Exploring Maternity Leave Policies in Portugal: A comprehensive guide for expecting parents moving to Portugal

Maternity Leave Portugal

Do you live in Portugal and are about to have a baby? But you know nothing about how it works regarding maternity leave policies?

In Portugal, following the birth or adoption of a child, both mothers and fathers have the right to parental leave.

This benefit, provided through the social security system, serves to compensate for the income lost during the period in which parents are not working.

Parental leave comprises two categories: initial and extended. The initial phase, which can last up to 150 days, encompasses the mandatory and exclusive leave periods for both mothers and fathers. Extended parental leave extends this period by an additional three months.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information to navigate through this exciting and important phase of your life in Portugal, a beautiful country known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm people.

Initial parental leave 

Initial parental leave in Portugal can last for up to 120 or 150 consecutive days and includes both maternity and paternity leave. 

An additional 30 days may be added in specific cases:

Shared parental leave: If both parents decide to take leave individually, not simultaneously.

Twins: An extra 30 days are granted for the birth of twins.

If parents choose 120 days of leave, Social Security (called in Portugal Segurança Social), covers a parental allowance equal to 100% of the reference income (average gross salary declared to social security in the first 6 of the most recent 8 months before the leave begins). 

Opting for 150 days of leave, Social Security doesn't pay the full amount - pays an allowance of 80% of the reference income. 

In case you are not familiarized, Segurança Social is the Portuguese Social Security system responsible for providing various social benefits and services to citizens, including maternity allowance. It ensures that individuals have access to financial assistance during important life events such as childbirth, unemployment, and retirement, helping to safeguard their well-being and financial stability. For more information, visit the Social Security website. 

Maternity Leave 

In Portugal, mothers can choose to take up to 30 days of voluntary leave, before giving birth, and they are required to take 42 days (6 weeks) of compulsory leave, after the birth. These two periods are included on what we previously mentioned as initial parental leave (which can last for a total of 120 or 150 days).

Paternity Leave 

Fathers in Portugal have the right to take 28 days of leave, which can be taken consecutively or non-consecutively. At least 7 of these days must be taken after the baby's birth - consecutively and immediately following the birth. The remaining 21 days must be taken within 6 weeks (42 days) of the birth.

Additionally, fathers are entitled to an extra 7 working days of voluntary leave, which can be taken consecutively or non-consecutively and can be taken at the same time as the mother's leave.

Shared parental Leave 

In addition to maternity and paternity leave, Portugal also offers shared parental leave, allowing parents to divide the leave period between them. This flexibility empowers families to make individual decisions based on their unique circumstances and needs.

If parents decide to share the initial parental leave, there are 2 options: 

Each can take one period of 30 consecutive days (not at the same time), 

Or, take 2 separate periods of 15 consecutive days, after the mother's compulsory 6-week leave (adding an extra 30 days to the initial 120 or 150-day period). 

Compensation: 

For 120 + 30 days of leave, the parental allowance from social security will be 100% of the reference income. 

For 150 + 30 days, it will be 83%. If the father takes 60 days of paternity leave, the allowance increases from 83% to 90% of income.

Extended parental leave

Parents have the option to extend their initial parental leave by up to 3 months, both for the father and the mother. This extended leave must be taken right after the initial leave ends.

During this extended leave, Social Security provides an allowance equivalent to 25% of the reference income. However, if both parents share parental responsibilities during this period, the allowance increases from 25% to 40%.

Request the parental allowance

Who can request the parental allowance?

Employees, self-employed individuals, and certain categories of workers, including mariners, scientific research grantees, and those in a pre-retirement situation covered by pension schemes, as well as individuals receiving unemployment benefits or pensions, are eligible to request parental allowance.

When can you request the parental allowance?

You must request the allowance within six months from the date of the qualifying event. Delayed requests may result in a loss of entitlement for the corresponding days.

What are the requirements?

To qualify for the allowance, you must have worked and contributed for at least six consecutive or interpolated months preceding the date of incapacity to work due to childbirth. 

Additionally, you must have fulfilled the corresponding legal conditions for absences from work and have paid social security contributions until the end of the third month preceding the month of incapacity.

How to request the parental allowance?

You can apply online via the Social Security portal or in person at Social Security offices, by submitting the required form and documents. Online, go to Segurança Social Directa, select the "Família" tab and click on "Parentalidade". Choose "Pedir novo" button and select "Subsídio parental inicial".

Pregnancy in Portugal

Experiencing pregnancy in Portugal is a wonderful journey filled with joy, anticipation, and the opportunity to embrace a new culture. 

Check out your rights, and some essential aspects to keep in mind during your pregnancy:

Time Off for Pre-natal Appointments:

Pregnant women, including foreign nationals* residing in Portugal for over 90 days, are entitled to free check-ups during pregnancy and for the first 60 days post-birth. These appointments are only available at Health Centers with family doctors.

*Pregnant women who are foreign nationals and do not have a residence permit are entitled to free check-ups during pregnancy, as long as they can produce proof of residence issued by the parish council in their area of residence, indicating that they have resided in Portugal for more than 90 days.

Both mothers and fathers can take time off work to attend pre-natal appointments, with fathers allowed up to 3 days off to accompany the pregnant woman. This includes preparation for childbirth.

Pregnancy Health Record:

When they have their first appointment, pregnant women receive a pregnancy health record (called in Portugal Boletim de Saúde da Grávida), which includes their estimated due date and doctor's observations. 

This record serves as proof of pregnancy to the employers, and provides priority treatment at public services, along with exemption from health service fees.

In a normal (low-risk) pregnancy, here's what they are entitled to: 

Up to 30 weeks - Frequency of Check-Ups: Every 4-6 weeks

Between 30 and 36 weeks - Frequency of Check-Ups: Every 2-3 weeks

Between 36 weeks and birth -  Frequency of Check-Ups: Every 1-2 weeks

Dental Vouchers:

Under the National Health System, pregnant women are also entitled to receive 'dental vouchers' for free treatments, issued by their family doctor. 

They are entitled to a maximum of three vouchers per pregnancy, valid for 60 days after birth.

Preparation for Birth:

As the due date approaches, the family doctor refers the pregnant woman for a hospital appointment to discuss the birth plan and preferences.

For comprehensive information related to birth and related matters, the official Segurança Social website is the primary and most reliable source. You can find detailed guidance and resources regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and family support at the following link: Segurança Social - Birth. This website offers official and up-to-date information, ensuring you have access to accurate resources for all your needs concerning childbirth and family matters.

Portugal's maternity leave policies and support systems are designed to prioritize the well-being of parents and their children. By understanding the benefits available to you, seeking appropriate prenatal care, and embracing the unique experiences of pregnancy and parenthood in Portugal, you can embark on this new chapter with confidence and excitement. Remember, every step of the way, Baby Sisters is here to provide exceptional child care and support, allowing you to focus on the joys of parenting.