Greek maternity leave is structured around a single entitlement: 17 weeks of paid leave split into pre-birth and post-birth periods. The benefit is paid by IKA (the Social Insurance Institute) at 65% of the employee’s insured salary, not by the employer. The employer’s obligations are to grant the leave, file the required paperwork, and respect the employment ban that protects the employee during and after the leave.
This guide covers maternity leave in Greece in 2026: the 17-week entitlement, the 65% benefit rate, the employment ban, employer obligations, and return-to-work rights.
Key takeaways
- Maternity leave lasts 17 weeks — 11 weeks after birth (minimum) and 6 weeks before birth (optional) — under Presidential Decree 116/2000.
- The benefit is 65% of the insured salary, paid by IKA (the Social Insurance Institute) for the full duration of leave.
- The employment ban lasts 17 weeks — the employer cannot ask the employee to work during this period, and the employee cannot voluntarily work.
- An additional 17-week childcare leave is available after maternity leave, paid at a reduced flat rate.
- Dismissal protection applies from the first day of pregnancy and continues for a period after the leave ends.
The 17-week entitlement
Greek maternity leave is governed by Presidential Decree 116/2000, which transposes EU Directive 92/85/EEC. The total entitlement is 17 weeks, divided as follows:
- 6 weeks before the expected due date — the employee may choose to take these weeks before birth, but they are not mandatory.
- 11 weeks after the birth — these are mandatory and cannot be taken before the birth, even if the child is born early.
If the child is born before the 6-week pre-birth period starts, the employee begins the 11-week post-birth period immediately. If the child is born early during the pre-birth period, the unused portion of the 11-week post-birth period is added to the post-birth leave.
| Period | Duration | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-birth leave | 6 weeks before due date | Optional |
| Post-birth leave | 11 weeks after birth | Mandatory |
| Total | 17 weeks | 11 weeks mandatory |
Multiple births
For twins, the post-birth period extends to 13 weeks. For triplets or more, it extends to 17 weeks. The pre-birth period remains 6 weeks regardless of the number of children.
The 65% benefit rate
The maternity benefit under Presidential Decree 116/2000 is 65% of the employee’s insured salary — the salary on which social security contributions have been paid. The benefit is paid by IKA, not the employer.
To qualify, the employee must have at least 200 days of insurance in the 24 months before the expected due date. For self-employed women, the requirement is 100 days of insurance in the same period.
The benefit is subject to a ceiling — it cannot exceed a statutory maximum that the Ministry of Labour adjusts annually. In 2026, the ceiling is approximately 1,200 EUR per month, though employers should confirm the current figure with IKA.
Worked example: Eleni’s maternity benefit
Eleni earns a gross salary of 1,800 EUR per month. Her insured salary (used for benefit calculation) is 1,800 EUR. Her maternity benefit is 65% of 1,800 = 1,170 EUR per month, paid for the full 17 weeks (approximately 4.25 months). IKA pays this amount directly — the employer is not involved in funding the benefit.
The employment ban
The employment ban under Article 2 of Presidential Decree 116/2000 is one of the strictest features of Greek maternity law. During the 17-week leave period:
- The employer cannot require the employee to work.
- The employee cannot voluntarily work — even if they want to return early.
- The ban applies regardless of the employee’s medical fitness.
This is not a suggestion — it is a legal prohibition. An employee who works during the ban period (even part-time or remotely) can lose their benefit entitlement for the days they worked. The employer who permits or encourages the work can face penalties.
Childcare leave after maternity
After the 17-week maternity leave, the parent is entitled to childcare leave (άδεια φροντίδας τέκνου) until the child reaches 6 months old. During this period:
- The benefit is a flat-rate monthly allowance paid by IKA (approximately 300 EUR per month in 2026).
- The leave is available to either parent — it can be taken by the mother or the father.
- The parent must have at least 12 months of continuous insurance to qualify.
For twins or more, the childcare leave extends until the children turn 2.5 years old, and the benefit rate increases.
| Leave type | Duration | Benefit rate | Paid by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity leave | 17 weeks | 65% of insured salary | IKA |
| Childcare leave (single child) | Until child is 6 months | Flat rate (~300 EUR/month) | IKA |
| Childcare leave (multiples) | Until children are 2.5 years | Flat rate (higher) | IKA |
Employer obligations during maternity leave
Greek employers have five core duties:
- Grant the leave — the employer must grant maternity leave from the date specified in the medical certificate.
- File the paperwork with IKA — the employer must submit the employee’s claim to IKA promptly to ensure benefit payments begin on time.
- Do not dismiss — under Article 2 of Law 1483/1985, an employer cannot dismiss an employee during pregnancy or during the maternity leave period. Dismissal during this period is null and void.
- Hold the position open — the employee returns to their previous role (or an equivalent one) after leave.
- Respect the employment ban — the employer cannot allow or encourage the employee to work during the ban period.
Return to work rights
When the employee returns from maternity leave, they are entitled to:
- Their previous position — or an equivalent position with the same pay, status, and conditions.
- Accommodation for breastfeeding — under Greek law, nursing mothers are entitled to breaks during the working day for breastfeeding (typically two 30-minute breaks per day until the child is 9 months old).
- Dismissal protection — the employee cannot be dismissed for a period after returning from leave. The protection period varies by the type of dismissal but generally covers at least the first months after return.
Common pitfalls
1. Permitting work during the employment ban
The ban is absolute — no exceptions for remote work, part-time work, or voluntary work. An employee who wants to return early must wait until the 17 weeks expire.
2. Filing IKA claims late
Late filing delays benefit payments, which can leave the employee without income for weeks. The employer should submit the claim immediately after the leave begins.
3. Dismissing during the protected period
Dismissal during pregnancy or maternity leave is null and void. Even dismissal for apparently legitimate reasons (redundancy, restructuring) will be overturned if it occurs during the protected period.
4. Not providing breastfeeding breaks
After the employee returns, the employer must provide breastfeeding breaks until the child is 9 months old. Failing to do so violates the Labour Code.
5. Confusing maternity with childcare leave
Maternity leave (17 weeks, 65% benefit) and childcare leave (until the child is 6 months, flat rate) are separate entitlements with different durations and benefit rates.
Frequently asked questions
How long is maternity leave in Greece?
Maternity leave in Greece lasts 17 weeks — 6 weeks before the expected due date (optional) and 11 weeks after birth (mandatory). For twins, the post-birth period extends to 13 weeks; for triplets or more, to 17 weeks.
What is the maternity benefit rate?
The benefit is 65% of the employee’s insured salary, paid by IKA (the Social Insurance Institute). The benefit is subject to a statutory ceiling that changes annually.
Can the employee return to work early?
No. The employment ban prohibits the employee from working during the 17-week leave period, even voluntarily. The employee must wait until the full leave period expires before returning.
Is the employer responsible for paying the maternity benefit?
No. IKA pays the maternity benefit directly. The employer’s financial obligation is limited to filing the claim and advancing any salary that may be owed before IKA processes the claim.
What happens if the employee is dismissed during leave?
Dismissal during pregnancy or maternity leave is null and void under Greek law. The employee is entitled to reinstatement or compensation. Even dismissal for legitimate reasons (redundancy) is prohibited during the protected period.
Putting it into practice
Five steps cover most Greek maternity leave compliance:
- Confirm the employee’s insurance history to establish eligibility for the 65% benefit rate.
- Grant leave from the date specified in the medical certificate and file the IKA claim immediately.
- Respect the absolute employment ban — no work of any kind during the 17-week period.
- Track the transition from maternity to childcare leave so the flat-rate benefit begins without a gap.
- Plan for the employee’s return, including breastfeeding breaks and position availability.
A leave management system that tracks Greek-specific entitlement periods, handles the employment ban, and flags return-to-work deadlines keeps you compliant without the administrative burden.
Sources
- IKA — Social Insurance Institute of Greece (primary source)
- Presidential Decree 116/2000
- Law 1483/1985 — Maternity protection
- EU Directive 92/85/EEC — Pregnant Workers Directive
Last updated: 26 July 2026. This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Greek benefit ceilings and rates change annually — confirm current figures with IKA and check the applicable collective bargaining agreement.