Paternity leave in France is designed to support employees during the birth or adoption of a child. This article outlines the key aspects of paternity leave, including notice requirements, duration, compensation, and additional arrangements.
Notice to Employer
Notification Requirement: Employees must inform their employer by letter with a signature upon receipt at least 1 month before the due date of the arrival of the adopted child or the birth of the child.
Duration of Leave
Adoption Leave: Employees are entitled to 3+3 business days, which can be taken continuously or intermittently within a 15-day period following the arrival of the adopted child.
Birth Leave: Employees are entitled to 3+3 business days, which can be taken continuously or intermittently within a 15-day period following the birth of the child or the arrival of the adopted child.
Paternity Leave:
Simple Pregnancy: Up to 25 calendar days, starting immediately after the Birth Leave.
Pregnancy of Twins or More: Up to 32 calendar days, starting immediately after the Birth Leave.
Leave Arrangement: Paternity leave can be taken all at once or in fragments, with the following conditions:
The first 4 days must be taken immediately after Birth Leave.
The remaining days must be taken within 6 months of the birth, either:
All at once
In two separate periods, with each period being at least 5 days
Compensation During Leave
Birth Leave: Paid by the employer.
Paternity Leave:
For Employees with Less Than 2 Years of Service:
Salary is suspended by the employer during the leave.
Compensation is provided by the Public Health Insurance Fund (CPAM), provided the employee:
Has worked at least 150 hours in the last 3 months.
Is registered with CPAM for at least 10 months before the due date.
For Employees with 2 or More Years of Service:
Compensation is supplemented to ensure 100% of the regular salary:
First by the employer’s insurance (Mutuelle d’Entreprise), if applicable.
Then, the employer covers any remaining amount.
Payment by CPAM: Approximately every 14 calendar days.
Additional Arrangements
Medical Appointments: Employees are allowed to attend up to 3 pre-birth medical appointments during work hours.