Paternity leave in Luxembourg and the Greater Region

Published on 01/08/2024, by Loïc Braun

Is your family growing? Congratulations! Taking care of a newborn requires time and attention, which can be challenging when you're working. In this article, find out more about paternity leave in Luxembourg and the countries of the Greater Region.

Is there paternity leave?

Luxembourg

In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, paternity leave is 10 days. The employee must submit a written request specifying the expected dates of the leave at least 2 months before the start of the leave. This leave can be freely taken by the employee if agreed upon with the employer. If there is no agreement, the leave must be taken all at once immediately following the birth.

France

Since July 2021, paternity leave in France is 25 days, plus 3 additional days for the birth. Seven of these days are mandatory.

The employer must be notified one month before the start of the leave. The leave must be taken within the 4 months following the child's birth. The employee must also have worked at least 150 hours in the 3 months preceding the start of the leave and must cease all salaried activities.

Belgium

In Belgium, new fathers or co-parents are entitled to 10 days' leave following the birth of their child. These days can be taken freely within 4 months after the birth. It is possible to take these days all at once or to spread them out.

Germany

In Germany, there is no specific paternity leave. Instead, parental leave is available, which can be taken by either parent before the child turns 3 years old.

How much do I get paid during paternity leave?

Luxembourg

During paternity leave, the employer pays the equivalent of the employee's salary for the hours they would have worked if present. However, from the third day onwards, the state covers these costs by reimbursing the employer for the advanced wages.

France

The Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (CPAM) is responsible for paying daily allowances. These are calculated based on the last 3 months' gross salaries before the work interruption, divided by 91.25 days. The salary considered cannot exceed the social security ceiling in force on the last day of the month preceding the starting date of the leave (which is €3,864 per month in 2024 or €3,666 in 2023). CPAM deducts a flat-rate of 21% from this basic daily wage. The minimum allowance is €9.63 per day, and the maximum amount is €89.03 per day.

Regarding the paternity leave reform, since July 2021: the 3 days of birth leave remain the employer's responsibility, and the remaining 25 days are compensated by social security. This reform aims to allow fathers to spend more time with their newborns from the very first days.

Belgium

For the first 3 days of paternity leave, the worker is entitled to full payment of his salary. Then, for the remaining 7 days, an allowance is paid by the health insurance and benefits system. This allowance amounts to 82% of the gross salary.