Since August 2022, Austria has offered fathers (or the second parent in same-sex couples) one month of exclusive paternity leave known as the Papamonat. This leave is paid at full wage replacement through the Familienzeitbonus (family time bonus), funded by the state. The Papamonat must be taken within 12 months of the child's birth and cannot be transferred to the other parent. It is separate from and additional to the shared Karenzzeit and Kinderbetreuungsgeld entitlements. The Papamonat was introduced to encourage fathers to take a more active role in early childcare and to promote gender equality in the workplace.

Statutory entitlement

1 month (30 calendar days) of exclusive paternity leave at full wage replacement via Familienzeitbonus. The benefit replaces 100% of the father's previous net income, subject to health insurance contributions. Must be taken within 12 months of birth and cannot be transferred to the other parent.

Eligibility

Fathers (or the second parent in same-sex couples) who live in the same household as the child and care for it personally are eligible. The father must be employed at the time the leave begins. There is no minimum employment duration, but the father must meet the Austrian social insurance contribution requirements.

Employer obligations

  • Grant 1 month of Papamonat upon the father's request.
  • Protect the employee from dismissal during the Papamonat period.
  • Maintain the employee's position for the duration of the leave.
  • Continue paying social security and pension contributions during the leave period.
  • Accept Papamonat notification in accordance with the applicable notice period requirements.

Employee rights

  • Right to 1 month of paid paternity leave at full wage replacement.
  • Right to protection from dismissal during the Papamonat period.
  • Right to take the Papamonat within 12 months of the child's birth.
  • Right to return to the same or an equivalent position after the leave.
  • Right to split the 30 days into blocks if agreed with the employer.

Common pitfalls

  • Missing the 12-month deadline — the Papamonat must be taken within 12 months of birth and cannot be extended or deferred beyond this period.
  • Assuming the employer pays the benefit — the Familienzeitbonus is funded by the state through the health insurance system, not by the employer.
  • Confusing the Papamonat with Karenzzeit — the Papamonat is a separate, exclusive entitlement for the father and does not reduce the 24-month shared Karenzzeit allocation.
  • Not giving adequate notice — while there is no fixed statutory notice period, employees should inform their employer as early as possible.

How the Familienzeitbonus works

The Familienzeitbonus replaces the father's net income at 100% for the duration of the Papamonat (30 calendar days). The benefit is paid by the health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) and is funded through the Familienzeitbonus-Fonds. The father receives the benefit directly, and the employer does not bear the cost. The benefit is subject to standard health insurance contributions.

Relationship to Karenzzeit and Kinderbetreuungsgeld

The Papamonat is entirely separate from the shared Karenzzeit. Taking the Papamonat does not reduce either parent's 12-month share of the 24-month Karenzzeit entitlement. The father can take the Papamonat first and then transition into Karenzzeit, or take them at different times, as long as the Papamonat is completed within 12 months of birth.

Splitting the Papamonat

The 30 calendar days of the Papamonat can be split into two blocks, provided the employer agrees to the arrangement. All days must be taken within 12 months of the child's birth. The split must be declared in advance, and each block must be at least 8 consecutive calendar days.

Frequently asked questions

Can the Papamonat be transferred to the mother?

No. The Papamonat is an exclusive entitlement for the father (or the second parent in same-sex couples). It cannot be transferred to the other parent under any circumstances.

Does the Papamonat affect the 24-month Karenzzeit?

No. The Papamonat is separate from Karenzzeit. Taking the Papamonat does not reduce the father's 12-month share of the 24-month shared parental leave.

How much does the Familienzeitbonus pay?

The Familienzeitbonus replaces 100% of the father's previous net earnings for the 30-day period, subject to health insurance contributions. There is no statutory cap, but the benefit is limited to the father's actual net income.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.