If you are a father who is in paid employment or self-employment, you are entitled to second parent leave (formerly known as paternity leave) on the following conditions:
You are the legal father of the child.
You were insured under the OASI/AHV scheme for the nine months prior to the birth of your child.
You worked for at least five months during the mother's pregnancy.
If you are the biological mother's wife, you are also entitled to second parent leave if you meet the following conditions:
the child was conceived using sperm donated in accordance with the law on assisted reproduction;
you are married to the biological mother at the time of the child's birth;
you fulfil the same conditions as the father with regard to employment and contributions (see above).
You are also entitled to second parent benefit if you receive a daily allowance from the unemployment, invalidity, health or accident insurance schemes based on your previous employment. Find out more from your employer or the insurer that pays your benefits.
Co-parental leave lasts for two weeks: 14 daily allowances and ten days off work. Co-parental allowance amounts to 80% of your earnings, but no more than CHF 220 per day. Cantonal provisions, personnel regulations and collective employment contracts may provide for more generous arrangements.
If an insurer is paying you a daily allowance (see above), your paternity/co-parental benefit will at least match what you are already receiving – or would be entitled to claim – at the time of the birth.
If the mother dies within 14 weeks of the child’s birth, the surviving spouse is entitled to a further 14 weeks’ leave.
Unlike maternity leave, paternity/co-parental leave is flexible. You can take it all at once, or as individual days as long as it is taken within the six months after the birth of your child.
Fathers and co-parents have no legal right to extend their leave. You can only extend your leave if your employer agrees.
Please note: Find out about your insurance cover before requesting unpaid leave.
On the OASI/IV, website, you will find a guide on the allowance for the other parent, as well as an FAQ on the topic.