Parental leave in Italy (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Maternity leave is 5 months at 80% of pay. Fathers must take 10 working days at 100% of pay. Parental leave is up to 10 months in total (11 if the father takes at least 3), paid at 30% or, for part of it, 80%.

RuleWhat applies
Maternity leaveTaking parental leaveWomen may not be made to work during the 2 months before the expected birth and the 3 months after it (5 months in total). Days not taken before an early birth are added after the birth. Instead, with medical certificates, a worker may keep working until the birth and take all 5 months after it. [1]
Paternity leaveTaking parental leaveThe working father must take 10 working days of paternity leave, between 2 months before the expected birth and 5 months after it, not split into hours (20 working days for multiple births). It can be taken during the mother's maternity leave and also applies to adoptive and foster fathers. [1]
Parental leaveTaking parental leaveEach parent can take parental leave for each child in the first 14 years of the child's life. Together the parents cannot exceed 10 months: the mother up to 6 months and the father up to 6 months, with the total raised to 11 months if the father takes at least 3 months. A single parent can take up to 11 months. Collective agreements decide whether it can be taken by the hour. [1]
Pay during leaveTaking parental leaveMaternity leave: a daily allowance of 80% of pay. Paternity leave: 100% of pay. Parental leave: each parent has 3 non-transferable months paid at 30% of pay; the rate is raised to 80% for up to 2 months in total (shared between the parents) and for one further month, up to the child's sixth year. The parents also share another 3 months at 30%. A sole parent has up to 9 months at 30%. [1]
Job protectionTaking parental leaveWomen cannot be dismissed from the start of pregnancy until the end of the leave periods and until the child is 1 year old. Exceptions: serious fault, closure of the business, end of the task or fixed term, and failed probation. After the leave the worker keeps the job and returns to the same production unit (or one in the same municipality) and the same or equivalent duties until the child is 1 year old. The same return right applies to fathers after paternity leave. [1]

Notes

  • The paid parental leave rules were changed several times by recent budget laws. The percentages and months are those in the consolidated text as updated on 30 December 2025.

Sources

  1. Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri (Normattiva): Decreto legislativo 26 marzo 2001, n. 151 - Testo unico delle disposizioni legislative in materia di tutela e sostegno della maternità e della paternità (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.