France to implement new birth leave and sick leave rules in 2026

New social security regulations in France will introduce a supplementary birth leave starting July 1, 2026, for parents of children born or adopted from January 1, 2026. This individual right allows for up to two months of leave, which can be split into two one-month periods. To qualify for this leave, parents must have completed their existing maternity, paternity, or adoption leave.

For births occurring after July 1, 2026, the leave must be taken within nine months of the child's arrival. The leave is compensated by Social Security at a rate of 70% of net salary for the first month and 60% for the second month, subject to social security ceilings. To ensure the validation of a retirement quarter, a minimum of 58 days of compensation is required.

Additionally, new regulations effective September 1, 2026, will implement a cap on the duration of sick leave and the maximum period of compensation provided by the CPAM.