Maternity, paternity and parental leave

Switzerland has no general paid parental leave to share between parents. Instead, federal law gives working mothers 14 weeks of maternity leave and the other parent 2 weeks, both paid through the income-compensation scheme (Erwerbsersatzordnung, EO) that every employee funds through salary contributions. The rules are national (Geneva pays some extra cantonal benefits). The law sets minimums: employers may offer more, so check your contract or collective agreement.

Maternity leave and benefit (Mutterschaftsentschädigung)

• Duration: at least 14 weeks (98 days) from the day of birth. The benefit stops early if you go back to work, fully or partly, before then.
• Amount: 80% of your average earnings before the birth, up to CHF 220 a day (current AHV/IV leaflet, as of 1 January 2025).
• Conditions: you were insured under the AHV for the 9 months before the birth (fewer if the baby is premature) and worked for at least 5 of them. Periods in the EU, EFTA or the United Kingdom count. Mothers who are unemployed and receive or qualify for unemployment benefit, or who are on sick pay based on a previous salary, are also covered.
• Longer hospital stay: if the baby must stay in hospital for more than 14 days right after birth, the benefit is extended by that time, by up to 56 days, provided you return to work afterwards.
• Job protection: your employer may not dismiss you during pregnancy or in the 16 weeks after the birth (after the probation period).

Leave for the other parent (Urlaub des andern Elternteils)

The father, or the mother's wife, is entitled to 2 weeks of leave (10 working days for a full-time job). It must be taken within 6 months of the birth, either in one block or as single days. The benefit is 80% of earnings, up to CHF 220 a day (14 daily allowances). If the mother dies within 14 weeks of the birth, the other parent receives 14 weeks of leave.

Adoption and care leave

• Adoption leave: 2 weeks when you take in a child for adoption, to be taken within the first year. The parents can split it, but not take it at the same time.
• Care leave (Betreuungsurlaub): up to 14 weeks within 18 months to care for a child who is seriously ill or injured, paid through the EO. If both parents work, each has 7 weeks unless they agree another split.

Common pitfalls for newcomers

• Employees apply through their employer, self-employed people directly at their compensation office. If you do not, an employer who keeps paying your salary can claim it.
• If you moved to Switzerland during pregnancy, check whether you will have 9 months of insurance by the birth. Periods outside the EU/EFTA/UK do not count.
• During maternity leave the family allowance continues, and you pay no deductible or co-payment for maternity care under health insurance.
• The other parent's 2 weeks must be used within 6 months of the birth; days not taken by then are lost.

Official guidance: AHV/IV: maternity benefit (leaflet 6.02), AHV/IV: benefit for the other parent (leaflet 6.04), Code of Obligations: leave rules, Art. 329f–329j and 336c, ch.ch: health insurance benefits in pregnancy