5 Countries with the Best Maternity and Paternity Leave

In this article, we will take a look at the 5 countries with the best maternity and paternity leave. If you wish to see our detailed analysis, you can go to 25 Countries with the Best Maternity and Paternity Leave.

5. Spain      

Maternity Leave: 16 Weeks

Paternity Leave: 16 Weeks

Average Parental Leave: 16 Weeks

A maternity and paternity leave lasting for 16 weeks each makes Spain one of the top countries with the best maternity and paternity leave policy. This is a well-established leave system as compared to other countries in Europe since parents can also access flexible time off and adjusted working schedules.

4. Ireland   

Maternity Leave: 42 Weeks

Paternity Leave: 2 Weeks

Average Parental Leave: 22 Weeks

Ireland provides a maternity leave of 42 weeks and a paternity leave of 2 weeks thereby becoming one of the countries with the best post-childbirth leave policy. Employers are obliged to keep the job open for return in both cases.

3. Greece    

Maternity Leave: 43 Weeks

Paternity Leave: 2.8 Weeks

Average Parental Leave: 22.9 Weeks

The Greek workforce can avail maternity leave of 43 weeks and paternity leave of 2.8 weeks, as of 2022. The maternity leave can also be extended in case of premature birth, cesarean, multiple births, or disability. This makes Greece a country offering one of the best maternity and paternity leave.

2. United Kingdom

Maternity Leave: 52 Weeks

Paternity Leave: 2 Weeks

Average Parental Leave: 27 Weeks

As recorded in 2022, the maternity leave in the United Kingdom is 52 weeks while the paternity leave lasts for 2 weeks. Employment rights such as pay raises, build-up holidays, and return to work remain protected during this period. Hence, the United Kingdom is one of the countries with the best maternity and paternity leave.

1. Bulgaria 

Maternity Leave: 58.6 Weeks

Paternity Leave: 2.1 Weeks

Average Parental Leave: 30.35 Weeks

Bulgaria qualifies as the top country which offers the best maternity and paternity leave among other countries. The country provides a maternal leave of 58.6 weeks and a paternal leave of 2.1 weeks, as of 2022. This extended duration of leave allows mothers and fathers to take care of their newborns without losing their jobs.

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