What are additional Paid Leaves in Brazil?



Modified on: Wed, 28 Jan, 2026 at 5:11 PM

Brazilian legislation provides strong protections for employees welcoming a child. Below is a detailed overview of each type of parental leave and what employees must submit to request it.

Maternity Leave (Licença‑Maternidade)


  • Duration:120 days (paid)
  • Start: May begin up to 28 days before the expected delivery date
  • Eligibility: Biological mothers; adoptive mothers; employees who gain legal custody for adoption purposes


What maternity leave covers

  • Time to prepare for childbirth
  • Recovery after delivery (including cesarean)
  • Bonding with the newborn or adopted child
  • Protection under job stability rules during pregnancy and return


Required Documentation

Employees must provide one of the following:

  • Medical certificate showing:
    • Expected date of delivery (EDD)
    • Recommendation for leave to begin early (if applicable)
  • Baby’s birth certificate, if the leave is requested after delivery
  • Adoption or custody certificate, for adoptive parents
  • Preferred start date of maternity leave
  • Confirmation statement that the employee will take the full 120‑day period


Paternity Leave (Licença‑Paternidade)


  • Duration: 5 days (paid), starting from the child’s birth date
  • Eligibility: Biological fathers and, in some cases, adoptive fathers/partners


Required Documentation

Employees must provide:

  • Child’s birth certificate
  • Exact date of birth and preferred start date of leave


Important Notes

  • Paternity leave must begin immediately after birth.
  • If the company participates in certain optional programs (e.g., "Empresa Cidadã"), leave may be longer but only if applicable by company policy.


Important Reminders for All Parental Leave

  • All documents should be to Horizons Support so we can record the leave correctly and ensure social‑security compliance.
  • Employees must notify Horizons as early as possible when expecting a child to ensure proper documentation and payroll setup.


Other Paid Leave Types

Below is a simplified summary of additional CLT‑mandated leaves.


Bereavement Leave (Falecimento de Parente)

Duration: 2 days under CLT; 5 days for some employment categories or collective agreements
Covers: Death of spouse, ancestors, descendants, or siblings
Documentation: Death certificate


Family Care Leave

Some employers offer care leave based on internal policy or collective agreements.

Examples include:

  • Up to 30 days/year to care for a child under 12
  • Up to 15 days/year to care for other immediate family members
    (Varies by employer and union agreements, not strictly CLT‑mandated)

Documentation: Medical certificate describing the relative’s condition and the employee’s need for presence.


Marriage Leave (Licença‑Casamento)

Duration: 3 consecutive days
Documentation: Marriage certificate (after the ceremony)


Childbirth Leave (Licença por Nascimento de Filho)

Duration: 1 business day (separate from paternity leave; typically for non‑fathers)
Documentation: Child’s birth certificate


Blood Donation Leave (Doação de Sangue)

Duration: 1 day per year
Documentation: Official confirmation from the donation center


Voting Leave (Tempo para Votar)

Duration: Up to 2 hours, depending on region
Documentation: None typically required unless requested


Military Service Leave (Serviço Militar)

Granted for mandatory military activities.
Documentation: Summons or military notice


Exam Leave (Vestibular / Exam)

Duration: 1 day per exam, when related to education/professional development
Documentation: Proof of exam enrollment or attendance


Court Appearance Leave (Comparecimento em Juízo)

If the employee is officially required to appear.
Documentation: Court summons or attendance confirmation


Union Activity Leave (Atividades Sindicais)

Applies when the employee serves as a union representative.
Documentation: Union confirmation


Medical Consultation Leave

Employees are generally permitted time for medical appointments.
Documentation: Appointment confirmation or medical note
Special rules apply for prenatal examinations—these must always be fully paid.

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