On September 2, 2025, the Liechtenstein government adopted an ordinance to amend the Family Allowance Ordinance (Familienzulagenverordnung, FZEV). It is the last step to implement new rules for paid paternity and parental leave, as well as unpaid caregivers’ leave and flexible working arrangements. In addition, the ordinance amends the rules on maternity leave and transfers responsibility from the health insurance system to the Family Compensation Fund (Familienausgleichskasse, FAK). The new rules will start applying on January 1, 2026.
The amendments transpose the requirements introduced by the European Union’s (EU’s) Work-Life Balance Directive. Even though Liechtenstein is not a member state of the EU, it is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), and must implement certain relevant EU legislation that has been incorporated into the EEA Agreement.
Content of the Amendments
The amendments introduce paid parental leave and paternity leave in general for the first time and reorganize the rules on maternity leave. Parental leave is leave taken after maternity/paternity leave and is available to either parent. Furthermore, the amendments provide for caregivers’ leave and allow working parents or caregivers to request flexible working arrangements. The ordinance provides detailed guidance in its annexes how to calculate maternity, paternity, and parental allowances.
Paid paternity leave of two consecutive weeks is provided for legal fathers who have been employed and insured in Liechtenstein for at least the 180 days prior to the birth. (ABGB new, § 1173a, art. 34b; FZEG, art. 34g.) Consistent with the provisions on maternity allowance, fathers will receive compensation equal to 80% of their income capped at 411.70 Swiss francs (CHF) (about US$518) per day. (FZEG, art. 34h; FZEV, art. 17, para. 1.) If the mother dies in childbirth or within 20 weeks thereafter, the legal father is entitled to 20 weeks’ worth of additional paid paternity leave. (ABGB new, § 1173a, art. 34b, para. 2; FZEG, art. 34g, para. 2.) Paternity leave and allowance are also available for adoptive and foster fathers. (ABGB new, § 1173a, art. 34b, para. 8; FZEG, art. 34g, para. 1.)
In addition, the rules for parental leave are changed by the ordinance. Previously, parents had a right to four months of unpaid parental leave per parent if they had been employed for at least one year. (ABGB old version, § 1173a, art. 34a.) The new rules provide for paid parental leave of up to two months per parent, which may be taken during the first three years following the birth of the child. The overall amount of parental leave remains unchanged; however, entitlement arises after six months of employment. (ABGB new, § 1173a, art. 34c; FZEG, art. 34 l.) The parental allowance will be equal to 100% of the parent’s income capped at double the maximum amount of the monthly statutory old-age pension, meaning CHF 4,900 (about US$6,140). (FZEG, art. 34m, paras. 1, 2, 4.) Parental leave may be taken in flexible forms, such as on a part-time basis, in consultation with the employer. (ABGB new, § 1173a, art. 34g.) Adoptive and foster parents may also apply for parental leave and allowance. (ABGB new, § 1173a, art. 34c, para. 3(b); FZEG, art. 34m, para. 3.)
Lastly, the amendments provide for leave for caregivers. (ABGB new, § 1173a, arts.34d, 36b.) Caregivers’ leave is available for workers providing “care to a child, parent, spouse, registered partner, or a person who lives in the same household as the worker, and who is in need of care for health issues.” These persons are entitled to five working days of leave per year. In addition, caregivers, as well as workers with children up to 15 years of age, have a right to request flexible working arrangements. (Art. 34d.)
Jenny Gesley, Law Library of Congress
November 13, 2025
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