In Italy, each parent is entitled to parental leave (congedo parentale) to care for their child after the compulsory maternity leave period ends. Under the Testo Unico (D.Lgs. 151/2001), each parent can take up to 6 months of parental leave at 30% of their salary, paid by INPS. The leave can be taken until the child turns 6 years old (or 12 in certain cases). Fathers who use their optional parental leave receive an extra month at 100% pay, as an incentive for gender-equal caregiving.

Statutory entitlement

Up to 6 months per parent of parental leave at 30% of salary (paid by INPS), within a household maximum of 10 months total. The total increases to 11 months if the father takes at least 3 months of continuous parental leave. Fathers using parental leave receive an extra month at 100% pay. Mothers can extend by up to 6 additional months (unpaid) until the child is 12.

Eligibility

All employees (private and public sector) who have completed at least 1 year of service with the same employer or in the same sector are entitled to parental leave. The leave can be taken after the compulsory maternity/paternity leave period. Adoptive and foster parents have the same rights.

Employer obligations

  • Grant up to 6 months of parental leave per parent per child.
  • Pay the employee's normal salary and claim the INPS reimbursement for the 30% covered days.
  • Allow the employee to take parental leave flexibly (in days, weeks, or months).
  • Maintain the employee's position and employment terms during the leave.
  • Protect the employee from dismissal during the parental leave period.
  • Accrue seniority (anzianità) and annual leave during the parental leave period.

Employee rights

  • Right to up to 6 months of parental leave per parent at 30% of salary.
  • Right to take leave until the child is 6 years old (12 for the mother's unpaid extension).
  • Right to take leave flexibly — in days, weeks, or months, not necessarily continuous.
  • Right to the household maximum of 10 months (increasing to 11 if the father takes at least 3 months).
  • Right to an extra month at 100% pay for fathers who take parental leave.
  • Right to accrue seniority and annual leave during parental leave.

Common pitfalls

  • Not understanding the household maximum — the combined parental leave of both parents is capped at 10 months per child (11 if the father takes at least 3 months).
  • Confusing parental leave with compulsory maternity leave — parental leave is optional and taken after the 5-month compulsory maternity period.
  • Not realising fathers get an extra month at 100% — fathers who take parental leave receive an additional month at full pay as an incentive.
  • Assuming the leave must be taken immediately — parental leave can be taken any time until the child turns 6.

How parental leave is structured

After compulsory maternity leave (5 months) and paternity leave (10 days), parents can take optional parental leave. Each parent is entitled to up to 6 months at 30% pay. However, the total combined leave for both parents cannot exceed 10 months per child. If the father takes at least 3 months of continuous parental leave, the household limit increases to 11 months. The leave can be taken in flexible units (days, weeks, or months) until the child is 6.

The father's bonus month

To encourage gender-equal caregiving, fathers who take their optional parental leave receive an additional month at 100% of salary (paid by INPS). This is in addition to the 6-month entitlement and does not count towards the household maximum. The incentive is designed to increase fathers' take-up of parental leave in Italy, which has historically been low.

Extension until the child is 12

Mothers can extend their parental leave by up to 6 additional months beyond the 6-month paid period, but these extra months are unpaid. The extension can be taken until the child is 12 years old (previously 8, extended by recent reforms). This extension is not available to fathers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum total parental leave for both parents?

The household maximum is 10 months per child. If the father takes at least 3 months of continuous parental leave, the maximum increases to 11 months.

Do fathers get any extra benefits for taking parental leave?

Yes. Fathers who take parental leave receive an extra month at 100% pay, in addition to their normal entitlement. This is an incentive to increase fathers' participation in childcare.

Can I take parental leave in small increments?

Yes. Parental leave can be taken flexibly in days, weeks, or months. It does not need to be taken in one continuous block.

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.