Paternity leave in Romania: how many days, who pays and how to request it
In short
The father of a newborn is entitled to paid paternity leave of 10 working days, requested within the first 8 weeks after birth, based on the child's birth certificate. If the father has completed a childcare (puericultură) course, the leave is increased by a further 5 working days. The indemnity equals the salary (100% of the base salary plus permanent allowances) and is paid by the employer, and dismissal during the leave is prohibited.
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Your child has been born and you want to be home in the first days, with your family — a right the law explicitly grants fathers. Paternity leave is one of the simplest procedures in all of labour law: you file no state paperwork, wait for no approvals, request it directly from your employer, and the money does not change — you receive your full salary.
What you get, in short
- 10 working days of paid paternity leave — the basic right of any employed father.
- +5 working days if you complete a childcare (puericultură) course and present the certificate. So up to 15 days in total.
- 100% indemnity — you receive your base salary plus permanent allowances, paid by the employer, not the state.
The timing rule: the first 8 weeks
The leave is taken within the first 8 weeks after birth — you cannot postpone it indefinitely. You submit a written request to your employer, with the child’s birth certificate, and set your days within this window. If you also want the 5 extra days, do the childcare course in good time (it can be done before the birth too), so you have the certificate ready.
Important to remember: during the leave you cannot be dismissed — the law expressly prohibits it, and the employer is in fact required to inform you that you have this right.
Steps to follow
- Check your entitlement. Paternity leave is granted to the father of a newborn who has worker status (an employee with an employment contract, but also other assimilated categories: mandate/management contracts, public dignity offices, military and police personnel). It does not depend on seniority or a contribution period.
- Submit the request to your employer within the first 8 weeks. The leave is granted on request, within the first 8 weeks of the child's birth. You submit a written request to your employer, together with the child's birth certificate showing that you are the father.
- For the extra days, attach the puericultură certificate. If you want the 5 extra days, attach the childcare course completion certificate, issued by your family doctor or an accredited medical unit. The course can be done before or immediately after the birth.
- Take your leave days. The employer grants the leave in the requested period, within the 8 weeks. During it you receive the full indemnity, and the period counts as time worked.
Required documents
- A written request addressed to the employer
- The child's birth certificate (showing your status as father)
- The childcare course completion certificate — only for the 5 extra days
Costs
| What you pay | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paternity leave | Free | You file no state paperwork; it is requested directly from the employer |
| The indemnity | 100% of salary | Base salary plus permanent allowances, paid by the employer from the payroll fund |
Fees change over time. Always check the current amounts on the official websites listed under “Official sources”.
How long it takes
10 working days of paternity leave, increased by 5 working days if the father has completed the childcare course (so up to 15 days). The leave is taken within the first 8 weeks of birth.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for paternity leave — the state or the employer?
The employer. The indemnity equals the salary (100% of the base salary plus permanent allowances) and is paid from the employer's payroll fund, not from the social insurance budget. You file no paperwork with the state.
How do I get the 5 extra days?
You complete a childcare (puericultură) course and obtain the certificate from your family doctor or an accredited medical unit. With this certificate, the 10 days become 15. The course can be done before or immediately after the birth.
I have a fixed-term contract / I am self-employed — am I entitled?
Employees with an employment contract (including fixed-term) are entitled, as are other assimilated worker categories. Self-employed persons (PFA) and those without worker status generally fall outside this law — check your specific situation.
Can my employer dismiss me while I am on paternity leave?
No. The law expressly prohibits terminating employment or service relations during paternity leave. The employer also has an obligation to inform employees about this right.
Is paternity leave different from child-raising leave?
Yes, completely different. Paternity leave is short (10-15 days, at birth, paid by the employer). Child-raising leave lasts up to 2 years, is paid by the state and can be taken by either parent — see our dedicated guide.