Understanding maternity and paternity leave in Switzerland 👩‍🍼👨‍🍼

Length of maternity leave ⏳

Maternity leave in Switzerland lasts a total of 98 days (14 weeks) from the start date. This provision applies equally to full-time and part-time employees. Please note that returning to work before the end of this period will result in forfeiture of the remaining compensation. Interestingly, you can claim maternity benefits up to 5 years after the end of your maternity leave. After this period, the entitlement becomes null and void.

For births occurring after July 1, 2021, if your newborn requires hospitalization for more than 14 days immediately after birth, the period of maternity leave pay is extended by the number of days spent in the hospital, up to a limit of 56 days. To benefit from this extension, you must indicate the length of the hospital stay on your application form, provide a medical certificate, and provide proof of your return to work.

Details of maternity leave pay 💰

Maternity leave compensation in Switzerland is 80% of your salary, capped at 196 Swiss francs per day. Depending on cantonal provisions, personnel regulations, and collective bargaining agreements, you may be entitled to more generous benefits. To be eligible for maternity leave pay, employees must have contributed to the AVS for at least nine months prior to the birth of the child and have worked for at least five months during the pregnancy. Note that these periods are adjusted accordingly in the event of premature birth.

Request for your maternity/paternity leave pay 📑

There are three ways to apply for maternity/paternity leave pay:

1. Through your employer: If your employer continues to pay your salary during your maternity/paternity leave, the compensation office will pay the maternity benefits to your employer. If your employer cannot cover your maternity leave, the compensation office will pay the maternity benefits directly to you or to the beneficiary.
2. Directly through the AHV office: This option is available to self-employed persons, unemployed persons, or persons who are unable to work.
3. International payment: Even if you move abroad after the birth of your child, you can still receive maternity benefits.

Differences between maternity leave and paternity leave 👩🍼👨🍼

Since January 2021, Swiss fathers have been entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave within six months of the birth of their child. This benefit is subject to the condition that they are or become the legal father within six months of the birth. Unlike maternity leave, paternity leave is not extended in the event of prolonged hospitalization of the child. In addition, it offers more flexibility, as fathers can choose to take it continuously or intermittently within six months of the child's birth. It should be noted that taking paternity leave does not reduce employees' paid leave entitlements.

However, paternity leave comes at a certain cost to the employee, with an estimated annual expenditure of around 230 million Swiss francs. This cost has led to an increase in the contribution to family allowances from 0.45% to 0.5% in 2021. There is also an ongoing debate in the Swiss parliament about introducing 38 weeks of shared parental leave, allowing parents to divide the leave between them. This initiative represents a step toward equality in the workplace.

How Earny help you 💼

As Switzerland's leading payroll provider, Earny a streamlined and efficient solution for managing maternity and paternity leave benefits. Our comprehensive digital tools handle all the complexities associated with these types of leave, from determining the length of leave to ensuring accurate compensation. We automate your payroll processes and provide real-time updates on regulatory changes. By leveragingEarny services, you can efficiently manage maternity and paternity leave benefits, ensure compliance with Swiss laws, and foster a supportive work environment for your employees.