Maternity Leave, Breastfeeding Leave and Rights Guide ( 2026)

Summary: Labor Law and Social Security legislation have granted important rights protecting working women during maternity. These rights cover both the continuat...

Labor Law and Social Security legislation have granted important rights protecting working women during maternity. These rights cover both the continuation of salary (maternity allowance) and spending time with the baby (leaves).

1. Maternity (Birth) Leave Period

The maternity leave of a working mother is 16 weeks in total (Approximately 4 months).

Before Birth: 8 weeks.
After Birth: 8 weeks.
Multiple Pregnancy (Twins): 2 weeks are added to the pre-birth period (Total becomes 18 weeks).
Transfer: If the mother wishes, she can work until 3 weeks before birth with a doctor’s report. She can add the 5 weeks she worked to the post-birth period. (Thus spends more time with the baby).

2. Birth (Maternity) Money

The mother does not work during this 16-week period, but receives “Temporary Incapacity Allowance” (Report Money) from SGK.

Condition: At least 90 days of insurance premium must have been paid within the 1 year before birth.
The employer is not obliged to pay salary during this period (State pays the report money).

3. Breastfeeding Leave

After the maternity leave ends, the mother has the right to 1.5 hours of breastfeeding leave per day until the baby turns 1 year old.

The mother determines which hours to use.
This period is counted as worked, cannot be deducted from salary.
If employer does not give permission, it is a just cause for termination.

4. Breastfeeding Allowance (Milk Money)

It is a one-time cash aid given by SGK. (It is updated annually). No application is needed, it is deposited automatically to the bank account from the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many days is paternity leave in private sector? A: 5 days of paid leave is given to the worker whose spouse gave birth. This period is 10 days for civil servants.

Q: What is part-time work right? A: After maternity leave ends, if the mother wishes, she can work “Half Day” for 60 days on first child, 120 days on second. Half of the salary is paid by employer, the other half by Iskur.

Legal Support: You can contact us for your rights against employer who doesn’t grant your leave rights and reinstatement lawsuits.

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