Maternity Leave by Country
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Compare paid maternity leave across major economies — from 12 unpaid US weeks to a year-plus in parts of Europe. Pick any two countries below for a side-by-side.
Quick answer: Paid maternity leave spans 0 federal weeks (US) to 52+ weeks (UK structure, 39 paid). India mandates 26 paid weeks; UAE 60 days; Philippines 105 days — table below with pay rates.
Maternity Leave by Country by Country
| Country | Duration / paid | Pay structure |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 0 paid weeks | FMLA: 12 unpaid protected weeks; state programs pay in 13+ states |
| United Kingdom | 52 weeks (39 paid) | 6 wks @90% then flat rate (~£194/wk) |
| India | 26 weeks paid | Full wages, first two children; 12 weeks beyond |
| Canada | 15 + parental | EI 55%; parental adds 40-69 shared weeks |
| Australia | ~26 weeks govt-paid | Flexible PPL days at national minimum wage |
| Germany | 14 weeks full pay | + Elterngeld parental system to 14 months |
| France | 16 weeks | ~Full pay via social security |
| Sweden | ~480 shared days | ~80% pay; the parental gold standard |
| Singapore | 16 weeks | Government-paid portions for citizens |
| UAE | 60 days | 45 full + 15 half pay |
| Philippines | 105 days | SSS benefit, full average salary credit |
| Japan | 14 weeks | ~67% via insurance + parental extensions |
| Brazil | 120 days | Full pay |
| China | 98+ days | Full pay via insurance; provinces add 30-90 |
Figures reflect statutory/standard positions at last update — collective agreements and employer policies often exceed them; verify official sources for decisions.
Reading the Table Right
- Job protection and pay are separate dials — the US protects 12 weeks (FMLA) while paying zero federally; the UK protects 52 while paying 39.
- Who pays differs: employer (India, UAE), social insurance (PH, DE, FR), or hybrid — employer-paid systems create hiring-bias pressures insurance systems avoid.
- Parental/shared systems (Sweden, Canada) blur the maternity line — compare household totals, not just the maternal slice.
Planning Across Systems
Expecting parents comparing countries should stack: paid weeks x replacement rate + partner entitlements + job-protection length + childcare start age. The date calculator handles the scheduling once jurisdiction is fixed; US readers should check their state’s paid-leave program before assuming the federal zero applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the best maternity leave?
By paid duration among majors: the UK’s 39 paid weeks (low flat rate after 6) vs Sweden’s ~480 well-paid shared days — Sweden wins on money, the UK on individual duration.
How long is maternity leave in India?
26 weeks at full pay for the first two children (12 thereafter), employer-funded under the Maternity Benefit Act.
What does the US offer for maternity?
No federal paid leave — 12 unpaid FMLA weeks where eligible, plus paid programs in CA, NY, WA, NJ, and a growing list of states.
Is maternity pay full salary?
Varies: India/Brazil/Germany full pay; UK 90% then flat; Canada 55% EI; PH full salary credit — the duration headline hides the pay rate.
Who funds maternity pay?
Social insurance in most systems; India and the UAE put it on employers directly — a structural difference with labor-market consequences.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026