👨‍🍼 What leave does a father get after a birth?

Yes

Quick answer

Two separate entitlements — and the second is the one people miss. The first is 15 days of paid leave at the birth. The social security institute pays 90% of the average daily insured income over the last 24 months, and the leave must be taken in the first 6 months after the birth — after that the right is lost. The second, which many fathers never hear about, is under art. 164c of the Labour Code: a further 2 months of leave to raise a child up to the age of 8. It is an individual right of the father — it does not depend on the mother's consent and is not carved out of her leave. It can be taken in one block or in parts, with at least 10 working days' notice to the employer. The right was introduced on 1 August 2022 under Directive (EU) 2019/1158.

📋 The rules

15 days paid leave at birth, at 90% of insured income
The 15 days must be used in the first 6 months or lost
2 months under art. 164c until the child turns 8
The two months are an individual right of the father
Notify the employer 10 working days in advance

🔓 Exceptions

A qualifying period of insurance service is required for the cash benefit
The two months under art. 164c may be taken in one block or in parts
Adoptive fathers have the same right on the same conditions

⚠️ Penalties & fines

There is no penalty on you here — there is a deadline, and it is unforgiving. The 15 days at birth are lost for good if not taken within the first 6 months: they are not paid out in cash, not transferred, and not carried over. The two months under art. 164c lapse when the child turns 8. An employer who refuses the leave or attaches conditions to it breaches the Labour Code and faces a penalty from the labour inspectorate — the leave is taken as of right, not at the employer's discretion. Taking paternity leave cannot be a ground for less favourable treatment or for dismissal.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

How many days does a father get at the birth?

Fifteen days of paid leave, with the social security institute paying 90% of the average daily insured income over the last 24 months. It must be used in the first 6 months after the birth.

What are the two months under art. 164c?

Additional leave to raise a child up to the age of 8, introduced on 1 August 2022. It is an individual right of the father and does not depend on the mother's consent or her leave.

Can my employer refuse it?

No. The leave is taken as of right, not at the employer's discretion. A refusal, or attaching conditions to it, breaches the Labour Code and is sanctioned by the labour inspectorate.

Can I take the two months in parts?

Yes. The leave under art. 164c can be taken in one block or in parts, at any point until the child turns 8. Give the employer at least 10 working days' notice each time.

What if I do not use the 15 days?

The right is lost for good after the first 6 months from the birth. The days are not paid out in cash, cannot be transferred to the mother, and do not carry over.

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