France has introduced a new type of paid parental leave following the birth of a child: the new rules take effect on July 1, 2026

Starting July 1, 2026, parents in France can receive one or two additional months of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child. This new entitlement supplements existing leave, with compensation amounting to 70% of net salary for the first month and 60% for the second. Learn more about the conditions, timeframes, and application process for this new leave in France

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As of July 1, 2026, France introduced additional paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child. This gives families more time to care for their child during the first few months without having to completely give up their income.

According to the French health insurance system, Assurance Maladie, parents of children born or adopted on or after January 1, 2026, are eligible for this new benefit. The leave is available not only to employees but also to the self-employed and those registered as unemployed.

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What does the new paid parental leave in France entail?

Each parent is entitled to one or two months of additional leave. Therefore, if both parents decide to take the maximum duration, the family as a whole can receive up to four months to care for the child.

Parents can choose the format that works best for them:

- Take leave at the same time

- Take it one after the other

- Take a single continuous period of one or two months

- Split the two-month leave into two separate one-month periods

This new leave does not replace maternity leave, parental leave, or adoption leave. It is in addition to these and allows parents to extend the time spent caring for their child after the main leave period ends.

Details about the legalization process in France starting in 2026 — read more here.

Who is eligible for this leave, and when can it be taken?

This new entitlement applies to employees, self-employed individuals, and registered unemployed persons. Depending on family composition, up to three people may be eligible for leave to care for a single child: the mother, the father, and the mother’s spouse or partner.

The leave is available if the child:

- Was born or adopted on or after January 1, 2026

- Was born prematurely at the end of 2025, even though the expected due date fell within the period from January 1, 2026

For children born or adopted between January 1 and June 30, 2026, the nine-month period begins on July 1. Therefore, parents may take the leave until March 31, 2027.

If a child was born or joined the family through adoption on or after July 1, 2026, the leave must begin within nine months of that date. If the primary leave is extended due to the health of the mother or child, this period may also be extended.

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How much will be paid, and how do you apply for the new leave?

Payments during the additional leave are gradually reduced. Employees receive:

- 70% of net pay during the first month

- 60% of net salary during the second month

Payments are calculated within the established social insurance ceiling. In 2026, monthly income not exceeding 4,005 euros is taken into account when determining the payment. For self-employed individuals, a fixed daily allowance is provided, the amount of which depends on average annual income.

The employee must notify the employer in writing at least one month before the start of the leave. The notice must specify the dates, duration, and any decision to split the leave into two periods. The document must be sent by certified mail with return receipt requested or delivered in person against a signed receipt.

If the additional leave begins immediately after the other parent’s leave or adoption leave and falls within the first month after the child’s birth or adoption, the employer may be notified 15 days in advance. Self-employed individuals submit their application through a special government online service.

Moving to France requires careful preparation, as immigration requirements and everyday rules may vary depending on a foreigner’s status and the purpose of their stay. The immigration guide from Visit World will help you navigate the main steps of processing documents, organizing your move, and settling into your new country. Download the guide and get all the information you need about life in France in one place.

We remind you! In our previous article, we reported that France is introducing a citizenship exam for foreigners starting in 2026.

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