How much maternity or paternity leave do I get in Switzerland?
Yes — mothers get 14 weeks of maternity leave, the other parent 2 weeks. Under the Income Compensation Act (EOG), employed mothers get 14 weeks of leave after birth, paid at 80% of prior income, capped at CHF 220 per day. The leave starts on the birth day; dismissal protection runs for 16 weeks after birth. If the newborn must stay in hospital at least 2 weeks, up to 8 additional weeks are possible. The other parent (father or recognised second parent) gets 2 weeks, taken within 6 months, also at 80% (max CHF 220/day). For adoption of a child under 4 there are 2 weeks. In short: yes, 14 weeks for the mother, 2 for the other parent.
📋 The rules
- Maternity leave 14 weeks after birth
- Paid at 80%, capped at CHF 220/day
- Dismissal protection 16 weeks after birth
- Other parent: 2 weeks, within 6 months
- Adoption leave: 2 weeks (child under 4)
🔓 Exceptions
- Child hospitalised ≥2 weeks: up to 8 additional weeks
- Other parent's leave: in one block or as 10 single days
- Condition: previously in AHV-liable employment and insured
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This isn't about fines, but the entitlement is guaranteed by law: if the employer refuses the leave or the compensation, you can turn to the compensation fund and, if needed, the court. A dismissal during maternity leave or the 16-week protection period is void. Beware a myth: "the father's leave must be taken in one block" is not necessarily true — it can also be taken as single days within 6 months. Tip: report the birth to the compensation fund and arrange the timing of leave with your employer early.
📎 Official sources
- FSIO · income compensation for maternity →
- AHV/IV · maternity benefit →
- FSIO · income compensation for parenthood →
❓ Frequently asked
How long is maternity leave?
Maternity leave lasts 14 weeks from the day of birth. It's compensated at 80 percent of the prior average income, but capped at CHF 220 per day. If the newborn must stay in hospital for at least two weeks, up to eight additional weeks of leave are possible on top.
How much leave does the other parent get?
The other parent, that is the father or recognised second parent, gets two weeks of leave. These must be taken within six months of the birth, in one block or as ten single days, and are also compensated at 80 percent, capped at CHF 220 per day, like maternity leave.
How high is the compensation?
The compensation is 80 percent of the prior average earned income, capped at CHF 220 per day. This maximum corresponds to an annual income of around CHF 88,200. The daily benefit is calculated as 80 percent of the income divided by 365 days of the year.
Am I protected from dismissal during leave?
Yes. During the 16 weeks after birth there's dismissal protection, and an employer termination in that period is void. The maternity leave itself lasts 14 weeks. The protection is there to ensure you aren't dismissed in the period around and after the birth.
Is there an adoption leave too?
Yes. Since 2023 there's an adoption leave of two weeks for adopting a child under four, also compensated through the income-compensation scheme. As with the other leaves, the condition is that you were previously in employment and insured accordingly beforehand.
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