Last updated: 8 November 2026 | Checked against Citizens Information (paternity leave, edited 10 August 2026; Paternity Benefit, edited 7 October 2026; social welfare rates announced in Budget 2027).
If your partner is having a baby, or you are adopting, you have the right to paternity leave in Ireland. Most questions come down to three things: how long you get, who pays you, and which deadlines you must not miss.
This guide covers the leave itself, the Paternity Benefit rate for 2027, the PRSI conditions, notice rules and how to apply. Every rule here comes from official Irish sources, listed at the bottom of the page. It sits alongside our guide to maternity leave in Ireland.
Quick answer
- Leave: 2 weeks, for employed and self-employed parents.
- Pay: Paternity Benefit from the Department of Social Protection if you meet the PRSI conditions. The standard rate is €299 a week in 2026 and €309 a week in 2027.
- Your employer: Employers do not have to pay you during paternity leave. Your contract may give you a top-up.
- When: Start any time within 26 weeks (about 6 months) after the birth or adoption.
- Tell your employer: At least 4 weeks before the leave starts, in writing, with the dates you want.
- Apply for the benefit: At least 4 weeks before your leave starts (12 weeks if you are self-employed).
Paternity Leave in Ireland: Key Facts
| Item | What the official source says |
|---|---|
| Length of leave | 2 weeks |
| Who can take it | Employed and self-employed parents, including same-sex couples |
| Minimum service | None. Full-time, part-time and casual employees qualify |
| When it can start | Any time within 26 weeks of the birth or adoption |
| Paternity Benefit rate | €299 a week in 2026, €309 a week in 2027 |
| Notice to your employer | At least 4 weeks, in writing |
| Apply for Paternity Benefit | At least 4 weeks before leave starts (12 weeks if self-employed) |
| Appeal a decision | Within 60 days to the Social Welfare Appeals Office |
How Much Paternity Leave Do You Get?
You are entitled to 2 weeks of paternity leave. There is no minimum length of service or minimum number of hours, so full-time, part-time and casual employees all qualify.
If your partner has twins or other multiple births, you still get one 2-week period, not one for each baby.
Who Can Take Paternity Leave?
Paternity leave is for the child’s father, the mother’s partner (a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant) and the parent of a donor-conceived child. Same-sex couples can take it too.
For an adoption, the leave goes to the parent who is not the qualifying adopter for adoptive leave. A sole adopter can take paternity leave if they are not taking adoptive leave.
When Can You Take Paternity Leave?
You can start your leave at any time within the first 26 weeks (about 6 months) after the birth or adoption. You can postpone it if the baby is born late, the adoption placement is delayed, you are ill, or the baby is in hospital. Ask in writing, and give evidence if the reason is illness.
The 2 weeks of Paternity Benefit must be taken together, not split. If you decide not to take the leave, you cannot be paid the benefit.
How to Give Notice to Your Employer
Give your employer written notice at least 4 weeks before the leave starts, with the dates you plan to take.
- Before the birth: include a doctor’s certificate showing the due date.
- After the birth: include a certificate showing the actual birth date.
- Adoption: include a certificate of placement.
Your employer completes form PB2, the Employer Certificate for Paternity Benefit, which you need for your benefit claim.
Paternity Benefit Rate for 2026 and 2027
Paternity Benefit is paid for 2 weeks. The standard weekly rate is €299 in 2026. Under the rates announced in Budget 2027, it rises by €10 in January 2027, to €309 a week.
- Tax: Paternity Benefit is taxable. Universal Social Charge and PRSI are not charged on it.
- Dependants: If you have dependants, you receive the higher of the Paternity Benefit rate or the Illness Benefit rate, including increases for dependants.
- Half rate: Some people on certain other payments, such as the One-Parent Family Payment, can get half-rate Paternity Benefit.
- Abroad: You can receive it for up to 2 weeks while on holiday abroad, but you must tell the Paternity Benefit Section in advance.
PRSI Conditions for Paternity Benefit
You need PRSI contributions in Class A, E, H or S. Employees must meet any one of these three conditions:
- At least 39 weeks of PRSI paid in the 12 months before the first day of leave.
- At least 39 weeks paid since you started work, and at least 39 weeks paid or credited in the relevant tax year or the tax year after it.
- At least 26 weeks paid in the relevant tax year, and at least 26 weeks paid in the tax year before that.
For leave taken in 2026, the relevant tax year is 2024.
If you are self-employed, you must be in insurable employment and have 52 weeks of Class S contributions in the relevant tax year, the year before it, or the year after it. Self-employed people do not get credited contributions automatically.
How to Apply for Paternity Benefit
- Give your employer 4 weeks’ written notice and ask them to complete form PB2. If you are self-employed or not working, a doctor completes form PB3, the Medical Certificate for Paternity Benefit.
- Apply at least 4 weeks before your leave starts. Self-employed people must apply at least 12 weeks before.
- Apply online at MyWelfare.ie. You need a Public Services Card linked to your mobile phone number and a verified MyGovID account, and you upload the PB2 or PB3.
- Or post the completed form to the Paternity Benefit Section, Department of Social Protection, McCarter’s Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal.
The benefit is paid into your bank or building society account, or into your employer’s account if you choose that. If you disagree with a decision, appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days.
Does Your Employer Pay You During Paternity Leave?
Employers are not required to pay employees on paternity leave. Some contracts include full pay or a top-up on the benefit, and some employers ask for the Paternity Benefit to be paid to them. Check your contract and staff handbook.
Extra time off beyond the 2 weeks is at your employer’s discretion. If you want it, ask in writing before the birth or adoption.
Your Rights During and After Paternity Leave
- You have the right to return to the same job on the same contract. If that is not reasonably possible, your employer must offer suitable alternative work that is not less favourable.
- The law protects you from penalisation and unfair dismissal for taking paternity leave.
If there is a problem, raise it with your employer first. If it is not resolved, you can complain to the Workplace Relations Commission using its online form. The complaint normally has to be made within 6 months, and this can be extended by up to 6 months if there was reasonable cause for the delay.
Special Situations
- Baby in hospital: You can postpone your leave for up to 6 months.
- Premature birth: If your leave dates change, send your employer’s letter confirming the new dates and the birth date to the Paternity Benefit Section. Self-employed parents send their own letter plus a doctor’s or hospital letter.
- Stillbirth: Paternity leave applies if the stillbirth happens after the 23rd week of pregnancy, or the baby weighs at least 400g. A doctor’s letter with the expected date, actual date and weeks of pregnancy is needed for the benefit.
- If the mother dies: The father may be entitled to maternity or adoptive leave, starting within 7 days of her death. Unused paternity leave can be taken at the end of that leave.
If You Are a Foreign National Working in Ireland
Citizens Information states that foreign nationals working legally in Ireland are entitled to the same range of statutory employment protections as Irish employees. Whether you get Paternity Benefit depends on your PRSI record, so check your contributions early. If you are planning to move to Ireland for work, start with our guide to Irish work visa requirements. You can check the minimum pay for your job in our minimum wage guide.
Paternity Leave Checklist
- Check your PRSI record and which condition you meet.
- Decide your leave dates, within 26 weeks of the birth or adoption.
- Give written notice at least 4 weeks before, with a doctor’s certificate.
- Ask your employer to complete form PB2 (or ask a doctor for PB3 if you are self-employed).
- Apply on MyWelfare.ie at least 4 weeks before your leave starts.
- Check whether your contract gives a top-up on the benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many weeks of paternity leave do you get in Ireland?
You get 2 weeks of paternity leave. It is available to employed and self-employed parents, with no minimum service.
How much is Paternity Benefit in Ireland in 2027?
The standard weekly rate is €309 in 2027, up €10 from €299 in 2026, according to the rates announced in Budget 2027.
Is paternity leave paid in Ireland?
Paternity Benefit from the Department of Social Protection covers the 2 weeks if you meet the PRSI conditions. Employers do not have to pay, although your contract may give a top-up.
When can I take paternity leave?
You can start at any time within 26 weeks (about 6 months) after the birth or adoption. You can postpone it if, for example, the baby is in hospital.
When must I tell my employer I am taking paternity leave?
Give at least 4 weeks written notice before your leave starts, with the dates you want and a doctor’s certificate of the due date or birth date.
When should I apply for Paternity Benefit?
Apply at least 4 weeks before your leave starts. Self-employed people should apply at least 12 weeks before. You can apply online at MyWelfare.ie.
Can same-sex couples take paternity leave in Ireland?
Yes. Paternity leave is available to same-sex couples, as well as to fathers, the mother’s partner and adoptive parents who are not the qualifying adopter.
Can I get paternity leave if I am a foreign national working in Ireland?
Citizens Information says foreign nationals working legally in Ireland are entitled to the same range of statutory employment protections as Irish employees. Paternity Benefit depends on your PRSI record.
Sources
- Citizens Information: Paternity leave
- Citizens Information: Paternity Benefit
- Citizens Information: Social welfare rates announced in Budget 2027
- Citizens Information: Employees’ rights and entitlements
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