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Parental, Maternity, and Paternity Leave in Uruguay

How long is parental leave in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, parental leave includes several provisions for parents. After maternity or paternity leave, either the mother or the father can work part-time for the first 6 months to care for their newborn. Parents may choose to use this benefit in alternating shifts or installments.

For parents of children with disabilities, there is an additional provision allowing workers to request up to 10 days per year, with full pay, for medical check-ups for their disabled child. This request needs to be communicated to the employer 48 hours in advance, along with a medical certificate.

For breastfeeding, once the care allowance period or maternity leave has ended, workers are entitled to two half-hours per day for breastfeeding or pumping until the child reaches 2 years old. This time can be used within the company or accumulated into one hour, and it must be paid by the employer. Workers must present a certificate from an attending physician to use this benefit.

How is parental leave payment calculated in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, parental leave payment is calculated with the following structure:

  • The company pays for the first 3 days of parental leave.
  • The Banco de Previsión Social (BPS) pays for the subsequent 10 days.

What is the process for applying for paternity leave in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, supported employees are entitled to 17 calendar days of paternity leave. This leave must commence on the day the child is born. The process for applying for paternity leave includes the following steps:

  • The supported employee must notify the employer as soon as possible after the birth of the child.
  • The employer is responsible for paying the first 3 days of paternity leave.
  • From the 4th day onwards, the Banco de Previsión Social (BPS) is responsible for granting the remainder of the paternity leave and covering the payment for these days.

How is maternity leave payment calculated in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, maternity leave payments are managed by the social security institute, known as Banco de Previsión Social (BPS). The payments are made directly to the supported employee and not by the employer.

What is the process for applying for maternity leave in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, the process for applying for maternity leave involves the following steps:

  • The employee must inform the employer about the pregnancy and provide the estimated due date as soon as possible.
  • A medical certificate confirming the pregnancy and the due date must be submitted to the employer.
  • The employer is required to complete the necessary paperwork with the Banco de Previsión Social (BPS) to facilitate the maternity leave benefit.

During the maternity leave period, the employee is entitled to job security and may refuse certain assignments or tasks if certified by medical reasons.

How long is the paternity leave in Uruguay?

Paternity leave in Uruguay is recognized under Uruguayan labor law. Beginning January 1, 2026, paternity leave will be extended to 20 consecutive days.

What are the eligibility rules for paternity leave in Uruguay?

Paternity leave in Uruguay is recognized in accordance with Uruguayan labor law.

  • For the remainder of 2024 and throughout 2025, paternity leave is 17 consecutive days.
  • Starting January 1, 2026, paternity leave will increase to 20 consecutive days.

Per the Employee Handbook, paternity leave will be recognized in accordance with Uruguayan labor law.

How is paternity leave payment calculated in Uruguay?

Paternity leave in Uruguay is recognized in accordance with Uruguayan labor law.

  • For the remainder of 2024 and throughout 2025, paternity leave is 17 consecutive days.
  • Starting January 1, 2026, paternity leave will increase to 20 consecutive days.

Per Velocity Global Uruguay's Employee Handbook, paternity leave is recognized in accordance with Uruguayan labor law.

What is the process for applying for parental leave in Uruguay?

In Uruguay, while there is no formal parental leave system that combines leave for both parents, specific provisions exist for maternal and paternal leave.

Additional leaves are available for lactation and adoption and cater individually to mothers and fathers. There is no unified application process for a combined parental leave, but each type of leave is provided separately according to these categories.

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