Brazil’s Lower House Backs Phased Expansion of Paternity Leave to 20 Days

Overview

• The approved text lifts leave from the current five days to 10 days in 2027–2028, 15 days in 2029, and up to 20 days from 2030, with the final stage contingent on meeting fiscal targets in the LDO.
• A new salário‑paternidade will be financed by Social Security, with companies reimbursed by the INSS and direct payment to self‑employed workers and MEIs.
• Coverage extends to formal and informal workers and grants protection against dismissal without cause from the start of the leave until 30 days after returning to work.
• Leave can be split into two periods, with at least half taken immediately after birth, adoption, or judicial guard and the remainder started within 180 days.
• The relator estimates costs rising from R$2.2 billion in 2026 to about R$5.4 billion in 2029, and the text permits suspension or denial of the benefit by authorities in cases indicating domestic or family violence.