Becoming a parent? Get ready for parental leave
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The arrival of a child is one of life's most memorable moments, and in Portugal, the law ensures you can dedicate yourself to this new chapter with peace of mind. Forget the old term "maternity leave"; today we talk about Parental Leave, a shared right that promotes equality between mothers and fathers. We explain how the deadlines, modalities, and values work in 2026.
What types of leave exist?
1. Initial Parental Leave: The base leave after birth.
You can choose between 120 or 150 consecutive days. The great advantage arises if you choose to share it:
- If both parents share the leave (and each takes, exclusively, a period of 30 consecutive days or two periods of 15), 30 days are added to the initial 120 days, totalling 150 days at 100% of the remuneration.
- If the base is 150 days and there is sharing, you can reach 180 days.
2. Initial Parental Leave exclusive to the mother: Mandatory and optional period for the mother.
The mother is entitled to a total period of up to 72 days:
- Up to 30 days: Can be taken before birth (optional).
- 42 days (6 weeks): Mandatory leave immediately following birth.
3. Exclusive Paternity Leave: Mandatory and optional period for the father.
The father's role is increasingly valued by the law. Currently, the deadlines are:
- 28 days of mandatory leave: Must be taken within the first 42 days after birth. Of these, 7 days must be taken immediately after birth.
- 7 days of optional leave: Can be taken simultaneously with the mother's leave. Note: In the case of twins, 2 days are added for each child beyond the first.
4. Shared leave: When both decide to divide the time to extend the assistance.
How much will you receive?
The allowance is paid by Social Security, and the calculation is based on your Reference Remuneration (RR). In 2026, the percentages are:
| Leave Type | Days | % Remuneration |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 120 days | 100% |
| Basic | 150 days | 80% |
| Shared | 150 days (120+30) | 100% |
| Shared | 180 days (150+30) | 90% (2026 updated value) |
| Exclusive Paternity | 28 + 7 days | 100% |
Important: The daily value cannot be less than 80% of 1/30 of the IAS (Social Support Index). In 2026, with the update of the IAS, this minimum value is around €14.50.
How to apply for leave?
The fastest way is through the Segurança Social Direta (Direct Social Security) portal. You can submit the request online as soon as you have the baby's registration. You just need to arrange the dates with your employer in advance (10 days' notice for the mother and 5 days' notice for the father for optional periods).
Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the need to consult current legislation or seek support from specialised consultancy.