Parental leave; application by employees of the Free State of Bavaria

Employees of the Free State of Bavaria can apply for parental leave.

Parental leave is unpaid leave to care for a child. The employment relationship remains in place during this time. Parental leave can be taken until the child reaches the age of three.

Civil servants of the Free State of Bavaria can apply for parental leave, which is one of the most important instruments for promoting the compatibility of family and career. It enables employees to reconcile their ideas of bringing up children and working life to a high degree. Employees who look after and bring up their child themselves are legally entitled to parental leave until the child reaches the age of three. Up to 24 months of parental leave can be transferred to the period between the child's third and eighth birthday.

There is protection against dismissal during parental leave. It begins with the registration of parental leave. Notice of termination can therefore only be given in special cases and only if the competent supervisory authority has previously declared the termination to be permissible.

Parental leave taken within the first three years of the child's life must be registered with the employer seven weeks before the start of the leave. If the registration deadline is not met, the start date for parental leave will be postponed accordingly. In exceptional cases, a reasonably shorter period is also possible for urgent reasons. Parental leave between the child's third and eighth birthday must be registered in writing at least 13 weeks before the start date.

A declaration made regarding the duration and periods of parental leave is generally binding. Approved parental leave can be terminated prematurely or extended within the maximum permitted duration with the employer's consent. Parental leave can also be terminated prematurely without the employer's consent in order to take advantage of the maternity protection periods before and after the birth of another child.

Further information on parental leave, such as part-time employment, protection against dismissal and vacation during parental leave, as well as the effects of collective bargaining and benefits during parental leave, can be found in the brochure "Parental leave for employees and civil servants of the Free State of Bavaria" (see "Further links").

The Bavarian Family and Social Affairs Center is also available to advise you.