Social Insurance Institution reports that fathers constituted 33.4% of parental benefit recipients in 2025, with significant increases in parental leave uptake.
Rising Father Participation
The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) reported that in 2025, men represented 33.4% of all individuals receiving parental benefits, compared to 33.8% in 2024. While this percentage remains similar, structural changes are evident across different types of leave. Data shows the most dynamic growth occurred in parental leave, with fathers comprising 12.3% of parental benefit recipients in 2024, increasing to 16.7% in 2025—a rise of over four percentage points year-on-year despite declining birth rates.
Paternity Leave Details
Paternity leave can last up to two weeks, but no later than until the child completes 12 months of age. In adoption cases, it extends until 12 months from the finalization of the adoption decision, but no later than until the child turns 14. Paternity leave can be taken all at once (two weeks) or divided into two equal parts (one week each).
Application Process
ZUS reminded that employees must apply to their employer for leave. The application, whether paper or electronic, should be submitted at least 7 days before the leave begins. Employers must properly consider timely and complete applications. If an employee submits a paternity leave application violating the 7-day deadline, the employer has the right to reject it.
Parental Leave Changes
The duration of parental leave changed on April 26, 2023, following amendments to the Labor Code implementing the EU work-life balance directive. The total duration of parental leave was extended to 41 weeks for one child and 43 weeks for two or more children. Parents of children with a “life certificate” are entitled to extended parental leave—up to 65 weeks for one child or 67 weeks for multiple children from one birth.
Non-Transferable Leave Portion
A key change introduced in 2023 is the 9-week non-transferable portion of parental leave for each parent individually. This right cannot be transferred to the other parent and expires if unused. In practice, each parent has exclusive right to 9 weeks of parental leave that cannot be shared between them. The remaining leave (23 or 25 weeks) can be divided between parents as they see fit.
Additional Provisions
The exception occurs when the mother applies within 21 days after childbirth for maternity and parental leave benefits in full amount, resulting in 81.5% of the benefit base. Applications for parental leave should be submitted at least 21 days before the leave begins. The regulations also provide for the possibility of resigning from parental leave to return to work, requiring written application 21 days in advance with employer consent.