If you are employed or self-employed, you are entitled to two weeks’ paid adoption leave if you meet the following conditions:
You have been insured with OASI for the nine months preceding the child’s adoption;
You have been employed for at least five months during this period;
The child is under 4 years old.
If you are unemployed or unable to work when the child comes to live with you, you are not entitled to adoption allowance.
There is no paid leave for parents who adopt their spouse's or partner's child.
Adoption leave must be taken within the year following the adoption of the child. It can be taken in blocks, weeks or individual days. You can choose which of you will take the two weeks’ leave. You can also share it between you, provided you do not take the days at the same time.
The adoption allowance corresponds to 80% of the average income from gainful employment obtained before the child comes to live with you, up to a maximum of CHF 220 per day. The allowance is not paid automatically. You must explicitly request it from the federal compensation office.
There is no legal right to extend adoption leave. As an adoptive parent, you can only extend your leave if your employer agrees.
Please note:
Check your insurance coverage before requesting unpaid leave.
Check your insurance coverage before requesting unpaid leave.
On the OASI/DI, website, you will find a guide to adoption allowance and questions and answers on adoption benefits.