Paternity Leave in Finland
Finland has no separate paternity leave. Each parent gets 160 days of parental allowance from Kela, and parents can be home together for up to 18 days.
Last updated: 13 November 2026
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Finland paternity leave at a glance
There is no separate paternity-leave allocation; fathers use parental leave and can receive allowance at the same time as the other parent for up to 18 working days.
- Leave length
- 160 working days of parental allowance per parent, including up to 18 days at the same time as the other parent.
- When to take it
- The non-birthing parent can start after the birth. Parental allowance must generally be used before the child turns 2. Apply within 2 months of the start of the period.
- Pay
- Kela pays an income-related allowance, at least €31.99 per working day in 2026. The first 16 working days use a higher rate, generally 90% of income.
- Who qualifies
- Normally live or work in Finland, care for a child under 2, and be the child's parent and guardian (or receive transferred days).
- Self-employed fathers
- Self-employed parents can get parental allowance based on their YEL or MYEL insured earnings.
Parental leave on top of paternity leave
A two-parent family generally gets 320 days, 160 each. Each parent can transfer up to 63 days, leaving 97 that cannot be transferred.
Good to know
- Finnish benefit working days are Monday to Saturday.
- Because there is no fixed paternity period, enter the days you plan to take in the calculator.
Legal entitlement vs employer benefits
The rules above are the legal minimum in Finland. Many employers offer extra paid days or top up statutory pay. Add any employer leave in the calculator above to see your real return-to-work date, and confirm the details with your HR team. To compare pay over the weeks you take off, try the paternity pay calculator.
Other European guides
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Editorial note: we summarise official government guidance and link to it. Laws change — always confirm your entitlement with your employer or the relevant authority. This page is not legal advice.