👶 Introduction
Motherhood is one of the most important stages in a woman’s life — and Greek legislation offers a comprehensive framework of protection and support for women working in the private sector. From pregnancy to the early years of raising a child, there are benefits, leave entitlements, flexible work arrangements, and employment safeguards in place.
In this complete guide for 2025, we’ll break down what a working mother is entitled to in Greece — with updated figures, laws, deadlines, and practical details.
1. Maternity Leave – Pregnancy & Postpartum (17 Weeks)
The basic maternity leave lasts for 17 weeks, divided as follows:
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8 weeks before childbirth (pregnancy)
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9 weeks after childbirth (postpartum)
📌 Compensation:
IKA/EFKA covers an allowance during this period, while the employer is required to top it up to match the employee’s full regular salary.
2. Maternity Benefit by EFKA (119 Days)
The maternity benefit is paid by EFKA for the 119 days of pregnancy and postpartum leave.
📍 Requirement: At least 200 days of insurance over the two years before childbirth.
📍 Payment: Based on the employee’s insured earnings.
3. Special Maternity Protection Leave (9 Months)
After postpartum leave, every mother employed in the private sector may take 9 months of special leave.
📜 Legal Basis: Article 142, Law 3655/2008 as amended by Law 4997/2022
💶 Compensation: €830 (minimum wage), paid by DYPA (formerly OAED)
📌 Important: Granted only upon application. It is not mandatory.
4. Breastfeeding and Childcare Leave
Upon returning to work, the mother (or father) is entitled to one of the following:
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1 hour less work per day for 30 months, or
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2 hours/day for 12 months + 1 hour/day for another 6 months, or
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3.5 months of continuous paid leave
📌 All options are fully paid and do not reduce the annual regular leave entitlement.
5. Birth Benefit by OPEKA (Updated 2024–2025)
From 01.01.2024, the birth benefit amounts have increased:
| Child | Amount | Installments |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | €2,400 | €1,200 + €1,200 |
| 2nd | €2,700 | €1,350 + €1,350 |
| 3rd | €3,000 | €1,500 + €1,500 |
| 4th+ | €3,500 | €1,750 + €1,750 |
📌 Application: Submitted by the maternity hospital or via KEP
📌 Requirements: At least 12 years of legal and permanent residence in Greece
📌 Income cap: Up to €60,000 for a family with two parents and one child
6. Parental Leave (4 Months)
Each parent can take 4 months of unpaid leave to raise a child up to 8 years old.
📌 Compensation: 2 months are paid by DYPA at minimum wage
📌 Requirement: 1 year of employment with the same employer
7. Child Illness Leave
Each year, the mother or father is entitled to:
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6 days for 1 child
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8 days for 2 children
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14 days for 3 or more children
🟢 Wages are paid by the employer as normal.
8. Unpaid Leave for Childcare (Up to 2 Years)
📌 Requirement: 1 year of prior employment
📌 Granted: Only with employer approval
📌 Duration: Up to 2 consecutive years
9. Protection from Dismissal
A woman cannot be dismissed:
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From the moment she announces her pregnancy
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Until 1 year after childbirth or the end of maternity leave
🛡️ Exception: Dismissal is allowed only for a serious reason, fully justified.
10. Paternity Leave (14 Days)
The father is entitled to 14 working days of paid leave upon the birth of the child.
✏️ In Summary
Greek legislation provides a solid and functional framework to protect and support working mothers, from pregnancy to child-rearing.
➡️ For complete advice tailored to your case, you can consult the experts at TKC Consulting & Finance — we offer tax and labor law support at every stage.
