Isyysloma: paternity leave

Detailed explanation

Finland's 2022 parental leave reform created one of the world's most equal systems for sharing childcare responsibilities. The old terms isyysloma (paternity leave) and äitiysloma (maternity leave) are being replaced by vanhempainvapaa (parental leave), reflecting that both parents receive equal, individual leave quotas.

Under the reformed system (children born August 2022 or later):

Each parent receives 160 days of parental leave benefits. This is an individual quota that belongs to each parent. Up to 63 days can be transferred to the other parent, but at least 97 days are non-transferable — a "use it or lose it" provision designed to encourage fathers' participation in childcare.

For single parents, all 320 days go to the sole parent. For same-sex couples and adoptive parents, the system works equally — each legal parent receives their 160 days.

The benefit paid during parental leave is approximately 70% of your previous income, calculated similarly to maternity leave benefits. This makes it financially viable for higher-earning fathers to take their full leave.

How it affects expats

• •Equal rights: Non-birth parents have the same leave rights as birth parents

• •Individual quota: Your leave days belong to you; only 63 can be transferred

• •Flexible timing: Leave can be taken in parts until the child turns 2

• •Employer notification: Inform your employer at least 2 months before starting leave

• •Job protection: You cannot be dismissed for taking parental leave

• •Residency requirement: Must be covered by Finnish social security

Taking parental leave as a father

Planning your leave:

• •You can take leave at the same time as your partner (useful right after birth)

• •You can take leave alternating with your partner (one stays home while the other works)

• •You can spread leave days across the child's first two years

• •Leave can be taken in blocks of at least 12 consecutive days

Typical patterns:

• •Some days immediately after birth (to support the new mother)

• •Additional periods while the mother returns to work

• •Extended leave later in the child's first year

• •Using transferred days for longer continuous care

Benefit amounts

The parental allowance (vanhempainraha) replaces approximately 70% of your income:

• •Minimum daily allowance: approximately 31 EUR (if no prior income)

• •30,000 EUR annual income: approximately 80 EUR/day

• •50,000 EUR annual income: approximately 100 EUR/day

• •Higher incomes face progressive caps

Many collective agreements require employers to supplement Kela's payment to maintain full or near-full salary during part of the leave.

How to apply

• After the child's birth: Ensure the child is registered in the population system

• Plan with your partner: Decide how to divide transferable days

• Apply to Kela: Use OmaKela or paper forms

• Notify employer: Written notice at least 2 months before leave starts

• Coordinate timing: Agree with employer on start and end dates

Why take your full leave?

Research shows significant benefits to fathers taking substantial parental leave:

• •Bonding: Extended time builds strong parent-child relationships

• •Skill development: Hands-on experience in childcare

• •Partnership equality: Shared responsibilities from the start

• •Career of partner: Enables the other parent to return to work earlier if desired

• •Use it or lose it: Untransferred days expire when the child turns 2

Related terms

• •Äitiysloma (Maternity Leave) — Protected leave for birth mothers in Finland, part of the parental leave system with income-based benefits

• •Neuvola (Child Health Clinic) — Free Finnish municipal health clinics providing prenatal care, child health checkups, and family support services

• •Kela — Finland's Social Insurance Institution

• •Päiväkoti (Daycare) — Finnish early childhood education and care centers for children before school age, with income-based fees