How long is paternity leave in Estonia and when can it be taken?
30 calendar days — and they need not be used in one go. A father is entitled to 30 calendar days of paternity leave, taken in one block or in parts, in the period from 30 days before the expected date of birth set by a doctor or midwife until the child turns three. That is a very long window, and it is exactly the flexibility most fathers never use. The employer must be notified at least 30 calendar days in advance, unless otherwise agreed or unless notice cannot reasonably be expected in the circumstances. And one limit worth knowing: the employer may refuse paternity leave shorter than seven calendar days.
📋 The rules
- Length: 30 calendar days
- May be taken in parts
- From 30 days before the due date
- Until the child turns three
- Notice: 30 calendar days
🔓 Exceptions
- The employer may refuse paternity leave shorter than seven calendar days
- The notice requirement falls away where notice cannot reasonably be expected
- The benefit is applied for and paid under the Family Benefits Act
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The biggest loss is the days never taken. 30 calendar days can be used until the child turns three — meaning a father can take leave at the birth, during the settling-in at nursery, or when the mother returns to work. Once the window closes, the days are gone. The second practical rule is seven days: the employer may refuse leave shorter than seven calendar days — so single days may not be available at all. Plan in blocks. And give 30 days' notice: that is not a courtesy but a statutory requirement, and ignoring it gives the employer grounds to move the dates.
📎 Official sources
- Riigi Teataja · Employment Contracts Act →
- Social Insurance Board · Paternity leave →
- Tööelu portal · Types of leave →
❓ Frequently asked
How long is paternity leave?
A father is entitled to 30 calendar days. It may be taken in one block or in parts, which allows the leave to be spread according to what the family actually needs.
When can paternity leave be used?
From 30 days before the expected date of birth set by a doctor or midwife until the child turns three. Days not used within that window are lost.
How much notice must be given?
At least 30 calendar days, unless the parties agree otherwise or notice cannot reasonably be expected in the circumstances, for instance where the birth comes early.
Can the employer refuse?
The employer may refuse paternity leave shorter than seven calendar days. That is why leave is better planned in longer blocks than as scattered individual days.
Who pays the paternity benefit?
The benefit is applied for, granted and paid under the Family Benefits Act and administered by the Social Insurance Board, not by the employer.
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