How does parental leave work in Luxembourg and who is eligible?

Parental leave lets a parent stop or reduce work to care for a young child, then return to the same or a similar job.

Who is eligible: employees, apprentices, self-employed and public sector workers affiliated to Luxembourg social security for at least 12 consecutive months right before the leave (gaps totalling up to 7 days are allowed). Employees need that affiliation through an employment contract, plus at least 10 paid hours a week, a contract covering the whole leave and a finished trial period.

There are two leaves per child, one for each parent, and they cannot be transferred. The first follows maternity or adoption leave; the second must start before the child's 6th birthday (12th if adopted).

Formulas by contract:

• 40 hours or self-employed: 4 or 6 months full-time, 8 or 12 months half-time, or split leave (one day or two half-days a week for 20 months, or four separate months within 20 months).
• 20 hours or more: full-time or half-time.
• 10 to 19 hours, apprentices, or several employers: full-time only.

Full-time leave cannot be refused if requested on time. Half-time and split leave need your employer's agreement; the second leave can sometimes be postponed.

How to apply: write to your employer by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, at least 2 months before maternity leave (first leave) or 4 months before your start date (second leave). Within 15 days of your request, or of your employer's reply for the second leave, send the CAE the allowance application certified by your employer. Self-employed parents apply directly to the CAE by registered letter.

Pay: the CAE pays a monthly replacement income based on your average pensionable earnings over the previous 12 months, within upper and lower limits. It is taxed like a salary. Limits and calculator: CAE income page (opens in a new tab).