New legislation gradually extends paternity leave, creates a paternity allowance, and ensures temporary job security for workers during the leave period
Law No. 15,371/2026 changes the rules on paternity leave in Brazil and establishes paternity pay, a benefit paid by Social Security during the employee’s leave.
The extension of leave will be gradual: 10 days starting January 1, 2027; 15 days starting January 1, 2028; and 20 days starting January 1, 2029. However, the expansion to 20 days will depend on meeting the fiscal target set in the Fiscal Targets Annex of the Budget Guidelines Law for the second year, in accordance with the criteria of the Fiscal Responsibility Law.
During the leave, the employment relationship is maintained, and the worker receives paternity pay. The law also prohibits arbitrary dismissal or dismissal without just cause from the start of paternity leave until one month after it ends, ensuring greater job stability during this period. The right is
