Parental leave in Switzerland (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Employees are entitled to at least 14 weeks of maternity leave and the other parent to 2 weeks within 6 months of the birth. Both are paid through the income compensation scheme at 80% of earnings, up to CHF 220 a day. Dismissal is barred during pregnancy and for 16 weeks after birth.

RuleWhat applies
Maternity leaveTaking parental leaveAfter birth, an employee is entitled to maternity leave of at least 14 weeks. If the newborn is hospitalised, the leave is extended by the longer period of paid maternity allowance. [1]
Paternity leaveTaking parental leaveThe other parent (the legal father, or the mother's female partner who is the legal other parent) is entitled to 2 weeks of leave, which must be taken within 6 months of the birth, in weeks or single days. [1]
Parental leaveTaking parental leave⚠ Not yet verified
Pay during leaveTaking parental leaveMaternity allowance is paid as a daily allowance for 98 consecutive days from the birth (longer if the newborn is hospitalised), at 80% of average earned income and at most CHF 220 a day. The other parent receives up to 14 daily allowances at the same 80% rate and cap. [2]
Job protectionTaking parental leaveAfter the probation period, the employer may not give notice during pregnancy and in the 16 weeks after birth, nor before the end of an extended maternity leave after a hospitalised birth. The other parent is protected during the extra 14-week leave taken after the mother's death. [1]

Notes

  • A national right to parental leave beyond maternity leave and the other parent's 2 weeks was not found in the sources read for this page.

Sources

  1. Fedlex (Die Publikationsplattform des Bundesrechts): Bundesgesetz betreffend die Ergänzung des Schweizerischen Zivilgesetzbuches (Fünfter Teil: Obligationenrecht), SR 220, Stand am 1. Oktober 2026 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Fedlex (Die Publikationsplattform des Bundesrechts): Bundesgesetz über den Erwerbsersatz für Dienstleistende und bei Mutterschaft (Erwerbsersatzgesetz, EOG), SR 834.1, Stand am 1. Juni 2026 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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