Romania provides fathers with 10 working days of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child, paid through the social insurance system. This is one of the more generous paternity leave entitlements in Central and Eastern Europe, reflecting Romania’s broader family support policies.
This guide covers Romanian paternity leave in 2026: the 10-day entitlement, the pay calculation, the parental leave system, and employer obligations.
Key takeaways
- Fathers are entitled to 10 working days of paid paternity leave per child, under Law 210/1999 on Maternity Protection (as amended).
- The leave is paid at 100% of the average salary through the social insurance system (CNAS).
- Paternity leave must be taken within 8 weeks of the child’s birth.
- Romania also provides 15 days of paid leave for the child’s first hospitalisation (one-time).
- Fathers can claim parental leave (concediu pentru creșterea copilului) of up to 1 year (or 2 years for disabled children) at 85% of salary.
- The paternal leave can be transferred to the mother if the father does not take it, converting to additional parental leave.
The statutory entitlement
Romanian paternity leave is set out in Law 210/1999 and regulated by Government Emergency Ordinance 158/2005. The entitlement has been progressively expanded since its introduction.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 working days |
| Pay rate | 100% of average salary |
| Payment source | Social insurance (CNAS) |
| Timing | Within 8 weeks of birth |
| Eligibility | Father with at least 12 months of employment |
| Additional leave | 15 days for child’s first hospitalisation (one-time) |
The 10-day entitlement is per child — fathers of twins or multiples receive the same 10 days, not multiplied.
Parental leave for fathers
Beyond the 10-day paternity leave, Romanian fathers have access to the broader parental leave system:
| Leave type | Duration | Pay | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paternity leave | 10 working days | 100% of salary | Father, 12 months employment |
| Parental leave | Up to 1 year | 85% of salary (capped) | Either parent, 12 months employment |
| Extended parental leave | Up to 2 years (disabled child) | 85% of salary (capped) | Either parent |
| Hospitalisation leave | 15 days (one-time) | 100% of salary | Father |
Parental leave (concediu pentru creșterea copilului) is available to either parent. The father can use it if the mother returns to work, or the parents can share the leave period. The monthly ceiling for parental leave is set annually by the government.
How paternity leave pay works
Paternity leave pay is funded through the social insurance system (Casa Națională de Asigurări de Sănătate — CNAS).
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pay rate | 100% of average salary |
| Monthly ceiling | RON 12,000 per month (2026 — updated annually) |
| Payment source | CNAS (social insurance) |
| Employer obligation | Advance payment, then reimbursement from CNAS |
| Minimum qualifying period | 12 months of continuous employment |
The 100% rate applies to the employee’s average salary over the previous 12 months, up to the monthly ceiling. The employer advances the salary during the leave period and claims reimbursement from CNAS.
Employer obligations
Romanian employers have the following duties:
- Grant the 10-day paternity leave — the employer must provide it when requested.
- Process the CNAS claim — the employer advances the pay and claims reimbursement from social insurance.
- Maintain employment — the employee’s position and social insurance contributions continue during leave.
- Register the leave — the employer registers the paternity leave in the employee’s records and notifies CNAS.
- Allow parental leave — fathers who wish to take the longer parental leave (up to 1 year) must be permitted to do so.
Worked example
Mihai works for an IT company in Bucharest. His wife gives birth on 15 November 2026. Mihai is entitled to 10 working days of paternity leave.
Mihai takes the leave immediately after birth (16–27 November 2026). His average salary is RON 8,000 per month. CNAS pays Mihai 100% of RON 8,000 = RON 8,000 for the 10-day period.
After the paternity leave, Mihai’s wife returns to work and Mihai claims parental leave (concediu pentru creșterea copilului) at 85% of his salary — RON 6,800 per month for up to 1 year.
Total family leave: 10 days paternity (100% salary) + up to 1 year parental (85% salary).
Hospitalisation leave
A distinctive feature of Romanian leave law is the 15-day leave for the child’s first hospitalisation. This is a one-time entitlement per child:
- The father can take 15 working days of paid leave when the child is hospitalised for the first time.
- The leave is paid at 100% of salary through the social insurance system.
- The entitlement is triggered by the hospitalisation, not the birth itself.
This leave is in addition to the 10-day paternity leave and the broader parental leave system.
Common pitfalls
1. Not claiming paternity leave within 8 weeks
The 10-day paternity leave must be taken within 8 weeks of birth. If the father delays, the entitlement may be lost.
2. Assuming paternity leave is multiplied for multiples
The 10-day entitlement is per child, not per birth event. Fathers of twins or triplets receive 10 days, not 20 or 30.
3. Confusing paternity leave with parental leave
The 10-day paternity leave is separate from the 1-year parental leave. Fathers often assume the 10 days is the only entitlement — parental leave provides up to 1 year at 85% of salary.
4. Not understanding the transfer provision
If the father does not take his paternity leave, it converts to additional parental leave for the mother. This is a family benefit, not a loss.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of paternity leave does Romania provide?
Romania provides 10 working days of paid paternity leave, paid at 100% of salary through the social insurance system.
Can fathers take parental leave in Romania?
Yes. Romanian fathers can take up to 1 year of parental leave (concediu pentru creșterea copilului) at 85% of salary, capped monthly. For disabled children, this extends to 2 years.
When must paternity leave be taken?
Paternity leave must be taken within 8 weeks of the child’s birth.
What is the hospitalisation leave?
Fathers are entitled to 15 days of paid leave for the child’s first hospitalisation — a one-time entitlement per child, separate from paternity leave.
Who pays for paternity leave in Romania?
The social insurance system (CNAS) pays the employee at 100% of salary. The employer advances the payment and claims reimbursement from CNAS.
For more context, see our guide to types of leave and absence management.
Romania’s paternity leave, parental leave, and hospitalisation leave create multiple entitlements per employee that require tracking and coordination with the social insurance system. A leave management system that handles Romanian-specific rules keeps you compliant and your families supported.
Sources
- Law 210/1999 on Maternity Protection (primary source)
- CNAS — Casa Națională de Asigurări de Sănătate (social insurance)
- Ministry of Labour — Family Benefits (government)
Last updated: 26 July 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. Social insurance ceilings and parental leave rates change annually — confirm current figures with CNAS and check the applicable employment contract or collective agreement.