maternity, paternity and adoption - parenthood

The Constitution of the Portuguese Republic shall determine that motherhood and fatherhood shall constitute eminent social values and consequently fathers and mothers are entitled to protection of the society and the State in the carrying out of their irreplaceable action in relation to their children.

It also shall establishe that female employees are entitled to a period of release of work, before and after the childbirth, without loss of compensation and of any benefits of any kind whatsoever.
This right is materialized by law merging two dimensions:

  • Labour law dimension – Absence from work justification during that period of time;
  • Social security dimension – entitlement to substitutive income through the grant of allowances

Parenthood protection applicable to employees with a public employment relationship, irrespective of the form (appointment, employment contract or tenure), is provided for in the Labour Code.