In Belgium, pregnant employees are entitled to 15 weeks of paid maternity leave (moederschapsrust / repos de maternité) — six weeks before the expected due date and nine weeks after. The leave is funded by the National Institute for Social Security (RVA/ONEM) and paid at 82% of the employee's salary, subject to a monthly cap. Belgium also provides a birth grant (geboortepremie / prime de naissance) and strong dismissal protection throughout pregnancy and maternity leave.

Statutory entitlement

15 weeks of paid maternity leave: 6 weeks prenatal (mandatory, with opt-out only via medical certificate) and 9 weeks postnatal. Pay: 82% of salary, capped at approximately €6,700 per month (2026). Self-employed: 105% of their social security reference income.

Eligibility

All pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave. Employees must notify their employer at least eight weeks before the intended start date. Self-employed persons are also covered under a separate scheme.

Employer obligations

  • Grant 15 weeks of maternity leave (6 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected due date).
  • Pay no salary during maternity leave — the RVA/ONEM pays the maternity allowance directly.
  • Top up to 100% of salary if required by a collective agreement (CAO / convention collective).
  • Protect the employee from dismissal from the moment of pregnancy notification until one month after the end of maternity leave.
  • Allow paid time off for antenatal medical examinations (maximum 5 sessions, one per trimester plus two additional).
  • Not require the employee to perform night work during the last six weeks of pregnancy.

Employee rights

  • Right to 15 weeks of paid maternity leave at 82% of salary (capped).
  • Right to protection from dismissal throughout pregnancy and until one month after maternity leave ends.
  • Right to paid time off for antenatal medical examinations.
  • Right to return to the same or an equivalent position after maternity leave.
  • Right to a birth grant (geboortepremie / prime de naissance) from the mutualiteit/mutuelle.

Common pitfalls

  • Not giving eight weeks' notice before the intended start date — late notice may result in reduced prenatal leave.
  • Assuming the employer pays maternity leave — the RVA/ONEM pays the allowance; employers only top up if the collective agreement requires it.
  • Confusing the salary cap — the 82% rate only applies up to a monthly ceiling; earnings above this are not compensated.
  • Not accounting for the mandatory nature of prenatal leave — it can only be shortened with a medical certificate confirming the employee can continue working.

How maternity leave is structured

The 15 weeks are split into 6 prenatal weeks and 9 postnatal weeks. The prenatal period normally starts 6 weeks before the expected due date. The employee can choose to work during the first 5 prenatal weeks with a medical certificate, but the final week before the expected due date is always mandatory. If the baby is born early, the unused prenatal days are added to the postnatal period.

Maternity allowance payment

The RVA/ONEM pays the maternity allowance at 82% of the employee's salary, subject to a monthly cap. The allowance is paid by the employer who is then reimbursed by the RVA/ONEM. Many collective agreements require employers to top up the payment to 100% of the employee's normal salary.

Dismissal protection

Employers cannot dismiss an employee from the moment they are informed of the pregnancy until one month after the end of maternity leave. Any dismissal during this period is null and void, except in cases unrelated to pregnancy that require approval from the labour court.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work during the prenatal period?

You can work during the first 5 of the 6 prenatal weeks only if you provide a medical certificate confirming you are fit to work. The final week before the expected due date is always mandatory.

What happens if the baby is born prematurely?

If the baby is born before the expected due date, any unused prenatal leave days are added to the postnatal period. The total 15-week entitlement remains the same.

Do I accrue annual leave during maternity leave?

Yes. Annual leave continues to accrue during maternity leave as if you had been working. You can take this leave after your maternity leave ends.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.