TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Cabinet on Thursday approved a flexible parental leave system that allows up to 30 days of the two-year unpaid leave to be taken on a single-day basis.
Minister Without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) said the measure aims to ease workplace pressures for parents, per CNA. Alongside the government’s family housing policies, it introduces more flexible leave arrangements to foster family-friendly workplaces.
Under Article 16 of the Gender Equality in Employment Act, employees with at least six months of service may apply for unpaid parental leave until their child turns three, for a period of up to two years. The provision also applies to employees who have begun living with adopted children before formal adoption, under the Family Act and Child and Juvenile Welfare and Rights Protection Act.
Chen noted that the flexible plan lets parents take 30 days of unpaid leave on a single-day basis, preventing workers from being forced to take extended leave at once. Applications generally require five days’ notice, though in emergencies such as illness or childcare suspension, notice may be given the day before.
To encourage participation, small enterprises with fewer than 30 employees will receive a subsidy of NT$1,000 (US$32) if an employee applies for single-day parental leave. About 1.43 million businesses may be eligible.
Medium and large companies with more than 30 employees that exceed legal requirements will qualify for the Work-Life Balance Award and will be guided to improve ESG disclosures on family-friendly measures.
Employees with family care needs may also take up to 14 days of personal or family care leave per year in units as small as one hour, and employers cannot deduct attendance bonuses for such leave.
As no legislative amendments are required, the new measures will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
