Key Takeaways

Paternity leave in China, as with maternity leave differs by region.
Paternity leave entitlements are much shorter than maternity leave. Under municipal and provincial regulations it is usually between 7 and 15 days.
It is crucial that businesses operating in China comply with paternity leave requirements.

Paternity leave policies vary worldwide, reflecting each society’s values and priorities. Traditionally, China has not had a national standard for paternity leave, with local policies differing by region. However, recognizing the importance of parental involvement from the earliest stages of a child’s life, some regions have started to provide more substantial paternity benefits.

China’s paternity leave is implemented at municipal or provincial levels, resulting in a spectrum of policies ranging from no leave to provisions for up to 30 days. For instance, fathers may receive 10 to 30 days of paid leave in some regions. Meanwhile, places like Beijing and Shanghai have recently introduced new employer-paid parental leave entitlements, indicative of a gradual evolution in the country’s approach to family welfare.

Here we explain everything employers need to know about paternity leave entitlements in China.

Overview of Paternity Leave in China

Paternity leave in China is characterized by significant regional variances and a lack of comprehensive national policy, which leads to different entitlements and benefits for new fathers across the country. Understanding these disparities and the legal framework that governs them is essential for both employees and employers.

Paternity Leave Entitlements

Entitlements in key provinces and cities are listed below:

Province/City	Paternity Leave Entitlement
Beijing	7-10 days
Shanghai	10 days
Zhejiang	15 days
Henan	30 days
Guangzhou	15 days
Shenzhen	15 days
Tianjin	7 days
Sichuan	20 days
Hunan	20 days
Liaoning/Chongqing	20 days

Employers need to remain updated on the family planning policies of their specific location to ensure compliance with local laws, advise their employees accurately, and manage salary and social security considerations, such as maternity insurance that may also cover paternity leave in some areas.

Paternity Leave vs Maternity Leave

In contrast to paternity leave, maternity leave policies in China are more consistent, with foundational support offered through the National Population and Family Planning Law. Maternity leave generally includes 98 days of paid leave, which may be extended under certain conditions such as dystocia, multiple births, or miscarriage. These benefits visibly surpass the shorter paternity leave periods and reflect a difference in focus between maternity and paternity leave provisions. However, the introduction of the three-child policy in certain regions has prompted a reevaluation and, in some cases, an extension of paternity leave to support family planning objectives.

Maternity Leave Entitlement	Paternity Leave Comparison
98 days standard maternity leave	Shorter paternity leave periods
Extensions for specific conditions	Consistent with maternity leave
Additional childcare leave provisions	Generally not as extensive

Extended paternity leave policies vary by province and can range from two weeks to several months, requiring careful leave calendaring and compensation management to retain talented male employees. HR & payroll specialists at MSA Asia help design family-friendly leave policies that comply with regional requirements. Contact our team to design your leave policies.