Does paternity leave apply in case of adoption?

Yes. The right also applies in the case of national and international adoption, from the date the child enters the family.

What if the mother is a homemaker or unemployed?

Mandatory leave is available to the father regardless of the mother's employment situation.

Is there also an additional optional day?

Yes. The father can take one additional optional day of leave, but only if the mother gives up one day of her maternity leave. This is also paid at 100%.

Does it apply to self-employed fathers too?

No. Mandatory paternity leave applies only to employees. Self-employed workers can access optional parental leave under different conditions.

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Paternity leave

A male employee is entitled to 10 mandatory paternity leave days, to be taken within 5 months of the child's birth (or entry into the family in case of adoption). The allowance is 100% of salary, paid by INPS.

Authority

INPS

Time

20 min

Updated

Apr 2026

What you need

✓SPID, CIE or CNS to access the INPS portal
✓Child's date of birth (or family entry date for adoptions)
✓Your bank account IBAN
✓Written notice to your employer (at least 15 days in advance, if possible)

Step-by-step procedure

Notify your employer

Notify your employer in writing (email or registered letter) at least 15 days before the chosen leave dates. If the birth is unexpected, notify as soon as possible.

The 10 days can be taken non-consecutively, as long as they are within 5 months of birth.

Submit the application to INPS

Log in to inps.it with SPID or CIE. Go to Benefits and services > Mandatory paternity leave. Fill in the form with the chosen dates, the child's tax code and your bank details. The application can also be submitted after taking the leave, as long as it is within 5 months of birth.

Alternatively you can apply through a patronage office (CAF, ACLI, INCA) free of charge.

Take the leave days

On the chosen dates you do not need to report to work. Your employer continues to pay your normal salary and then offsets the cost against INPS contributions.

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Domanda congedo paternità su INPS

INPS

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

INPS

Phone

803.164

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.