Maternity leave – Updates in 2023

Maternity leave includes maternity, paternity, and parental leave. Maternity leave lasts 105 days and usually begins 28 days before the expected due date; at least 15 days are mandatory. Paternity leave has been shortened to 15 days and can be taken by the father or another guardian of the child up to the child’s third month. Parental leave lasts 320 days and can be shared by both parents; for children born after April 1, 2023, the father has 60 days of non-transferable leave.

Maternity leave is available to employees and self-employed women who have been insured at least one day before the start of the leave, during which performing work is prohibited. Female pupils, students, and unemployed persons cannot take maternity leave but are entitled to a parental allowance. Compensation for maternity leave is 100% of the insurance base, while the amount for parental leave is capped based on the average salary.

To exercise these rights, an electronic medical certificate issued by your personal doctor is required by the end of the month for which the leave applies. If the certificate is not used or the personal doctor is not notified on time, compensation cannot be paid.

Parents must inform their employer of the pregnancy as soon as possible, and notify them of the start of maternity leave at least 30 days before the leave begins or 58 days before the expected due date. After completing parental leave, parents can work part-time until the child is three years old (for one child) or up to eight years old (for two or more children).

The state also provides a one-time birth allowance (€404.96), with some municipalities offering additional support. Reduced working hours are calculated proportionally to actual work obligations, and contributions are covered by the state.