Adoptive parents are entitled to adoption leave (see information about the adoption allowance on the Social Security portal). If the child is under the age of 15, working adoptive parents are entitled to leave for 120 or 150 consecutive days.

If more than one child is being adopted, the leave period is increased by an additional 30 days for each subsequent adoption. The leave starts from the moment the adoption process is formalised.

There is no entitlement to leave for the adoption of a spouse or cohabiting partner’s child.

Incapacity of adoptive parents

If the adoptive parent becomes incapacitated or dies during the leave period, their spouse is entitled to the unused leave, or a minimum of 14 days. In the event of hospitalisation, the leave period will be suspended for the duration of the hospitalisation. The employer must be formally notified of this situation.

There is no entitlement to leave for the adoption of a spouse or cohabiting partner’s child.

As a general rule, the parental rights of families with adopted children and young people are equivalent to those of parents with biological children, such as absences, working hours and leave, and social benefits such as allowances and subsidies.