September 8, 2025 | 10:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In an ideal upshot where family comes first, some countries offering the best maternity leave in the world stand out as magnets for top talent. The journey into motherhood is both beautiful and challenging, and supportive policies make a vital difference.
This article explores nations with the longest and most generous maternity leave benefits. It shows how these countries prioritize mothers and their newborns by offering extended time off and financial aid.
List of Countries with the Best Maternity Leave in the World
While policies vary from country to country, powerhouses like Bulgaria and the United Kingdom are particularly known for keeping the well-being of their employees. Beyond these nations, SafeGuard Global and Hire with Near also mention the top ten countries with the best maternity leave in the world below:
1. Bulgaria - 410 days
Bulgaria offers the longest maternity leave in the world. New mothers are granted 58.6 weeks of leave at approximately 90 percent of their regular pay. The country's strict labor code further strengthens this specific paid leave policy, providing families with the convenience they need. Across its complex social security system, Bulgaria is renowned for reinforcing limitations on working hours, including mandatory rest periods.
2. Sweden - 390 days
Sweden is hailed for having the second-best maternity leave policy in the world. Its labor policy provides parents with 390 days of paid leave per child. During their absence, both mother and father are equally entitled to receive 80 percent of their base salary. In addition to promoting gender equality, the country is also notable for having the same system for same-sex couples.
3. Canada - 365 days
Although Canada’s system covers only 55 percent of a parent’s salary, the country still ranks among those with the best maternity leave in the world, thanks to its flexibility. Parents can choose between two options: an extended 18-month leave at 33 percent of their salary, or a shorter 12-month leave with 55 percent of their income.
4. Norway - 343 days
Among the countries with the best education systems in the world, Norway generously provides amenities for new parents. Employees can choose between 49 weeks of 100 percent paid parental leave or 59 weeks of 80 percent paid leave. In practice, both parents can share this incredible windfall in accordance with their needs.
5. United Kingdom - 273 days
Onto the next one, the United Kingdom has an elaborate maternity leave policy that exempts new parents from on-job duties for up to 52 weeks. While the first 6 weeks are paid at 90 percent of the base salary, the rest of the 33 weeks are adjusted at a flat rate of 90 percent of their average weekly earnings. At the same time, fathers or partners are entitled to take up to 2 weeks of paid paternity leave.
6. Slovakia - 238 days
Cited as one of the best countries offering the best maternity leave in the world, Slovakia is also concerned about fathers raising ideal families. While mothers are entitled to 37 weeks of paid leave at 75 percent of their base salary, fathers also benefit from up to 28 weeks of fully supported paternity leave.
7. Croatia - 196 days
With a total of 58 weeks of paid maternity leave, Croatia becomes an attractive destination for couples planning to build a family. Employees are promised to receive 100 percent of their salary for the first 28 weeks, after which they are paid a flat rate for the remainder. In the meantime, fathers can take up to 10 days of paid paternity leave.
8. Czech Republic - 196 days
Similar to the other countries with the longest maternity leave in the world, the Czech Republic pays employees at 70 percent of their salary during their 28 weeks off. For mothers with multiple births, the paid leave can be granted up to 37 weeks, allowing them to navigate better. Additionally, fathers are eligible for 7 days of paid paternity leave within the first six weeks of the child's birth.
9. New Zealand - 182 days
Among the countries with the highest minimum wages in the world, New Zealand strategically offers 26 weeks of paid parental leave. Under this policy, both parents can share the days and receive a flat rate up to a maximum amount during the work absence.
10. Greece - 119 days
Rounding out the list of the best maternity benefits in the world, Greece pays 100 percent of an employee's salary for the first 17 weeks after the birth of their children. Working mothers here will then be entitled to another 26 weeks of paid leave for a reduced rate. Fathers can help support their newborns by taking 14 days of paid paternity leave.
Countries Offering the Highest Payment during Maternity Leave
As financial stability becomes even more necessary during this period of time, employees from these countries receive the highest payment during maternity leave:
- Austria (100%)
- Chile (100%)
- Costa Rica (100%)
- Croatia (100%)
- Estonia (100%)
- Germany (100%)
- Israel (100%)
- Lithuania (100%)
- Mexico (100%)
- Netherlands (100%)
- Poland (100%)
- Portugal (100%)
- Slovenia (100%)
- Spain (100%)
- Norway (96%)
- France (96%)
- Bulgaria (90%)
This list of the best maternity leave in the world is more than just numbers on a policy, as it reflects a nation’s commitment to supporting families during one of life’s most important transitions. By offering longer leaves, higher pay, and inclusive benefits for both parents, these countries set powerful examples of how investing in families ultimately builds stronger societies.
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