Parental leave in Croatia (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Maternity leave runs until the child is 6 months old, with 98 days compulsory. Fathers have 10 working days, and parental leave is 8 months (30 from the third child or for twins). Pay is 100% of the basis, with a cap on parental leave pay.

RuleWhat applies
Maternity leaveTaking parental leaveMaternity leave runs from 28 days before the expected birth until the child is 6 months old. The first 98 days are compulsory and continuous (28 before and 70 after the birth). The mother can transfer the rest (additional maternity leave) to the father with his written consent. It can start 45 days before the birth for health reasons, and is extended for a premature birth (before 37 weeks) by the days of prematurity. [1]
Paternity leaveTaking parental leaveThe employed or self-employed father has 10 working days of paternity leave after the birth (15 working days for twins, triplets or other multiple births), taken in one block until the child is 6 months old. The right cannot be transferred and does not depend on the mother's employment status. [1]
Parental leaveTaking parental leaveParental leave starts when the child is 6 months old and can be used until the child's 8th birthday: 8 months in total for the first and second child, and 30 months for twins and the third and every later child. Normally both parents share it, each keeping 2 months that cannot be transferred. If only one parent uses it, the length is 6 months (28 months for twins, third and later children). [1]
Pay during leaveTaking parental leaveMaternity and paternity leave are paid at 100% of the basis for wage compensation set under health insurance rules. Parental leave is paid at 100% of that basis for the first 6 months (one parent) or 8 months (both parents), capped at 680% of the budget base a month for full time. The law sets other amounts for the remaining months and for part-time use. [1]
Job protectionTaking parental leaveThe employer may not end the employment contract during pregnancy or during maternity, parental or adoption leave. The protection also covers 15 days after pregnancy or the leave ends, and applies to mothers working half-time or on breastfeeding leave. A pregnant employee also cannot be offered a changed contract on worse terms. [2]

Notes

  • The cap was raised from 225.5% to 680% of the budget base by the amendment published in Narodne novine 34/2025. The budget base is set each year in the budget execution law and was not read.

Sources

  1. Narodne novine: Zakon o rodiljnim i roditeljskim potporama (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. gov.hr (Government of Croatia): Rad trudnica i majki - gov.hr (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.