France to introduce new additional birth leave in 2026

Starting July 1, 2026, a new additional birth leave policy will be implemented in France for parents. This new entitlement allows parents to take one or two additional months of leave, compensated by health insurance, following the conclusion of standard maternity, paternity, or adoption leave. The benefit applies to any employee whose child was born or arrived in the household on or after January 1, 2026, regardless of seniority or company tenure.

Each parent—including mothers, fathers, or partners in a PACS—can take this leave either simultaneously or in alternation with the other parent. The leave can be split into two one-month periods. Employers are responsible for transmitting leave requests to the Assurance Maladie via dedicated forms and digital declarations.

Families must also consider the financial implications of choosing between returning to work or opting for parental leave. For the period between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, the PreParE (Prestation partagée d’éducation de l’enfant) benefits will be adjusted. These include €459.69 per month for full suspension of work, €297.17 for activity reduced to 50% or less, and €171.42 for part-time work between 50% and 80%.