Paternity leave has become a cornerstone of family rights in Cyprus. Since 2017, fathers in both public and private sectors can take paid time off to support their newborns. This article breaks down how it works in practice and what you need to know.
Under the Protection of Paternity Law No. 117(I)/2017, fathers qualify for two weeks’ paid paternity leave. You can take the leave anytime from the week of birth up to 16 weeks afterward. Fathers gain uninterrupted leave and full pay through Cyprus’s Social Insurance Fund.
If your partner is hospitalized or passes away during maternity leave, you may be entitled to take additional weeks, extending up to the end of the statutory maternity leave block.
The Social Insurance Fund pays under the standard schedule. Thus, the leave is fully compensated, mirroring your usual salary. Therefore, parents can take the time without financial strain.
Cyprus also grants unpaid parental leave of up to 18 weeks per parent for children under 8 years old. Fathers can take this leave after paternity leave to extend time with their child. In special cases—such as a single parent or special needs child—leave may stretch to 23 weeks .
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 weeks paid paternity leave, usable within 16 weeks of birth |
| Payment | Fully covered by Social Insurance Fund |
| Notification | 2 weeks notice, or immediate if birth is unplanned |
| Additional Leave | Extended if maternity is disrupted due to partner’s hospital stay or death |
| Extended Parental Leave | Up to 18 weeks unpaid for each parent, extension available |
Paternity leave strengthens family bonds by allowing fathers to bond with and support their partners and newborns. Meanwhile, businesses benefit from increased employee retention and satisfaction. Cyprus’s progressive leave structure reflects a broader move toward work-life balance in the workplace.
For more insights into parental and family leave in Cyprus—plus detailed guidance for employers and employees—visit Soneverse and explore our comprehensive Business Guide Page.
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