WhatsApp
Talk to an agent
+351 211 453 334
Monday to Friday, from 9am to 7pm.
WhatsApp
Call an agent
Monday to Friday, from 9am to 7pm.
Supports and subsidies
School holidays? Learn about the two leaves parents can take.

School holidays? Learn about the two leaves parents can take.

With the arrival of school holidays, many parents face the challenge of balancing work life with the absence of classes. Fortunately, the law provides for two specific licenses that can help manage this period: The complementary parental leave and the leave for child care.

21 jul 2025 • 3 min


What licenses are available?  

According to lawyer Maria Ramos Roque, from PRA Lawyers, cited in the Notícias ao Minuto, there are two legal mechanisms available to parents:

  • Supplementary parental leave;
  • License for child care.

These licenses allow parents to accompany their children during school breaks legally and without depending on the employer's acceptance. [https://www.poupancanominuto.com/artigos/poupanca/licenca-parental-como-funciona-para-o-pai-e-para-a-mae]

Is company authorization required?

No. None of the licenses require agreement or validation from the employer. It is enough for the worker to make a prior communication to the company with the indication of the desired license and the period in which it intends to take it.

Differences between the two licenses.

Supplementary parental leave

This license guarantees a paid leave by Social Security. It can be used by one or both parents, alternately or simultaneously, up to a total of 3 months. It is valid until the child reaches 6 years of age.

This license aims to replace the lost work income during the period in which the parent devotes themselves to the child.

License for childcare assistance

In this case, parents are entitled to a leave of up to two years, consecutive or interspersed, to provide direct assistance to the child. However, it is not paid.

During this leave, it is not allowed to engage in other activities incompatible with caring for the child, such as subordinate work or continuous provision of services outside the usual residence.

What is the best option?

If the priority is to maintain some financial support during absence from work, the complementary parental leave is the most suitable. On the other hand, the leave for child care may be useful in more prolonged cases, although without any remuneration. (Source: financial support)

For parents facing the logistics of school holidays, these two permits represent legal and affordable ways to keep up with their children without losing ties to work. Evaluating options in advance and clearly communicating with the employer are essential steps for a smooth management of this period.

Stay abreast of all your entitlements in terms of subsidies and finances, through the channels of Poupança no Minuto.

Savings in a Minute is a brand owned by Financefy, SA, a credit intermediary registered with the Bank of Portugal under number 0006860. Services authorized to provide: Presentation or proposal of credit agreements to consumers. Assistance to consumers, by carrying out preparatory acts or other pre-contractual management work regarding credit agreements that have not been presented or proposed by themselves. Lenders: Bankinter, SA - Branch in Portugal, Caixa Geral De Depósitos, SA, Banco BPIi SA, Banco Santander Totta, SA, Abanca Corporación Bancaria, SA, Branch in Portugal, Banco Ctt, SA, Novo Banco, SA, Cofidis, BNP Paribas Personal Finance, SA - Branch in Portugal, Union De Créditos Inmobiliários, SA, Establishing a Financial Credit Institution (Sociedad Unipersonal) - Branch in Portugal, Bni - Banco De Negócios Internacional (Europa), SA, Banco Bic Português, Sa, Unicre - Financial Credit Institution, SA.

Did you enjoy reading? Share it!


Related Articles

Newsletter

Want to save on credits and insurance?

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss any content. Learn how to have a healthier financial life.

Contact
Ícone circular de telefone verde, representando contacto direto ou chamada para apoio.

Talk to an agent now

Want to know more? Talk to one of our agents to clarify any doubts and discover the perfect solution for you.

+351 211 453 334
Call to national landline | Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm.