What paternity leave offers
Paternity leave lets fathers take 14 days off work while keeping part of their income. The benefit is paid through the Czech social insurance system.
It helps families in the first weeks after the birth and gives fathers time to support the mother and bond with their child.
Who can receive it
A father qualifies if:
he is insured under sickness insurance (nemocenské pojištění)
he is the biological father or the person who will take the child into long-term care
the leave is taken within 6 weeks from the date of birth
Self-employed fathers must pay for sickness insurance voluntarily for at least three months before the birth to qualify.
How the benefit is calculated
The payment is based on the father’s daily assessment base (the income ČSSZ uses for sickness-related benefits).
The benefit equals 70% of the reduced daily income base, paid for each day of leave.
Quick overview
Rule | Amount / Condition |
|---|---|
Length of leave | 14 days |
Payment rate | 70% of the reduced daily base |
When it must be used | Within 6 weeks after birth |
Example
For example, the father earns about 36,000 CZK per month.
After converting this into the daily amount used for the benefit, the average comes out to roughly 1,200 CZK per day.
Paternity leave pays 70% of this daily amount, so:
70% of 1,200 CZK = 840 CZK per day
The leave lasts 14 days, which means:
840 CZK × 14 days = 11,760 CZK total
This is the full amount the father would receive for the two-week paternity leave.
How to apply
Get the birth certificate.
Fill out the form Žádost o dávku otcovské.
Submit the form electronically or at your local ČSSZ office.
Employers confirm the income for employed fathers; Trade license holders confirm the income with their contributions.
ČSSZ( Social Tax Office) reviews the application and sends the payment directly.
Additional notes
The 14 days can be taken all at once or split, but must fall within the six-week window.
The leave is available even if the newborn remains in hospital.
Only one period of paternity leave is available per child.
Paternity leave is different from parental leave.
