Perhevapaa

Perhevapaa is a form of employment leave related to family and child care, available to parents or guardians of a child. In Finland, perhevapaa falls under the public social security system and is regulated by law and collective agreements. The aim is to support child welfare while preserving parental employment and income security, with benefits administered by the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela) and, in some cases, supplemented by the employer.

The leave comprises several forms. Äitiysvapaa (maternity leave) is taken by the birth mother, isyysvapaa (paternity leave) by the birth father, and vanhempainvapaa (parental leave) can be shared between the parents after birth. There are also leaves connected to adopting a child and other care arrangements. A portion of the parental leave is typically non-transferable to encourage paternal involvement. The total leave period is arranged to balance the needs of the family with those of the employer.

Eligibility and conditions vary, but generally concern employees with an employment relationship and a child within a certain age limit. Applications and entitlements are managed through Kela, and the leave schedule can often be coordinated with the employer. Some days are paid as parental allowances, based on previous earnings, while parts of the leave may be unpaid depending on the specific scheme and contractual terms. In many cases, employees retain job protection for the duration of perhevapaa and are entitled to return to their previous or a similar position on completion.

Over time, the perhevapaa system has evolved to promote shared parenting and long-term child welfare benefits. It remains a central element of Finland’s family and labor policies, with ongoing adjustments to eligibility, duration, and compensation in line with social security objectives.