For a first or second child, maternity leave is generally 22 consecutive weeks following birth, or 20 weeks in an eligible adoption. For a third or subsequent child, the corresponding periods are 26 and 24 weeks. Adoption provisions apply to children under 12, subject to statutory conditions.
An eligible intended mother in a surrogacy arrangement may qualify for 22 weeks, while a surrogate mother may qualify for 14 weeks. The statutory compulsory maternity period is 11 weeks, and leave must begin no later than two weeks before the expected week of childbirth. Different starting rules may apply to adoption and surrogacy.
Multiple births may extend maternity leave by four weeks for each additional baby. A further extension may be available where a newborn is hospitalised, subject to the relevant statutory limits and evidence requirements.
Breastfeeding and Protection at Work
For nine months after childbirth, an eligible working mother may reduce her working day by one hour without loss of pay, for example by arriving later or leaving earlier. Workplace requirements concerning breastfeeding facilities may also apply.
Pregnancy and maternity attract special protection against dismissal. Following the required written notification of pregnancy, protection generally continues until five months after maternity leave ends. The law provides limited exceptions, which must not be used to disguise pregnancy-related discrimination.
Maternity Benefit
Maternity benefit is paid through the Social Insurance Services to applicants who meet the contribution conditions. The standard benefit is calculated by reference to insured earnings rather than necessarily matching full salary. Applications can be submitted after the 25th week of pregnancy and should generally be made within 21 days of the date from which benefit is claimed.
Paternity Leave and Benefit
Eligible fathers may take two consecutive weeks of paternity leave following birth, adoption or qualifying surrogacy arrangements. The permitted window generally begins in the week of birth or adoption and ends two weeks after the relevant maternity-leave period. Paternity benefit is subject to separate social insurance conditions, with an application normally due within 21 days of the benefit start date.
Parental Leave
Eligible working parents may also take parental leave of up to 18 weeks per child, generally until the child turns 15, with special rules in cases of disability. Employees normally need six months' continuous service with their current employer. Payment is not automatic for the full leave period: parental leave benefit is governed by separate conditions and deadlines.
Childbirth Grant
A separate lump-sum childbirth grant may be available where the relevant social insurance requirements are met. For births on or after 5 January 2026, the published amounts are:
First child: €1,095.21; second child: €1,642.81; third child: €2,190.42; fourth and each subsequent child: €2,738.02.
Applications should generally be made within 12 months of childbirth. Eligibility and the amount payable depend on the applicable rules, including the family's circumstances.
Before Applying
Parents should confirm the dates for notifying employers and claiming each benefit, retain the necessary medical or adoption documents and check the latest instructions of the Social Insurance Services. Employers should assess requests and workplace arrangements against the applicable employment and anti-discrimination legislation.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Entitlements depend on individual circumstances and the law in force at the relevant time.
S. ANTONIOU & ASSOCIATES LLC
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