This is What Parental Leave in Portugal Looks Like
In Portugal, since May 2023, after using the initial and extended parental leaves, each parent receives an additional 90 days of paid parental leave (totalling 180 additional days) if combined with part-time work. Parents receive 20% of their reference salary from Social Security, plus their part-time salary. They can use the leave simultaneously or at different times.
There are specific mandatory leave requirements for both parents. For mothers, it is compulsory to take 42 consecutive days of leave immediately following the birth. This ensures that mothers have adequate time to recover and bond with their new-borns.
For fathers, the law mandates a total of 28 days of parental leave to be taken within the first 42 days after the birth. Of these, 7 days must be taken consecutively immediately after the birth. The remaining days can be taken either consecutively or in blocks of at least 7 days.
The remaining leave days, after the mandatory periods, can be shared between the parents. If the mother opts to share her leave, the father must notify his employer within 7 days of childbirth, following the mother's 6-week mandatory post-natal leave, or within 30 days of childbirth if it occurs up to the 33-week period.
If each parent exclusively takes a period of 30 consecutive days or two periods of 15 consecutive days, the total parental leave is extended to 150 days following the mother's mandatory leave.
Parental leave rights are not limited to biological parents. They also apply to parents who adopt a minor under the age of 15. This approach ensures that adoptive parents receive the same support and benefits as biological parents.
Portugal's parental leave policies reflect a commitment to supporting families and promoting gender equality in the workplace.
Employers in Portugal must keep track of comprehensive parental leave policies, ensuring compliance with regulations. This includes managing extended leaves, understanding mandatory leave periods, and facilitating part-time work arrangements. By doing so, employers not only comply with the law but also support a more inclusive and family-friendly workplace.