Where to Live for the Best Maternity Leave in the World

Choosing the right place to live during maternity leave can have a significant impact on your experience as a new parent. While maternity leave policies vary widely across the globe, some countries offer exceptionally supportive systems that go above and beyond to ensure parents have the time and resources they need to bond with their newborns.

In this blog, we explore some of the best countries for maternity leave, highlighting their policies on duration, pay, and parental support, so you can decide where to start your family journey.

Bulgaria offers one of the most generous maternity leave policies in the world, making it an appealing option for new parents. Mothers are entitled to 410 days of maternity leave, which starts 45 days before the expected due date. This extended period provides ample time for recovery and bonding with the baby during the first year.

During this leave, mothers receive 90% of their gross salary, which helps new parents to retain financial stability. This rate of pay is one of the highest globally for maternity leave, which reflects the country’s commitment to supporting working mothers.

After the initial maternity leave period, Bulgaria also offers the option to take unpaid parental leave until the child turns two, giving parents flexibility in balancing family and career. Mothers also have the choice to transfer their remaining leave to the other parent when the child is six months old; this will typically be paid at minimum wage.

Sweden is renowned for having progressive parental leave policies, offering parents plenty of support during the early stages of raising a child. Parents are entitled to 480 days of leave per child, and this can be shared between both parents. Of these, 390 days are paid at 80% of the parent’s salary, with the remaining 90 days paid at a flat rate.

A standout feature of Sweden’s system is the flexibility. Parents can take leave in smaller increments, such as weeks, days, or even hours, which helps them to tailor their time off to their family’s specific needs. Fathers are also encouraged to take paternity leave, with 90 days of the parental leave reserved exclusively for each parent, ensuring both have time to bond with the child.

Iceland is widely celebrated for its commitment to gender equality, which is reflected in its generous and balanced parental leave policies. Parents in Iceland are entitled to a total of 12 months of parental leave, with 6 months allocated to each parent. This ensures that both parents have the opportunity to bond with their child and share caregiving responsibilities.

During the leave period, parents receive 80% of their average salary. Iceland’s emphasis on equal parental leave encourages fathers to take an active role, as each parent must use their allocated time or risk losing it. This “use it or lose it” approach promotes equality and helps to balance work and family commitments across genders.

Estonia stands out as one of the best countries in the world for maternity leave, offering a long and exceptionally well-paid leave period. Mothers in Estonia are entitled to 140 days of fully paid maternity leave, which helps parents to ensure financial stability during this important time. The payment is based on the average income of the mother over the previous year, with no upper limit, which makes it one of the most generous systems in the world.

Beyond the initial maternity leave, Estonia also offers up to 435 days of shared parental leave, which can either be taken all at once, or taken in parts until the child turns three years old. This leave is also paid at 100% of the parent’s salary, further highlighting the country’s strong commitment to supporting families.

Norway is renowned for its generous and flexible parental leave policies. Mothers are entitled to 49 weeks of maternity leave at full pay or 59 weeks at 80% pay, giving families the option to choose what works best for their financial situation and lifestyle.

Fathers in Norway are also entitled to leave, with 15 weeks of paternity leave reserved exclusively for them. The remainder of the parental leave can be shared between both parents, helping to promote equality and ensure both have the opportunity to care for their child.

Poland offers comprehensive maternity leave policies, providing mothers with 20 weeks of paid leave following the birth of a child. This leave ensures that mothers have sufficient time to recover and care for their newborn. Mothers receive 100% of their salary during this period, providing financial stability during the early stages of parenthood.

In addition to maternity leave, parents can take advantage of additional parental leave, which lasts for 32 weeks and can be shared between both parents. During parental leave, parents receive 60% of their average salary, or 80% if they choose to combine maternity and parental leave into one continuous period.

Whilst Croatia doesn’t have the longest maternity leave, it provides exceptional financial stability. Mothers are entitled to 28 days of maternity leave before the expected due date and at least 70 days after the birth, with the total duration extending to 6 months. During this period, mothers receive 100% of their average earnings, with no upper salary limit, offering significant financial security.

Working pregnant mothers are also entitled to take the equivalent of one working day a month off for prenatal exams, paid at their usual salary. After the birth, mothers are entitled to take two hours a day away from work to breastfeed their child during the first year, which will be paid in full by the government.

Following the initial maternity leave, parents can utilise an additional parental leave of 8 months, which can be shared between both parents. This leave is also paid at 100% of the average salary, but there is a monthly cap set by the government. Parents of twins, multiple children, or children with disabilities are entitled to extended benefits, which demonstrates Croatia’s inclusive approach to family support.

Canada offers flexible parental leave policies, which allow parents to choose between two main options depending on their needs. Mothers are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave, during which they receive 55% of their average weekly earnings, up to a government-set maximum.

After maternity leave, parents can share up to 40 weeks of parental leave under the standard plan; payments will continue at 55% of their earnings. Alternatively, they can opt for the extended plan, which provides up to 69 weeks of leave paid at 33% of their earnings. Both plans allow parents to divide the leave as they prefer, and fathers are encouraged to take time off with an additional 5 weeks reserved exclusively for them.

South Korea offers a supportive maternity leave system designed to help new mothers balance family and career. Mothers are entitled to 90 days of maternity leave, with the first 60 days paid at 100% of their salary and the remaining 30 days paid at 50%.

After maternity leave, parents can access parental leave, which lasts for up to one year, though the payments are much lower. The first three months of parental leave are paid at 50% of the monthly salary, and the subsequent months are paid at a lower rate, depending on the family’s income. However, the policy allows both parents to spend quality time with their child and share caring responsibilities.

Moving abroad? Make sure you and your family have access to the best possible healthcare with our international health insurance. Expatriate Group provides flexible, comprehensive health insurance policies designed specifically for expats. Get a quote today.