In a world where work-life balance is increasingly prioritized, maternity leave policies play a critical role in supporting new mothers.
But how does maternity leave by country differ in 2024? In this article, we’ll talk about the maternity and paternity benefits and durations that different countries offer, focusing on the top places to outsource the best global talent.
TL;DR: Maternity Leave By Country
- Of the top outsourcing countries in the world, only the Philippines, Mexico, India, Argentina, Vietnam, Poland, and Ukraine provide 100% paid maternity leave.
- 123 countries provide fully paid maternity leave. Estonia has the longest maternity leave at 86 weeks, of which 20 weeks are 100% paid. However, Bulgaria has the most generous maternity leave, offering 90% pay for 58.6 weeks.
- 123 countries provide paternity leave. The duration ranges from a few days to several months, with the longest being in Korea at 52 weeks. That said, the country with the longest fully paid paternity leave is Sweden, which offers 12 weeks at 100% pay.
- Only 6 nations in the world don’t have legally mandated parental leave – and the US is the only first-world country on the list.
Countries With The Best Maternity Leave Policies
Let’s look at the top countries known for offering generous maternity leave benefits.
1. Bulgaria: With one of the most generous maternity leave across the globe, Bulgaria gives mothers an extended 58.6 weeks away from work, starting 45 days prior to delivery. They get the equivalent of 90% of their salary which is funded through social security.
2. Estonia: Known for being the country with the longest maternity leave in the world, Estonia allows new mothers to take a break from work for 86 weeks. 20 of these weeks are paid at 100% salary, while the rest depends on the employer.
3. Greece: Greek policies on maternity leave grant expectant mothers 43 weeks, with 17 weeks of 100% full pay. The rest of the weeks are paid at a minimum daily wage rate. The employer and the social security system share the costs.
4. Norway: Norway allows 49 weeks of shared parental leave at full pay, 15 of which are reserved for each parent. If they want a longer time with their baby, they can also opt to get a total of 59 weeks at 80% pay, with each parent getting no less than 19 weeks each.
5. United Kingdom: The UK allows up to 39 weeks of paid maternity leave, paying out 90% of the mother’s average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks. The remaining 33 weeks are paid 90% or £184.03, depending on which amount is lower. New mothers can also ask for an additional 13 weeks of unpaid leave to get 52 weeks or a full year off.
6. Czech Republic: The Czech Republic has one of the best-paid parental leave systems globally. Mothers receive 28 weeks of leave, compensated at 70% of their average salary Following this period, parents can take advantage of an extensive parental leave program totaling 43 months combined. During this time, they receive up to CZK 300,000 or roughly USD 12,800.
7. Chile: In Chile, mothers can get a total of 30 weeks or 7.5 months of 100% paid maternity leave. 18 weeks is the standard period, covering 6 weeks before delivery and 12 weeks after. They can also request for an additional 12 weeks at full pay for a maximum of 30 weeks in total.
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnia and Herzegovina allows a paid maternity leave of up to 52 weeks for single births and 78 weeks for multiple births. Mothers are required by law to take a minimum of 6 weeks off, starting at 4 weeks before delivery. That said, how much they receive depends on their region. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, only a portion of the 52-78 weeks is 100% fully paid while the rest can range from 50%-80% of their average salary.
In Republika Srpska, it’s paid at 100% of the employee’s average monthly salary over the last six months. If there were periods where they weren’t working, the statutory minimum wage of 900 BAM (roughly USD 500) is used as the base for calculation. Finally, in Brčko District, they get 100% of their current salary.
9. Germany: Germany provides expectant mothers 14 weeks of 100% paid leave, including a mandatory leave of 6 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after birth. Parents can also claim a total of 36 months, along with a monthly allowance capped at €1,800. However, each parent can only take a maximum of 24 months, and their combined leave can’t exceed 36 months.
10. Sweden: Sweden offers 240 days or 34 weeks for each parent at 80% of their regular wages, for a total of 480 days or 68.5 weeks combined. Unlike many countries that don’t extend leave for multiple births, an additional 180 days or 26 weeks are granted for each additional child.
| Country | Policy | Length of Leave | Paid Leave | Unpaid Leave |
| Bulgaria | 410 days of leave, starting 45 days before birth. Funded at 90% by social security. | 58.6 weeks (13.5 months) | 58.6 weeks at 90% | None |
| Estonia | 86 weeks total; 20 weeks fully paid, the rest depends on the employer. | 86 weeks (20 months) | 20 weeks at 100% | The remainder depends on the employer |
| Greece | 43 weeks total; 17 weeks at 100%, rest at minimum wage. Shared costs between employer and social security. | 43 weeks (10.75 months) | 17 weeks at 100%, remainder at minimum wage | None |
| Norway | 49 weeks of fully paid shared leave, or 59 weeks at 80%. | 49 weeks (11.25 months) | 49 weeks at 100% or 59 weeks at 80% | None |
| United Kingdom | 39 weeks paid; 6 weeks at 90%, 33 weeks at 90% or £184.03, 13 weeks unpaid. | 52 weeks (1 year) | 39 weeks (6 weeks at 90%, 33 weeks at 90% or £184.03) | 13 weeks |
| Czech Republic | 28 weeks at 70%, plus 43 months shared parental leave with allowance. | 28 weeks (7 months) | 28 weeks at 70%, 43 months shared with a maximum of $12,800 pay | None |
| Chile | 30 weeks total; 18 weeks standard, up to 12 additional weeks at full pay. | 30 weeks (7.5 months) | 30 weeks at 100% | None |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 52-78 weeks, depending on the region and birth type. Pay varies (50%-100%). | 52-78 weeks (1-1.5 years) | 52-78 weeks, varying from 50%-100% | None |
| Germany | 14 weeks at 100% pay, plus up to 3 years of parental leave with allowance. | 14 weeks (3.2 months) | 14 weeks at 100% | Up to 36 months (parental leave) |
| Sweden | 68.5 weeks total at 80%, with additional weeks for each child. | 68.5 weeks (15.75 months) | 68.5 weeks at 80% | None |
Countries With Fully-Paid Maternity Leave
Many countries offer fully paid maternity leave to make new mothers feel financially secure and supported during this critical time. Here are some of the countries that require employers to provide fully paid maternity leave.
1. Norway: Norway offers the longest legally mandated fully paid maternity leave in the whole world. New mothers can choose between 49 weeks of maternity leave at full pay or 59 weeks at 80% pay. Plus, if they’re unmarried with no father, they’re entitled to an additional 12 months. This benefit is financed through the Norwegian welfare system.
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnia and Herzegovina offers one of the longest maternity leave periods globally, with up to 52 weeks for single births and 78 weeks for multiple births. That said, only the Republika Srpska and Brčko District regions (37.2% of the population) provide an allowance from the Center for Social Work worth 100% of the mother’s average monthly salary.
3. Estonia: Estonia guarantees all employed expectant mothers 86 weeks of leave, with 20 of these weeks paid by social security at 100% of their salary. The remaining 66 weeks are either unpaid or partially paid by their employer.
4. Croatia: Women are entitled to up to 30 weeks (7.5 months) of fully paid maternity leave, funded by social security. The leave starts 28 days before the due date and continues for 6 months after birth.
5. Chile: Chile grants 30 weeks (7.5 months) of maternity leave, with 18 weeks fully paid at 100% and an additional 12 weeks unpaid upon request. The social security system covers this paid leave.
6. Vietnam: Expectant mothers in Vietnam are entitled to 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, based on their average monthly salary. Additionally, they receive an extra allowance equivalent to 2 months’ salary, provided in the month of childbirth.
7. India: India provides 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave under the Maternity Benefit Act of 2017 for women in establishments with 10 or more employees. For the third child, the leave is reduced to 12 weeks. Adoptive and surrogate mothers are also entitled to 12 weeks of paid leave.
8. Poland: Poland gives mothers 20 weeks of fully paid maternity leave funded by social security. The benefit begins 6 weeks before birth and extends up to 14 weeks after birth.
9. Luxembourg: Fully paid maternity leave in Luxembourg lasts for 20 weeks, starting from 8 weeks before birth to 12 weeks after birth. The social security system fully funds this.
10. Colombia: Colombian mothers receive 18 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, starting 1 week before birth and continuing for 17 weeks after. The Colombian General System of Social Security in Health (GSSSH) funds this leave.
11. Ukraine: Female employees in Ukraine have the legal right to 18 weeks of paid maternity leave for normal deliveries and 20 weeks for multiple births or complications. This is paid at 100% of their salary by the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
12. Brazil: Brazilian mothers are entitled to 120 days (~17 weeks) of paid maternity leave, extendable to 180 days (~26 weeks) for public sector employees and companies enrolled in the “Empresa Cidadã” program. The employers pay this leave in full, and the government reimburses them.
13. Austria: Austrian law requires female employees to take 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, starting 8 weeks before and continuing 8 weeks after delivery. The leave is paid by insurance based on their average monthly earnings from the last 3 months. For low-income earners, the daily amount is fixed to €10.35.
14. Philippines: Filipino female employees are legally entitled to 15 weeks of leave at 100% pay, which can be taken 6 weeks before childbirth. Employers shoulder the cost. Solo mothers get an additional 2 weeks or 15 days. The law also allows for an extension of 30 days without pay.
15. Israel: Israeli women are granted a standard 15 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. The period covers 6 weeks before delivery and 9 weeks after birth, funded by the National Insurance Institute. If they’ve been employed for over a year, they also get an additional 11 weeks of leave, albeit without pay.
16. Germany: In Germany, maternity leave may reach up to 14 weeks (3.2 months). Maternity leave includes 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after the birth of a child, sponsored through statutory health insurance.
17. Slovenia: Slovenia offers 90 days (13 weeks) of fully paid maternity leave, with 4 weeks before the date of birth and 9 weeks after, paid by the government. They also get an additional 130 days (18.5 weeks) of paid parental leave shared with the father.
18. Argentina: Argentina grants 90 days (13 weeks) of paid maternity leave, with an additional option to take unpaid leave. The leave is financed through the National Social Security Administration (ANSES).
19. South Korea: South Korea provides 13 weeks (90 days) of fully paid maternity leave, beginning 45 days before delivery. Additionally, mothers are entitled to 12 months of parental leave, with the first 3 months paid at 75%-80% of their average salary, and the remaining months at 50%.
20. Mexico: Mexican law provides 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, split evenly before and after childbirth. Employees are entitled to receive their full salary during this period, and additional unpaid leave can be negotiated. Employers shoulder the cost.
| Country | Length of Fully Paid Leave | Who Pays |
| Norway | 49 weeks (or 59 weeks at 80%) | Norwegian welfare system |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Up to 52 weeks (Republika Srpska and Brčko District) | Center for Social Work |
| Estonia | 20 weeks | Social security |
| Croatia | 30 weeks (7.5 months) | Social security |
| Chile | 18 weeks | Social security system |
| Vietnam | 26 weeks | Social insurance |
| India | 26 weeks | Employers (Maternity Benefit Act of 2017) |
| Poland | 20 weeks | Social security |
| Luxembourg | 20 weeks | Social security system |
| Colombia | 18 weeks | Colombian General System of Social Security in Health (GSSSH) |
| Ukraine | 18-20 weeks | Pension Fund of Ukraine |
| Brazil | 17 weeks (extendable to 26 weeks) | Employers (reimbursed by government) |
| Austria | 16 weeks | Insurance |
| Philippines | 15 weeks | Employers |
| Israel | 15 weeks | National Insurance Institute |
| Germany | 14 weeks | Statutory health insurance |
| Slovenia | 13 weeks | Government |
| Argentina | 13 weeks | National Social Security Administration (ANSES) |
| South Korea | 13 weeks | Employers (with additional parental leave) |
| Mexico | 12 weeks | Employers |
Countries Without Maternity Leave
As of this writing, there are only 6 countries in the world that don’t have laws requiring employers to offer paid maternity leave.
- United States: The US is the only first-world country that doesn’t mandate paid parental leave.
- Papua New Guinea: Public sector employees are allowed to take 6 weeks off before and after delivery with no deductions to their salary. For private sector employees, it depends entirely on their company.
- Micronesia: In 2022, the Micronesian state of Kosrae passed a law mandating 12 weeks of paid leave to female employees in the public sector, regardless of contract type.
- Nauru: Only public sector employees who have worked for at least 6 months are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave.
- Palau: Female employees who have a permanent status at work can take a maximum of 30 days of unpaid maternity leave.
- Marshall Islands: Marshall Islands technically has paid maternity leave, but it’s only for 20 days at the national minimum wage and is applicable only to the first 4 births.
Previously, Suriname and Tonga were also included in this list, but they passed new maternity leave regulations in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Countries With The Longest Maternity Leave
Wondering where new mothers can take the most time off of work to spend time with their newborns? Here are the countries with the longest maternity leaves in the world.
1. Estonia: Estonia has the longest maternity leave in the world, with mothers allowed to take a total leave duration of 86 weeks. However, the Social Insurance Board only pays 20 weeks at 100% of the mother’s salary. The remaining 66 weeks are unpaid unless it’s an added company benefit.
2. Bulgaria: Bulgaria offers 58.6 weeks of maternity leave, all of which are paid at 90% of the mother’s salary. The National Social Security Institute fully funds this leave, starting 45 days before the expected birth date.
3. Albania: Albanian mothers are entitled to a maximum of 52 weeks of maternity leave, with 63 days (9 weeks) mandatory time off. They receive 80% salary during the first 26 weeks and 50% for the next 26 weeks.
4. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Expectant mothers in Bosnia and Herzegovina are legally required to take fully paid time off for a total of 12 weeks, starting at 4 weeks before delivery. However, they can take up to 52 weeks off, paid at anywhere from 50%-100% of their salary depending on which region they reside in.
5. Montenegro: Montenegro grants a total of 52 weeks of maternity leave. 14 weeks of 100% paid maternity leave starts at 4 weeks before the child’s birth, but mothers can also take an additional 38 weeks of unpaid or partially paid leave. Both mothers and fathers also have the option to only work part-time until the child is 3 years old.
6. United Kingdom: The UK offers 52 weeks of maternity leave, with the first 39 weeks paid in varying amounts. Employers can reclaim a significant portion of the paid weeks from the government, but the remaining 13 weeks are optional and usually unpaid.
7. Australia: Australian mothers who have been employed with the same employer for 12 months are entitled to a maximum of 52 weeks of maternity leave. However, this is normally unpaid, unless included in their employment contract. Mothers who need financial assistance need to apply to the Federal Government scheme for 18 weeks of paid leave.
8. Norway: Norway offers 49 weeks of fully paid maternity leave at 100% or 59 weeks at 80% pay. The Norwegian welfare system funds this leave, which can be shared with the father.
9. Greece: Greece provides 43 weeks of maternity leave, with the first 17 weeks fully paid at 100% and the remaining 26 weeks paid at the minimum wage. The leave is funded through a combination of employer contributions and social security.
10. Ireland: Irish mothers are legally entitled to 42 weeks of maternity leave, with 26 weeks fully paid at 100%. The Department of Social Protection has Maternity Benefit funds specifically for this purpose.
11. North Macedonia: North Macedonia offers 39 weeks of maternity leave paid at 100% of the mother’s salary, extendable to 65 weeks in case of multiple births. The social security system funds this leave.
12. Slovakia: Slovakian mothers receive 34 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, funded at 75% by social security. The leave can also be extended to 37 weeks for solo mothers and 43 weeks for multiple births.
13. Chile: Chile grants 30 weeks of maternity leave, with 18 weeks fully paid at 100% and an additional 12 weeks unpaid upon request. The social security system covers the payment.
14. Czech Republic: The Czech Republic provides 28 weeks of maternity leave, paid at 70% of the mother’s salary by Social Security. After this period, both parents can share a parental leave of 43 months in total, where they will be paid a maximum of 300,000 CZK or approximately 12,800 USD. However, only one parent at a time can take the leave.
15. Vietnam: Vietnamese mothers are entitled to 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave at 100% of their salary. Social insurance funds this leave, which covers both private and public sectors.
| Country | Total Leave | Paid Leave | Unpaid Leave |
| Estonia | 86 weeks | 20 weeks at 100% | 66 weeks |
| Bulgaria | 58.6 weeks | 58.6 weeks at 90% | None |
| Albania | 52 weeks | 26 weeks at 80%, 26 weeks at 50% | None |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 52 weeks | 12 weeks at 100%, remaining 40 weeks at 50%-100% | None |
| Montenegro | 52 weeks | 14 weeks at 100% | 38 weeks partially paid/unpaid |
| United Kingdom | 52 weeks | 39 weeks (6 weeks at 90%, 33 weeks at 90% or £184.03) | 13 weeks |
| Australia | 52 weeks | 18 weeks at 100% (Federal scheme) | Remaining weeks unpaid |
| Norway | 49 weeks | 49 weeks at 100% or 59 weeks at 80% | None |
| Greece | 43 weeks | 17 weeks at 100%, remaining weeks at minimum wage | None |
| Ireland | 42 weeks | 26 weeks at 100% | 16 weeks |
| North Macedonia | 39 weeks | 39 weeks at 100%, extendable to 65 weeks for multiple births | None |
| Slovakia | 34 weeks | 34 weeks at 75% | None |
| Chile | 30 weeks | 18 weeks at 100%, 12 weeks unpaid upon request | None |
| Czech Republic | 28 weeks | 28 weeks at 70% | None |
| Vietnam | 26 weeks | 26 weeks at 100% | None |
| Croatia | 26 weeks | 26 weeks (100%) | None |
| India | 26 weeks | 26 weeks (100%) | None |
| Iceland | 26 weeks | 26 weeks (80%) | None |
| Hungary | 24 weeks | 24 weeks (100%) | None |
| Italy | 21.7 weeks | 21.7 weeks (80%) | None |
| Poland | 20 weeks | 20 weeks (100%) | None |
| Luxembourg | 20 weeks | 20 weeks (100%) | None |
| Colombia | 18 weeks | 18 weeks (100%) | None |
| Costa Rica | 17.3 weeks | 17.3 weeks (100%) | None |
| Brazil | 17.1 weeks | 17.1 weeks (100%) | None |
| Austria | 16 weeks | 16 weeks (100%) | None |
| Spain | 16 weeks | 16 weeks (100%) | None |
| Bangladesh | 16 weeks | 16 weeks (100%) | None |
| Philippines | 15 weeks | 15 weeks (100%) | 4 weeks (optional) |
| Finland | 15 weeks | 15 weeks (100% | None |
| Israel | 15 weeks | 15 weeks (100%) | None |
| Slovenia | 15 weeks | 15 weeks (100%) | None |
| Russia | 20 weeks | 14 weeks (100%) | 6 weeks |
Legal Protection & Government Support For The Top Outsourcing Countries
Strong legal protections and government support for maternity and paternity leave are essential for helping new parents balance work and family life. This section explores how local laws shape maternity and paternity benefits in the top countries for outsourcing.
1. Philippines
The Philippines has provisions in its laws for both maternity and paternity leave.
- For maternity leave, the country follows the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which grants 105 days (15 weeks) of paid leave.
- Solo mothers may receive an additional 15 days of paid leave, with an option for a 30-day unpaid extension.
- The Paternity Leave Act of 1996 gives new fathers 7 days of paid leave, provided that they’re married to the mother of the child. Unfortunately, the benefit doesn’t extend to unmarried fathers.
2. Mexico
Mexico’s Federal Labor Law covers Maternity Leave in Article 170.
- The law states that female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of fully paid maternity leave – 2 of which can be taken before delivery, and 10 after delivery.
- If any medical complications arise, mothers can also request an additional 2 weeks fully paid. The only requirement is proof of doctor’s approval.
- Male employees also get 5 days of fully paid paternity leave.
3. India
India has the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961.
- This law gives 26 weeks of paid leave to pregnant women working in businesses with 10 or more employees.
- For the third pregnancy onwards, the paid leave goes down to only 12 weeks.
- Adoptive and surrogate mothers also get the same 12-week paid leave.
- Male government employees can take 15 days off fully paid within 6 months of their child’s birth or adoption. The same benefit doesn’t apply to private sector employees, however, as paternity leave policies differ from one company to another.
4. Poland
Poland’s employment laws put a strong emphasis on childbirth-related leaves.
- Polish parents receive 20 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, starting at 6 weeks before delivery.
- The minimum number reserved for the mother is 14 weeks, with the remaining 6 weeks transferable to the father. There’s also an option to extend it up to 37 weeks for multiple births or other special cases.
- Paternity leave is separate, with fathers allowed up to 2 weeks off fully paid. They can claim this leave anytime from the child’s birth until the age of 2.
- There’s a shared parental leave that lasts for 32 weeks for a single birth and 34 weeks for multiple births. The first 6 weeks are paid at a full rate, while the remaining weeks are paid at 60%.
5. Brazil
The Brazilian Constitution includes both maternity and paternity leave.
- Employees get 120 days of paid maternity leave and 5 days of paternity leave, which can be extended to 180 days and 20 days respectively for public sector employees and companies enrolled in the “Empresa Cidadã” program.
- For permanent employees or those who have already contributed at least 5 months to social security, the Statutory Maternity Pay is equal to 100% of their salary. The employer fully pays for the leave, and the government will reimburse them afterward.
6. Argentina
Argentina takes its maternity leave laws seriously, which dates back to 1924.
- The law prevents pregnant female employees from working 4 weeks before their due date and legally requires them to take at least 90 consecutive days off of work, extendable to 45 more days.
- During this time, they’ll receive 100% of their monthly salary from the ANSES. No employer is permitted to terminate a woman on maternity leave.
- New fathers are only allowed to take a maximum of 2 days off as paternity leave.
7. Ukraine
Ukraine’s employment laws include provisions for both pregnant employees and married male employees.
- Pregnant employees are guaranteed 126 days (18 weeks) of fully paid leave based on the mother’s average salary. The Ukrainian Social Insurance Fund covers the payment.
- Maternity leave should be taken at least 70 days before the birth and 56 days after.
- Paternity leave covers 14 days (2 weeks) of paid leave within 3 months of the child’s birth.
- Paternity leave is also paid at 100% of the father’s average salary, but the responsibility for this payment lies with the employer.
8. China
In China, the Special Provisions on Labor Protection for Female Employees mandates maternity leave for pregnant employees.
- The standard duration of maternity leave is 98 days, which includes 15 days before childbirth and 83 days after.
- During this time, mothers receive the average salary of female employees in the company. The Social Insurance Fund pays up to 3x the amount of the local minimum wage while the employer pays the rest.
- Each region also provides additional leave depending on local regulations. For example, Shaanxi and Gansu, parental leave can extend up to 30 days. Meanwhile, in Beijing and Shanghai, parents are entitled to 5 days of leave per year until the child turns 3.
- Local regulations cover paternity leave. Generally, new fathers get 15 days of paid leave, covered by social insurance if the employer has contributed to the social security system.
9. Malaysia
Malaysia’s maternity and paternity leave laws are based on the Employment Act 1955.
- Employers have to provide 60 days or approximately 8.5 weeks of fully paid maternity leave to female employees. This leave can be taken starting from 4 weeks before the delivery.
- Currently, there’s no statutory paternity leave, but some private employers offer it in their employee policies as a bonus.
10. Vietnam
Vietnam has a mandatory maternity leave stipulated in Section 2 of the country’s Law on Social Insurance 2014.
- The law states that all female employees, regardless if they’re public or private, are entitled to 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, starting as early as 8 weeks before birth.
- Employers must also give a lump-sum allowance equal to 2 months of the employee’s average monthly salary.
- Male employees get a standard 5 days of paternity leave, and 14 days maximum in case of multiple births or complications.
Countries With Paternity Leave
Not all countries mandate paternity leave, which is why the countries that do offer them stand out.
1. Japan: Japanese fathers are entitled to 52 weeks or a full year of paternity leave, with the first 180 days (25.7 weeks) paid at 67% of their salary and the remaining days at 50%. This extensive leave policy supports gender equality in childcare.
2. South Korea: South Korean fathers can take 10 days of paid paternity leave right after their child is born. They can then take a year’s worth of parental leave, with the first 3 months paid at 75%-80% of their average salary, and the remaining months at 50%.
3. Norway: Norwegian fathers who have worked for at least 6 of the last 10 months are entitled to paid paternity leave. Together with the mother, they can choose 49 weeks at 100% pay or 59 weeks at 80% pay, with NAV (Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration) covering the cost. There is a paternal quota of 15 weeks (if 49 weeks are chosen) or 19 weeks (if 59 weeks are chosen), which can be taken consecutively, divided, or combined with partial work. Fathers can also extend their leave for an additional year without pay.
4. Sweden: Swedish fathers are entitled to 240 days (34 weeks) of paid paternity leave, with the first 195 days (27.5 weeks) paid at 80% of their salary and the remaining 45 days (6.5 weeks) at a flat rate of SEK 180 (roughly USD 16.7) a day. They can take up to 10 days before or after the child’s birth and split the leave into 3 periods, with only 30 days overlapping with maternity leave.
5. Iceland: Iceland offers new fathers 180 days (26 weeks) of paid paternity leave, with both parents together eligible for a total of 9 months. They receive 80% of their salary during this period.
6. Finland: Finnish fathers can take up to 54 days (7.6 weeks) of paid paternity leave, with a maximum of 18 days (2.5 weeks) overlapping with maternity leave. The leave is funded by Kela (Social Insurance Institution of Finland), which calculates the exact amount based on the employee’s annual salary.
7. Denmark: Fathers in Denmark can take 2 consecutive weeks of paid paternity leave within the first 14 weeks after their child’s birth. Following this, each parent can take up to 32 weeks of parental leave, which can be extended by 8 or 14 weeks, though this reduces the parental allowance received from the government.
8. Canada: Canadian fathers receive 5 weeks of paternity leave, paid at 55% of their average annual salary up to a maximum of CAD 573 per week. Parents can also share an additional 35 weeks of parental leave.
9. Estonia: Estonian fathers receive 30 days (4.2 weeks) of paid paternity leave, which the Social Insurance Board fully funds. This leave can be taken anytime within the first 2 months of the child’s birth.
10. Lithuania: Lithuanian fathers are entitled to 30 days (4.2 weeks) of paid paternity leave at 77.58% of their salary, provided by SODRA (Social Security Fund). Parents can also share up to 36 months of parental leave, with different pay rates.
11. Austria: Austrian fathers who have worked for at least 6 months are entitled to 4 weeks of fully paid paternity leave.
12. Portugal: Portuguese fathers are entitled to 20 days of standard paternity leave, with an optional additional 5 days. This leave is fully paid through social security.
Does Culture Affect Maternity Leaves?
Cultural perceptions and social settings significantly influence how maternity and paternity leave policies are formulated and utilized across different countries.
In general, countries with a strong emphasis on gender equality or familial values have more generous and inclusive policies that encourage both parents to participate in childcare. On the other hand, countries with more traditional views on gender roles offer limited or less inclusive leave options.
Here are examples of how a country’s culture can affect maternity and paternity leave.
The Philippines
In a country where family values are tightly woven into every fabric of its matriarchal society, it’s no wonder that family comes first – even in the workplace. Female Filipino employees are legally mandated to take 15 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, as well as an optional 4 weeks of unpaid leave. Male married employees also get 7 days of fully paid paternity leave.
India
India has a collectivist outlook when it comes to family, shaping the country’s views around childcare and motherhood. Aside from the 26 weeks of maternity leave provided to new mothers, employers with over 50 employees are also required to provide crèche facilities to let mothers bring their children with them once they go back to work.
East Asia
Both maternity and paternity leave are available in East Asian countries. However, there are cultural stigmas surrounding men’s involvement in caregiving, like Confucian relational ethics, that affect their willingness to take it.
For example, in Korea, only 2% of fathers take the benefit, despite being allowed several months’ paternity leave. In Japan, the situation is a bit better with 14% taking paternity leave. Still, experts blame the longstanding cultural pressure to adhere to traditional gender roles for this relatively low number.
Meanwhile, China has a different issue altogether. Parental leave regulations vary depending on the province, but most have one thing in common: they’re designed to make things easier for parents who have a second or third child.
First-time Chinese mothers are entitled to a maternity leave of 96 days with an additional 60 days. If they’re on their second or third pregnancy, their leave is extended up to 188 days. This is in light of the strict one-child policy that started in 1980 and ended in 2016.
Scandinavia
Sweden was one of the first countries to introduce 12 weeks of paid maternity leave back in 1955, just as Swedish society was starting to put more importance on women’s rights and gender equality in the workplace.
Within the next few years, Norway, Finland, and Denmark also followed suit. Later on, these countries would introduce paternity leave. Sweden offers extensive leave benefits, including a “gender equality bonus” to encourage equal sharing of leave, while Norway has a “father’s quota” that reserves a non-transferable portion of the shared parental leave to fathers.
Mexico
Mexico’s cultural emphasis on family unity and child-rearing, also known as familismo, is evident in its Federal Labor Law, which provides 12 weeks of paid maternity leave. This policy is designed to help mothers balance work and childcare, which shows how important Mexicans see maternal roles in society.
However, traditional gender roles, specifically machismo, do have an effect on parental benefits. Men aren’t expected to care for children as much as women, which is why paternity leave is only limited to 5 days and is completely optional.
Germany
Germany provides a mix of paid leave and job protection, with recent reforms emphasizing fathers’ involvement. However, the uptake still varies per region, with some being more resistant than others because of the influence of traditional gender roles.
Sadly, the concept of the “ideal worker norm” often discourages fathers from taking extended parental leave. This norm causes fears of negative career repercussions, like missing promotions or being perceived as less committed.
United States
Unlike many high-income countries, the United States lacks a national paid parental leave policy. There are many theories as to why – one is that American culture prefers limited government intervention in personal matters; another points to subtle racism as the culprit.
Additionally, the US places a high value on individual responsibility and a free-market approach, which can limit support for comprehensive government-funded programs. The lack of paid leave also shows how the US welfare system developed over time – by placing a higher importance on employment-based benefits rather than free-for-all, society-wide benefits.
Conclusion
The differences in paternity and maternity leave by country highlight the diverse approaches countries take to support new parents. Countries that offer generous leave benefits show how committed they are to promoting a healthy work-life balance and how willing they are to support families during their critical early years.
As businesses and governments increasingly prioritize parental leave, companies seeking top talent can benefit from showcasing strong leave policies as part of their employment packages. If you’re a business looking to hire the top 1% of talent with zero risk and no hidden fees, consider partnering with Genius today!
FAQs
What is the primary purpose of maternity leave?
The primary purpose of maternity leave is to allow new mothers time to recover from childbirth and bond with their newborns. It promotes the health and well-being of both mother and child so that when they finally go back to work, they’re completely healthy and ready.
What are you allowed to do on maternity leave?
During maternity leave, mothers can rest, recover, and bond with their babies. They can also access medical care, breastfeed, and adapt to their new family dynamics.
Are Saturday and Sunday included in maternity leave?
Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are typically included in maternity leave calculations, but it’s best to check with your specific laws. Not all calculations count calendar days.
When is the right time to take maternity leave?
The right time to take maternity leave varies on the mother, but how early they can take it depends on the country and the employer. Usually, it starts a few weeks before the expected delivery date.
