If you’re self-employed and have recently become a father, you are entitled to paternity leave (officially known as the benefit for birth and childcare). And in 2026, there are some important updates. In this article, I’ll explain how long it lasts, which part is compulsory, how much you’ll receive, and how to apply step by step. Let’s focus on the practical side — because with a newborn, spare time is hardly in abundance.
Are Self-Employed Workers Entitled to Paternity Leave?
Yes, self-employed workers are entitled to paternity leave in exactly the same way as employees. Although the legal name has changed, in practice it is the same paid leave to care for your child after birth, adoption or fostering.
This right is recognised within the Social Security system and does not depend on whether you have an employer or not. It makes no difference whether you work from home or run your own business: you can access this benefit.
How Long Does Paternity Leave Last for the Self-Employed?
From 2026, paternity leave for self-employed workers lasts 19 weeks per parent.
This extension comes from Royal Decree-Law 9/2025, which has added 3 extra weeks compared with the previous 16 weeks.
The breakdown is as follows:
- 6 compulsory weeks after the birth
- 11 flexible weeks during the first year
- 2 additional weeks that can be used until the child turns 8 years old
In single-parent families, the total duration rises to 32 weeks.
How Many Weeks Are Compulsory?
The answer remains clear: 6 weeks are compulsory.
These weeks must be taken immediately after the birth and without interruption. They cannot be moved or split. This is the fixed part of the leave, even with the new extension.
How Can the Remaining Weeks Be Taken?
This is where flexibility comes in:
- The 11 weeks can be taken during the child’s first year
- You can split them into different periods
- You can even combine them according to your workload
And the major new development:
- The 2 additional weeks can be used at any time until the child turns 8
However, although these two weeks are retroactive for births from August 2024 onwards, they can only be claimed from 2026.
How Much Does a Self-Employed Worker Receive on Paternity Leave?
Let’s Talk About What Matters Most: Money
During paternity leave, a self-employed worker receives 100% of their regulatory base, which usually matches their contribution base.
If you contribute at the minimum base, you will receive the minimum base. If you contribute at a higher base, your benefit will be higher. There are no surprises, but it is worth understanding how it is calculated.
How Is the Benefit Calculated?
How Is the Benefit Calculated?
Quick example:
- Approximate minimum contribution base: €960
- Daily regulatory base: 960 / 30 = €32
- Approximate monthly benefit: €960
In short, you receive the same amount as you contribute. If you have been considering increasing your contribution base, this is one of those times when it makes a noticeable difference.
What Happens to Self-Employed Contributions During Leave?
Good news: you do not pay self-employed social security contributions during leave.
During the leave period, Social Security grants a 100% rebate on your monthly contributions. That means you receive the benefit and do not pay your monthly fee either — a major relief for any self-employed worker.
Requirements to Claim Paternity Leave as a Self-Employed Worker
The main requirements are:
- Be registered with the self-employed scheme (RETA)
- Be up to date with Social Security payments
- Have paid contributions for at least 180 days in the last 7 years, or 360 days over your entire working life
- Submit the required documentation (birth certificate, ID, etc.)
- Notify the start of leave within the established deadlines
How to Apply for Paternity Leave Step by Step
Let’s look at the practical process, which is simpler than it may seem.
What Documents Do You Need?
Prepare the following:
- ID
- Family record book or birth certificate
- Maternity/paternity report from the hospital
- Bank account details
- Official Social Security application form
- If you work with regular clients, it is advisable to prepare advance notice (not compulsory, but recommended)
Where Do You Apply?
You can apply:
- Online, through the Social Security Electronic Office (if you have a digital certificate or Cl@ve access)
- In person, at a CAISS Social Security office, by appointment
The online route is the quickest and avoids unnecessary travel.
When Is the Best Time to Start the Process?
Ideally, start the application immediately after the birth, once you have the hospital certificate.
If done online, it can be completed in just a few minutes. If applying in person, book your appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Common Mistakes When Applying as a Self-Employed Worker
Some common pitfalls:
- Not checking your contribution base before the birth
- Not being up to date with payments (and only discovering this when applying)
- Not preparing documentation in advance
- Not understanding which weeks are compulsory and which are flexible
- Thinking ‘I’ll sort it later’ and missing important deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity Leave for the Self-Employed
Is paternity leave compulsory for the self-employed?
Yes, the first 6 weeks are compulsory. The rest is flexible.
Can a self-employed worker continue working during leave?
During the 6 compulsory weeks, no. During the flexible weeks, partial leave may be requested, but always with authorisation.
When is the benefit paid?
Usually from the month following the start of leave.
Can it be applied for online?
Yes, and it is the quickest and most convenient method.
What if I am not up to date with payments?
Social Security will give you a deadline to regularise your situation. If you do not, the benefit may be refused.
How Can a Self-Employed Worker Better Organise Work Before Leave?
A little planning can save you from chaos:
- Delegate occasional tasks where possible
- Group jobs together before the birth
- Automate processes (invoicing, deliveries, reminders)
- Inform clients in advance
- Prepare automatic replies and availability calendars
Having the Right Professional Environment Also Helps
Having a suitable workspace makes a real difference. In a coworking space such as Wayco, the community, flexibility and services designed for self-employed professionals help you stay organised before and after leave. Being surrounded by professionals, having meeting rooms, quiet areas and a productive environment helps maintain a healthy work-life balance, even during a life-changing period such as welcoming a baby.
