In Belgium, each parent is entitled to 4 months of parental leave (ouderschapsverlof / congé parental) per child. Unlike many European countries, Belgium's parental leave can be taken at any time until the child turns 12, making it one of the most flexible systems in Europe. The leave can be taken full-time, half-time, or as a one-fifth-time arrangement (one day per week). Payment comes from the unemployment insurance system (RVA/ONEM) at a flat-rate or income-related amount.

Statutory entitlement

4 months per parent per child. Can be taken full-time (4 consecutive months), half-time (8 months at 50% working time), or one-fifth time (20 months at 80% working time). Payment: flat-rate allowance from the RVA/ONEM (approximately €878 per month for full-time, €439 for half-time, €175 for one-fifth time) or income-related for employees in companies with fewer than 50 workers.

Eligibility

Each parent must have been employed by the same employer for at least 12 months at the time the leave starts. The leave can be taken until the child turns 12. Both parents have an independent entitlement — one parent's leave does not affect the other's.

Employer obligations

  • Grant 4 months of parental leave per parent per child.
  • Allow the employee to choose between full-time, half-time, and one-fifth-time arrangements.
  • Continue paying social security contributions during the leave period.
  • Maintain the employee's contract of employment during parental leave.
  • Protect the employee from dismissal during the leave period.
  • Allow the employee to return to the same or an equivalent position after parental leave.

Employee rights

  • Right to 4 months of parental leave per child, independent of the other parent's leave.
  • Right to choose the working-time reduction (full-time, half-time, or one-fifth time).
  • Right to a parental leave allowance from the RVA/ONEM.
  • Right to return to the same or an equivalent position after the leave.
  • Right to protection from dismissal during the parental leave period.
  • Right to take parental leave until the child turns 12.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming the leave must be taken immediately after birth — Belgium allows parental leave any time until the child turns 12.
  • Not meeting the 12-month employment requirement — employees must have 12 months of service with the same employer.
  • Confusing parental leave with maternity/paternity leave — these are separate entitlements that run independently.
  • Not understanding that both parents have an equal, independent right — one parent's leave does not reduce the other's entitlement.

How parental leave works in Belgium

Each parent can take 4 months of parental leave per child. The leave can be taken full-time (100% stop), half-time (50% reduction), or as a one-fifth-time arrangement (working 4 days instead of 5). The duration extends proportionally: half-time doubles the leave to 8 months, and one-fifth time extends it to 20 months. The leave can be taken in blocks or continuously until the child turns 12.

Payment and allowances

Employees in companies with 50 or more workers receive a flat-rate allowance from the RVA/ONEM: approximately €878 per month for full-time leave, €439 for half-time, and €175 for one-fifth time. Employees in companies with fewer than 50 workers may receive an income-related allowance (approximately 60% of their salary loss, subject to a cap).

Combining with other leave types

Parental leave is separate from and complementary to maternity leave (15 weeks) and paternity leave (15 days). Parents can take parental leave after or during maternity/paternity leave, provided they meet the employment requirement. Annual leave continues to accrue during parental leave.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take parental leave part-time?

Yes. You can take parental leave full-time, half-time (50% of normal hours), or as a one-fifth-time arrangement (80% of normal hours). The leave duration extends proportionally.

Until what age can I take parental leave?

Parental leave can be taken at any time until the child turns 12. You do not have to take it immediately after birth.

Does both parents get 4 months each?

Yes. Each parent has an independent entitlement to 4 months of parental leave per child. One parent's leave does not affect the other's entitlement.

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.