Parental leave

Conditions for application

The parent that has custody over the child must confirm the access rights of the parent that does not have custody during the time they intend to be on parental leave. When approved, the parent that does not have custody can apply for parental leave/grant. 

The parent holding custody can confirm this:

• with the form Application for payments from the Maternity/Paternity Leave Fund / Application for a maternity/paternity grantor

• with the form Confirmation of the access rights of a parent that does not have custody

• digitally when applying for parental leave or parental allowance

Application and supporting documents

In addition to the confirmation, a recognition of paternity and a birth certificate must be submitted with the application. 

Birth certificates are issued by Registers Iceland, but recognition of paternity can be made: 

• with district commissioners

• by a judge in court cases regarding paternity

• in a written statement signed and confirmed by a lawyer or two witnesses. It shall confirm that the statement was signed in the presence of the witnesses and include their national ID number.