How to Apply for Parental Leave in Russia - Wander Russia 2025 Guide

In Russia, parental leave is a legal right for employees who become parents, whether through birth or adoption. The country offers paid parental leave, which provides financial support during the early stages of a child’s life. Understanding the process of applying for parental leave in Russia is essential to ensure that you receive your benefits and can take the necessary time off to care for your child. This guide will walk you through the process of applying for parental leave in Russia, the types of leave available, and your rights as an employee.

1. Understand the Types of Parental Leave in Russia

Russia offers several types of parental leave depending on the nature of the family situation and the stage of the child’s life. The most common types of parental leave include maternity leave, paternity leave, and parental leave for child-rearing.

Maternity Leave (For Mothers)

• Duration: Maternity leave in Russia lasts for 140 days, typically divided into 70 days before the expected birth date and 70 days after childbirth. In the case of multiple births or complications, the duration can be extended to 194 days.
• Benefits: Maternity leave is paid, and the payment is typically based on your average salary over the previous two years. In some cases, additional support is provided by the government through maternity allowances.

Paternity Leave (For Fathers)

• Duration: Fathers are entitled to up to 5 days of paid paternity leave immediately following the birth of the child.
• Benefits: Paternity leave is generally paid by the employer at the father’s regular wage rate.

Parental Leave (For Child-Rearing)

• Duration: After maternity leave ends, one of the parents (mother or father) can take parental leave for child-rearing purposes until the child reaches the age of 3 years.
• Benefits: While parental leave is not typically paid, a government allowance called “childcare allowance” is available. This allowance is a modest sum paid by the state to assist with child-rearing costs.

Adoption Leave

• Duration: If you adopt a child, you are entitled to the same parental leave benefits as a biological parent. This includes maternity leave (if the child is under 3 months old), paternity leave, and child-rearing leave until the child reaches 3 years old.

2. Eligibility for Parental Leave

To qualify for parental leave in Russia, certain conditions must be met. The eligibility requirements depend on whether you are taking maternity leave, paternity leave, or parental leave.

Maternity Leave Eligibility:

• Employment Status: To be eligible for maternity leave benefits, you must be employed and have worked for at least 6 months prior to the start of your maternity leave. This includes those working under an employment contract.
• Medical Certification: A medical certificate confirming pregnancy and the expected due date is required to apply for maternity leave.
• Social Insurance Contributions: You must have made contributions to the Russian Social Insurance Fund (ФСС) for maternity benefits to receive paid leave.

Paternity Leave Eligibility:

• Employment Status: Fathers are eligible for paternity leave regardless of the length of time they’ve been employed, as long as they are employed at the time of the birth.
• Certification: Fathers are required to present the birth certificate of the child or another proof of their status as the father of the child.

Parental Leave Eligibility:

• Employment Status: Both mothers and fathers are eligible for parental leave after the birth of a child, and there is no minimum period of employment required for taking parental leave.
• Social Insurance Contributions: You must have paid into the social insurance system to qualify for the childcare allowance.

3. Applying for Maternity and Paternity Leave

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you can apply for maternity or paternity leave through your employer. The application process involves providing the necessary documentation and informing your employer within the required time frame.

Steps for Maternity Leave:

1. Submit Your Medical Certificate: Provide your employer with a medical certificate confirming your pregnancy and the expected due date. This certificate must be issued by your doctor.
2. Inform Your Employer: Notify your employer about your pregnancy and the expected date of maternity leave at least 30 days before the planned leave.
3. Apply for Maternity Leave: Submit a formal application for maternity leave to your employer. Your employer may require a written request and supporting documentation.
4. Payment: The payment for maternity leave is usually calculated based on your average salary over the last 2 years. You will receive this payment from the employer or through the social insurance system.
5. Certificate of Delivery: After childbirth, you will need to provide the birth certificate of your child as part of the documentation to confirm your eligibility for paid maternity leave.

Steps for Paternity Leave:

1. Provide the Birth Certificate: Fathers must present the birth certificate of the child or another proof of their relationship to the child (e.g., a hospital certificate).
2. Inform Your Employer: Notify your employer about the birth of your child and request paternity leave. Paternity leave is generally provided immediately after the birth, and the leave must be taken within the first few days.
3. Apply for Paternity Leave: Submit a formal application for paternity leave to your employer. You must provide the necessary documents, such as the birth certificate.
4. Payment: Paternity leave is paid at your regular salary rate, and the employer typically provides this payment.

4. Applying for Parental Leave (Child-Rearing Leave)

After maternity or paternity leave ends, parents have the option to take parental leave until the child reaches 3 years old. While the leave itself is generally unpaid, parents are eligible for a government childcare allowance.

Steps for Parental Leave:

1. Inform Your Employer: Inform your employer that you wish to take parental leave. You must submit a written application for leave, and your employer will approve it based on the relevant laws.
2. Submit the Child’s Birth Certificate: You will need to provide the birth certificate or adoption papers of your child as proof of your eligibility.
3. Government Childcare Allowance: If you are taking parental leave, you can apply for the childcare allowance from the government. The application for this allowance is typically done through the Social Insurance Fund (ФСС).
4. Duration: Parental leave lasts until the child turns 3 years old. However, the childcare allowance is only provided for the first 1.5 years of the child’s life.
5. Employment Protection: During your parental leave, your job is protected by Russian labor law. Your employer cannot terminate your employment while you are on parental leave, ensuring job security.

5. Benefits and Pay During Parental Leave

• Maternity Leave Pay: Maternity leave is typically paid at 100% of your average salary over the last two years, which is calculated by the employer or the social insurance agency.
• Paternity Leave Pay: Paternity leave is paid at 100% of your salary, similar to maternity leave, provided by the employer.
• Parental Leave Pay: While parental leave is generally unpaid, parents may qualify for a government childcare allowance during the first 1.5 years of the child’s life. The amount of the allowance varies based on your income and the number of children.

6. Rights and Protections During Parental Leave

As an employee on parental leave in Russia, you are entitled to certain protections under labor law:

• Job Security: Your job is protected, and you are entitled to return to your position or an equivalent one after your parental leave ends.
• Non-Discrimination: Employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees who take maternity or parental leave. It’s illegal for employers to fire employees based on their pregnancy or parental leave status.
• Employer’s Responsibilities: Your employer must not only provide you with time off but also ensure that your rights are protected during this period, including your right to return to work after leave.

Conclusion

Applying for parental leave in Russia as a foreign employee involves understanding the types of leave available and following the necessary steps for documentation and approval. Whether you are taking maternity, paternity, or parental leave for child-rearing, knowing your rights and benefits is essential for a smooth and legally compliant process. Ensure you inform your employer in advance, submit the required documentation, and apply for childcare allowances if applicable. By doing so, you can take advantage of the support available while taking time to care for your child.