Am I allowed parental leave in Sweden?
Yes — you have a strong statutory right to parental leave, and the Social Insurance Agency pays parental benefit. There are 480 days per child to share between the parents. 390 days are paid at sickness-benefit level (about 80%), between 250 kr (basic level) and 1,259 kr per day depending on income, and 90 days at the lowest level, 180 kr per day. 90 days are reserved for each parent and cannot be transferred. You have the right to be fully off work until the child is 18 months, whether or not you draw the benefit.
📋 The rules
- 480 days per child to share between the parents
- 390 days at ~80% (250–1,259 kr/day by income)
- 90 days at the lowest level = 180 kr/day
- 90 days reserved for each parent, non-transferable
- Right to be fully off until the child is 18 months
🔓 Exceptions
- A sole-custody parent can use all 480 days themselves
- Days can in some cases be transferred to a related adult
- The days expire when the child turns 12
⚠️ Penalties & fines
An employer who disadvantages or dismisses someone for taking parental leave breaches the Parental Leave Act and can be ordered to pay damages.
📎 Official sources
- Social Insurance Agency · Parental benefit →
- Social Insurance Agency · Current amounts →
- Parental Leave Act (1995:584) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
How many parental days are there?
480 days per child to share between the parents, of which 90 are reserved for each.
How much is parental benefit?
390 days are paid at about 80% (250–1,259 kr/day), and 90 days at the lowest level of 180 kr/day.
Can I give all my days to my partner?
No. 90 days are reserved for you and cannot be transferred to the other parent.
How long can I be off work?
You have the right to be fully off work until the child is 18 months, regardless of the benefit.
When do the days expire?
The parental benefit days expire when the child turns 12.
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