If you are an employee, you are entitled to leave for the care of each of your children until they reach the age of 12, for up to a maximum of 6 months (adjusted in the case of part-time work). Leave may also be taken on an hourly basis.
The other parent is entitled to a further 6 months, but the total number for both parents may not exceed 10 months.
If the father takes at least 3 months’ leave, the total for the couple is increased to 11 months.
If you are a single parent, you are entitled to be absent for 10 months.
If a child is adopted, regardless of his or her age, you can take parental leave within 12 years of his or her entering the family (no later than his or her coming of age).
If the leave is taken during the child’s first 6 years of life (that is in the 6 years after the child enters the family in case of adoption), the worker is entitled to an indemnity equal to 30 % of their salary for a maximum period of 6 months in total for both parents.
To assist a child with disabilities needing special care, you are entitled to a longer leave: you can actually be absent for three years, up to the child's twelfth birthday.
Instead of parental leave, you can request the conversion of your full-time employment relationship into a part-time relationship, provided that the reduction in working hours does not exceed 50 %. In this case, the employer must agree to the conversion of the employment contract within 15 days of your request.
The request for leave must be made to your employer, with a minimum of 5 days’ notice, unless otherwise provided for in your collective agreement. The period of notice is 2 days for taking leave on an hourly basis.
You cannot be dismissed or subjected to discrimination because you have applied for leave.
If you are self-employed, you have the right to parental leave for 3 months within the child’s first year of life.
Relevant legislation