Parental leave in Czechia (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Maternity leave is 28 weeks and fathers receive a 2-week paternity benefit. Parental leave can be taken until the child is 3. Maternity and paternity benefits are 70% of the daily assessment base, and dismissal is barred during pregnancy and leave.

RuleWhat applies
Maternity leaveTaking parental leaveMaternity leave is 28 weeks, or 37 weeks for twins or more. It normally starts from the beginning of the 6th week before the expected birth, at the earliest the 8th week, and can never be shorter than 14 weeks or end before 6 weeks after the birth. [1]
Paternity leaveTaking parental leaveFathers (and equivalent insured persons) are entitled to paternity benefit (otcovská) for 2 weeks. It must start within 6 weeks of the child's birth, or of the child being taken into care. [2]
Parental leaveTaking parental leaveThe employer must grant parental leave on written request: to the mother after maternity leave and to the father from the birth, for as long as they ask, until the child is 3. The request is made at least 30 days before the leave starts. [1]
Pay during leaveTaking parental leaveThe maternity benefit (peněžitá pomoc v mateřství) is 70% of the daily assessment base, and so is the paternity benefit. The daily base is counted in full up to a first threshold, 60% up to a second, 30% up to a third, and nothing above that. [2]
Job protectionTaking parental leaveThe employer may not give notice while a woman is pregnant or on maternity leave, or while an employee is on paternity or parental leave. After maternity or paternity leave, and after parental leave that ends before the child is 2, the employer must return the employee to the original job and workplace. [1]

Sources

  1. Ministerstvo vnitra (e-Sbírka): Zákon č. 262/2006 Sb., zákoník práce (znění účinné od 29. 8. 2026) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Ministerstvo vnitra (e-Sbírka): Zákon č. 187/2006 Sb., o nemocenském pojištění (znění účinné od 1. 7. 2026) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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