Paternity Leave 2025: A Guide for Dads
Paternity leave is becoming an increasingly common part of parenthood in the Czech Republic. Since 2022, fathers have been entitled to 14 days of paid paternity leave. In this article, we’ll explain how paternity leave works, who is eligible, how to apply, when it’s paid, and how long it lasts.
This article applies only to the Czech Republic.
What Is Paternity Leave and How Long Does It Last?
Paternity leave is a benefit provided through sickness insurance that new fathers can take after the birth of a child. Currently, paternity leave lasts 14 calendar days and must be taken within 6 weeks (42 days) of the child’s birth. If the child is hospitalized, the deadline is extended.
💡 Tip:
People often confuse maternity/paternity leave with the parental allowance. After maternity or paternity leave, you may apply for the parental allowance. As of January 1, 2024, the total amount of parental allowance is approximately €13,725 (for one child) and approximately €20,590 (for multiple births). This allowance can be drawn up to the child’s third birthday (for children born after January 1, 2024). You can read more about maternity and parental benefits in our previous article.
Paternity Leave Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for paternity leave, a man must:
- Be enrolled in sickness insurance for at least 3 months before taking the leave,
- Be listed in the birth registry as the father of the child (or have custody of the child replacing parental care, with official documentation),
- Apply for the benefit within 6 weeks of the child’s birth.
Taking Paternity Leave and How to Apply
- Paternity leave can be taken for 14 consecutive calendar days. After this period, you may apply for the parental allowance.
- To apply, you need to fill out the form titled “Application for Paternity Postnatal Care (Paternity Leave)”, which is available on the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ) website (commonly searched as “paternity leave form”). Submit the completed form to your employer, who will then forward it to the relevant District Social Security Office (OSSZ).
Who Pays for Paternity Leave and When?
- The benefit is paid by the District Social Security Office (OSSZ).
- All sickness insurance benefits, including paternity leave, are paid retroactively, meaning they are paid in the same way as a regular salary — for the previous month.
How Is Paternity Leave Paid?
During paternity leave, the father receives a benefit from the sickness insurance system, called paternity postnatal care. The amount is calculated as 70% of the reduced daily assessment base per calendar day.
The daily assessment base is determined based on the income earned in the relevant period (usually the 12 months before the leave starts). This amount is then reduced using reduction thresholds announced annually by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The reduction follows these rules:
- 100% of the portion up to approx. €60.90 (CZK 1,552)
- 60% of the portion from approx. €60.91 to €91.30 (CZK 1,553–2,328)
- 30% of the portion from approx. €91.31 to €182.60 (CZK 2,329–4,656)
- Amounts above approx. €182.60 (CZK 4,656) are not considered
The final amount after this reduction is then multiplied by 70% — this is the final daily benefit.
Example 1:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly salary | €1,000 |
| Daily assessment base | €32.88 |
| Reduced daily assessment base | €32.88 (entire amount is included, as it’s below the first threshold) |
| Daily paternity benefit (70%) | €23.02 |
| Total for 14 days | €322.28 |
Example 2:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly salary | €2,000 |
| Daily assessment base | €65.75 |
| Reduced daily assessment base | €64.28 (using the first and second reduction thresholds) |
| Daily paternity benefit (70%) | €44.99 |
| Total for 14 days | €629.86 |
You can use the paternity leave calculator available on the ČSSZ website to estimate your benefit.
Paternity Leave for Self-Employed Persons
Self-employed persons (OSVČ) are only eligible for paternity leave if they pay voluntary sickness insurance. Otherwise, they are not entitled to the benefit.
For OSVČ, the calculation is based on monthly assessment bases, determined by the sickness insurance premiums paid. The benefit considers only the months during which the person was insured and obligated to pay premiums.
Deadline to Take Paternity Leave
The leave must be used within 6 weeks of the child’s birth. After this period, entitlement expires. If the child is hospitalized, the period is extended. Parental allowance is governed by separate rules (see our related article).
Paternity Leave and the Labour Code
Under the Labour Code, paternity leave is considered an obstacle to work on the employee’s side, with compensation paid from the sickness insurance system.
- The employer is obliged to release the employee who meets the conditions and submits the application to ČSSZ.
- The employee is required to submit the application to the employer in advance.
Health and Social Insurance During Paternity Leave
During paternity leave, both health and social insurance contributions are covered for employees and self-employed persons.
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does paternity leave last? | 14 calendar days |
| Who is entitled to it? | The father listed on the birth certificate (not necessarily the husband), or a man caring for a child taken into substitute parental care by official decision |
| Deadline to take it? | Within 6 weeks (42 days) of the child’s birth |
| Who pays the benefit? | OSSZ (District Social Security Administration) |
| When is it paid? | Retroactively, like a monthly salary — for the previous month |
| How is the amount calculated? | 70% of the reduced daily assessment base |
| Is it available for self-employed persons? | Yes, but only if they pay voluntary sickness insurance |
| How to apply? | By submitting a completed application form to your employer. Self-employed individuals apply directly at the OSSZ office where they are registered. |
Conclusion
Paternity leave is more than just a formal benefit or money in your account. It offers many advantages for the father, child, and the whole family.
For the child: Ensures the presence of both parents in the early weeks of life and promotes bonding with the father from birth, positively impacting development and emotional well-being.
For the father: Helps establish a close bond with the baby from day one. Enables active involvement in childcare and supports the mother during postpartum recovery. Reinforces his role in the family and contributes to a better work-life balance.
For the family: Reduces the mother’s stress and fatigue by sharing care duties. Helps the whole family manage the challenging first weeks after birth more smoothly.
If you’re considering taking paternity leave, don’t hesitate. It’s an investment not only in your relationship with your child but also in the well-being and stability of your entire family.
