Paternity leave is a type of leave where new fathers are entitled to time off work due to the birth of a child or adoption of a baby. Policies surrounding paternity leave vary in each country.

Unless paternity leave is legally mandated by the state, province or country, paternity leave is up to the employer. 

The pay surrounding paternity leave varies as well. Unless the law mandates that it is to be paid, it is up to the employer to provide employees with paid paternity leave. 

If paternity leave is paid, the pay rate will vary as well. For example, Lithuania offers new fathers 30 days of paternity leave, where they receive 77% of their wages. 

Estonia also offers paid paternity leave, where new fathers can take two weeks off and receive full pay. 

In some countries, like Spain, it’s legally required to provide pay during paternity leave. However, the pay can be in the form of a stipend.

Eligibility regarding paternity leave may guided by several factors, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The length of employment
• The employee’s amount of social security contributions
• The size of the company
• A notice period
• Proof of pregnancy or adoption

Offering paternity leave serves many benefits for new fathers and their family, such as:

• Mothers can return to work sooner and remain a critical part of their company and workforce.
• Mothers can recover much faster with their significant other at home.
• Paternity leave gives fathers an opportunity to bond with their new child.
• Newborns can receive extra care after birth.

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