Maternity leave
What is maternity leave?
If you are working and become pregnant, you have the right to request the maternity leave.
How can I request it?
You must submit your request through the INPS website two months before the expected due date.
You also need to attach a medical pregnancy certificate issued by a doctor of the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) and, within 30 days after the birth, communicate the date of birth and your baby’s personal details.
How long does maternity leave last?
Maternity leave lasts 5 months.
It is usually taken 2 months before and 3 months after the birth, but you may also choose to take the entire 5 months after the birth, or 1 month before and 4 months after.
How much will I receive during maternity leave?
You will receive 80% of your average daily wage, calculated based on your most recent payslip
Can I take maternity leave if I am receiving NASpI?
Yes. If you are receiving NASpI, you can still request maternity leave.
During maternity leave, the NASpI payments are suspended, and you will instead receive the maternity allowance (also 80% of your average daily wage, based on your last job before NASpI).
I am self-employed, with a partita IVA. Can I receive maternity leave?
Yes, as long as you have regularly paid your social security contributions.
How much will I receive in this case?
You will receive 80% of the income you declared in your last tax return.
Paternity leave
What is paternity leave?
Mandatory paternity leave consists of 10 days off, which can be taken anytime from two months before the birth until five months after.
How much will I receive?
You will receive 100% of your salary for all 10 days.
When and how can I request it?
You must inform your employer with an official written request at least 5 days in advance.
Do I need to apply through the INPS website?
Yes, but only if you are:
- a seasonal worker,
- a domestic worker or caregiver,
- unemployed and receiving NASpI,
- an occasional show business worker, or working under a fixed-term contract.
Parentale leave
What is parental leave?
Unlike maternity and paternity leave (which are mandatory), parental leave is optional.
When can I request it?
You can request parental leave anytime until your child turns 14 years old
The total duration is 10 months, which can be increased to 11 months if the father takes at least 3 months (continuous or split).
Both parents can use parental leave at the same time.
Can both parents take 10 months each?
No. The 10 months are shared between both parents, for example:
- 5 months for the father
- 5 months for the mother
If only one parent takes parental leave, can they stay home for 10 months?
No. In this case, the maximum duration is 6 months (or 7 months for the father).
How can I request it?
You can apply for parental leave through the INPS website.
How much will I receive?
During parental leave, you will receive 30% of your average daily wage, based on your last payslip.
For one month, the allowance is 80% of your salary (it does not have to be the first month).
Can I request it if I am self-employed with a partita IVA?
Yes. In this case, each parent is entitled to three months of compensated parental leave, which cannot be transferred to the other parent, plus an additional three months that can be shared between them, for a maximum total of nine months of compensated leave between both parents
