How Long Is Paternity Leave, or Pappapermisjon in Norway?
Pappapermisjon (paternity leave) in Norway most often means the paid part of parental leave reserved for the father, that is fedrekvote (the father’s quota). In everyday use, many people also use the same term to refer to the 2 weeks off at the birth of a child.
In this article, we explain how long pappapermisjon lasts in 2026, when we are talking about 15 or 19 weeks, and when we mean 2 weeks off at the birth. We also show what determines the length of the leave and what you need to watch out for when planning the dates.
Short answer: how long does pappapermisjon last in Norway?
If both parents are entitled to foreldrepenger (parental benefit), the father is entitled to:
- 15 weeks when choosing the 100% foreldrepenger option,
- 19 weeks when choosing the 80% foreldrepenger option.
This applies to children born 1 July 2024 or later and to the rules in force in 2026.
Separately, the father is entitled to 2 weeks of omsorgspermisjon (care leave at the birth of a child). This period follows the arbeidsmiljøloven and is generally unpaid, unless pay is provided for in the employment contract, company rules, or a collective agreement.
Pappapermisjon can mean two different things
When talking to your employer, NAV, or friends, it is worth clarifying which type of leave you mean.
| Type of leave | How long it lasts | Is it paid? | When is it granted? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fedrekvote (father’s quota) | 15 weeks at 100% or 19 weeks at 80% | Yes, as part of foreldrepenger | When you meet the conditions for parental benefit |
| Omsorgspermisjon at the birth of a child | 2 weeks | Generally unpaid | At the birth of a child, to help the mother |
Most often, when someone asks, "How long does pappapermisjon last?" - they mean fedrekvote, that is the paid father’s quota from NAV.
How long is fedrekvote if both parents are entitled to foreldrepenger?
For one child, when both parents are entitled to foreldrepenger, the length of the full period and the father’s quota depends on the chosen payment option.
| Payment option | Total foreldrepenger period | Mother’s part | Father’s part | Shared part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 49 weeks | 15 weeks + 3 weeks before birth | 15 weeks | 16 weeks |
| 80% | 61 weeks and 1 day | 19 weeks + 3 weeks before birth | 19 weeks | 20 weeks and 1 day |
Mødrekvote (mother’s quota) and fedrekvote (father’s quota) are reserved for the respective parent. Fellesperiode (shared period) can be divided between the parents as agreed, but if the father uses it, the mother’s activity often matters.
The choice of 100% or 80% applies to the entire period. If both parents receive foreldrepenger, they must choose the same option.
2 weeks at the birth of a child: omsorgspermisjon
Omsorgspermisjon is 2 weeks off at the birth of a child. The father takes it in order to help the mother and be with the family during the first period after the birth.
In practice, these 2 weeks can usually be taken:
- from 2 weeks before the birth,
- up to 2 weeks after the mother returns home,
- at another time if the family situation requires it and this is agreed.
The most important difference is that omsorgspermisjon is generally unpaid. However, many people have paid 2 weeks based on an agreement with their employer, workplace rules, or a collective agreement. Check your contract or ask HR.
If you have 2 paid weeks from your employer, it is often worth using those at the birth and saving fedrekvote for later.
Can the father take 2 weeks of fedrekvote right at the birth?
Yes, the father can use 2 weeks of his fedrekvote at the same time as the mother during the period around the birth. These 2 weeks must fall within the period:
- from 2 weeks before the expected due date,
- to 6 weeks after the birth.
These weeks come from the fedrekvote pool, so they reduce the later father’s quota period. That is why it is worth comparing this option with omsorgspermisjon from the employer.
By when must pappapermisjon be used?
Foreldrepenger, including fedrekvote, can be used:
- before the child turns 3 years old, or
- before a new foreldrepenger period starts for another child.
In adoption cases, the deadline is 3 years from taking over care.
You can usually use fedrekvote:
- all at once,
- split into several parts,
- combined with part-time work, meaning you can use gradert uttak (partial payment while working part-time).
If both parents are working and receiving foreldrepenger at the same time, the total payment cannot exceed 100%.
FAQ - frequently asked questions
Summary
- In 2026, pappapermisjon as fedrekvote lasts 15 weeks at 100% or 19 weeks at 80% foreldrepenger.
- Separately, the father is entitled to 2 weeks of omsorgspermisjon at the birth of a child, usually unpaid unless the employer offers better terms.
- Fedrekvote can be used all at once, in parts, or combined with work, but you must meet the conditions for foreldrepenger.
If you need help applying for foreldrepenger, call us: +47 21 38 38 21. We help Poles in Norway sort out tax and benefit matters.
Article author: Marcin - marcin@efirma.no
