Parental leave; application by civil servants of the Free State of Bavaria

Civil servants 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 generally be taken until the child reaches the age of three.

Parental leave 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. Civil servants are entitled to parental leave if they live in a household with their child and care for and raise this child themselves. They are entitled to parental leave - irrespective of the duration of their entitlement to parental allowance - until the child reaches the age of three. A portion of up to 24 months can be transferred to the period up to the child's eighth birthday.

Regardless of when parental leave is to be taken, it must be applied for in writing seven weeks before it begins. A declaration made regarding the duration and periods of parental leave is generally binding. Approved parental leave may be terminated prematurely or extended within the maximum permitted duration with the consent of the superior. Early termination is permitted in order to take advantage of the maternity protection periods for another child.

Further information on parental leave, such as part-time employment, sick leave and vacation leave during parental leave, as well as career, salary and pension implications of parental leave can be found in the brochure "Parental leave for employees and civil servants of the Free State of Bavaria".