Paternity Leave
Leave granted to fathers or equivalent second parents upon the birth of a child.
Definition
Paternity leave refers to the right of a father or, where recognised by national law, an equivalent second parent, to take time off work around the time of the birth of a child. Directive (EU) 2019/1158 mandates a minimum of 10 working days of paternity leave, to be taken around the time of birth, and compensated at a level at least equivalent to sick pay. This leave is an individual right, independent of marital or family status, and aims to encourage a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between parents from the outset of a child's life. In Bulgaria, this has been transposed to include 15 days of paid leave and an additional two months of paid leave for fathers until the child reaches eight years of age.