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Paternity Leave Application

A paternity leave application is written by an employee whose partner is expecting or has just delivered a child, to take the paternity leave offered under company policy. In the private sector paternity leave is usually a company benefit, so the application refers to the policy entitlement.

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[Company Logo][Company Name]

PATERNITY LEAVE APPLICATION

Date:
[Date]

To,
[Reporting Manager]
[Department]
[Company Name]

Copy: HR Department

Subject: Application for Paternity Leave

Dear [Reporting Manager],

My wife / partner, [Spouse Name], is expecting our child, with the expected date of delivery on [DD/MM/YYYY] [/ delivered our child on DD/MM/YYYY]. I request paternity leave of [Number] days as provided under the company's paternity leave policy.

Leave requested: From [DD/MM/YYYY] To [DD/MM/YYYY]
[ ] Single block [ ] Split[Number] days from [DD/MM/YYYY] and [Number] days from [DD/MM/YYYY]
Additional earned leave requested[Number] days / None

As delivery dates can change, I request flexibility to move the start date by a few days, and I will inform you immediately when the leave begins.

Handover: [Colleague Name] will look after [Responsibilities]. I have shared a status note on [Projects]. In an emergency I can be reached on [Mobile Number], though I would appreciate minimal contact during this period.

I enclose the hospital certificate showing the expected date of delivery and will submit the birth certificate / discharge summary on rejoining.

Thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely,

[Employee Name]
Employee ID: [Employee ID]
[Designation]

Sanction

Paternity leave sanctioned[Number] days from [DD/MM/YYYY]
Earned leave sanctioned[Number] days
Reporting Manager
[Reporting Manager]
Date: [Date]
HR
[HR Name]
Date: [Date]

What this template includes

  • Expected or actual date of birth
  • Leave dates within the window allowed by policy
  • Entitlement stated as per policy, not assumed
  • Supporting document (hospital certificate or birth certificate)
  • Flexibility clause if delivery date changes
  • Handover arrangements

When to use it

  • Before the expected date of delivery, to plan the leave window
  • Immediately after the birth if the date came earlier than expected
  • Splitting paternity leave into blocks where the policy allows
  • Combining paternity leave with earned leave

How to customise this template

  1. 1Check your company paternity leave policy for days and the window in which it must be used
  2. 2Choose single block or split blocks
  3. 3Attach the doctor's note now and the birth certificate later
  4. 4Add earned leave if you want a longer break

HR tips

  • Tell your manager early; delivery dates often shift
  • Keep handover notes ready a few weeks before the due date
  • Employers should offer paternity leave equally irrespective of gender of the child or mode of birth
  • Ask whether paternity leave also applies to adoption under your policy

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Frequently asked questions

Is paternity leave mandatory in India for private companies?+

There is no general statutory paternity leave for most private-sector employees; it is usually provided under company policy. Central government employees have their own rules.

How many days of paternity leave can I take?+

Check your company policy, which will state the entitlement as [Number] days and the period within which it must be availed, for example around the date of birth.

What documents are needed for paternity leave?+

Typically a hospital certificate showing the expected date of delivery, and later the birth certificate or discharge summary, as required by HR.

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