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Paid paternity leave

What this indicator measures

The law is examined on the length of paid leave reserved for fathers: the score is full from 14 calendar days, zero if there is no paid leave, and intermediate otherwise. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).

How to read this?

“14 days or more” means paid leave reaches at least two weeks; “Less than 14 days” means it exists but is shorter.

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186countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Paid paternity leave: 186 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: 14 days or more of paid leave : 60 ; Paid leave of less than 14 days : 61 ; No paid leave : 65.

Why this indicator matters

Paid leave for fathers makes it possible to share the load of the first period with a child. Comparing its length shows how the law supports the sharing of family responsibilities between parents.

What makes this indicator vary

Leave depends on family policy choices, funding by the state or employers, the history of labor law and international guidelines. Many texts have been created or extended recently.

Reading precautions

The indicator describes the written law, not its enforcement or the more generous leave offered by some companies. It only counts paid leave reserved for fathers, with a threshold, without detailing the level of pay.

Paid paternity leave

14 days or more of paid leave (60)

Paid leave of less than 14 days (61)

No paid leave (65)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Paid paternity leave" data come from?

It comes from Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does the full-leave threshold mean?

The law provides for at least two calendar weeks of paid leave reserved for fathers. Below that, leave exists but is classified as shorter.

Is parental leave counted?

The indicator looks at paid leave reserved for fathers. Parental leave that can be shared between both parents is a different scheme and is not the subject of this measure.

Source and update

Source : Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Women's rights