave, 9 weeks is non-transferable and belongs exclusively to each parent separately. If a parent doesn't use these 9 weeks, they simply lapse — they can't be passed to the other parent. The rest the parents divide freely.

How much is the parental-leave benefit?

For the non-transferable 9 weeks the benefit is 70% of the basis. But if a parent files the so-called long application within 21 days of the birth, covering maternity and parental leave, the benefit over the whole basic period is 81.5% of the basis. The choice is the parents'.

Until when can parental leave be used?

Until the end of the calendar year the child turns 6. This gives flexibility — the leave needn't be used straight after maternity leave but can be spread over time and divided between parents. Part can also be combined with reduced-hours work.

Am I protected from dismissal during parental leave?

Yes. A worker on parental leave is protected from termination of the employment contract. Groundless notice would be ineffective and can be challenged in the labour court. The protection covers both parents using the leave.

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