RESTART Programme

The eligibility period runs from June 3, 2025, to October 1, 2026, inclusive of both dates.

Yes. The leave may have begun before June 3, 2025, provided that, between June 3, 2025, and October 1, 2026, the minimum number of days required for each type of leave (120 or 72 days) is met.

No. For eligibility purposes, the start and end dates of parental leave are not considered on their own. Parental leave may begin before the time window (before June 3, 2025) and extend beyond October 1, 2026 (for example, due to taking shared parental leave or other types of parental leave).

For eligibility purposes, the minimum number of days required for each type of leave (120 or 72 days) must be met within the time period from June 3, 2025, through October 1, 2026, inclusive.

For more information on these issues, please refer to the Practical Guide – Social Security Parental Leave Benefits.

Yes, provided that, during the period from June 3, 2025, to October 1, 2026, you take at least 120 days of parental leave or 72 days of shared parental leave, as applicable.

Yes. The days of parental leave taken exclusively by the mother or father may be counted toward the minimum 120-day parental leave period.

In the case of shared parental leave, the days of shared parental leave taken by the applicant are counted in accordance with the provisions of Notice of the Call, with a minimum of 72 days required.

No. Parental leave days may be taken consecutively or intermittently, provided that the minimum number of days required is taken within the eligibility window, from June 3, 2025, through October 1, 2026, inclusive.

Yes. According to point 2 of the Notice of the Call on the RESTART Programme website, applicants who meet the conditions set forth in that point—including those holding a Studentship contract funded directly or indirectly by the FCT—are eligible, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements set forth in the Notice of the Call.