Leave Calculator
Simulate maternity, paternity, and parental leave and compare rights in the EU
🇧🇪 Rights in Belgium
Maternity
15 weeks (82%)
Paternity
20 days (82%)
Parental
17 weeks (50%)
Annual Leave
20 days
First 30 days: 82%.
15
weeks (105 days)
77%
of salary
Sick Leave in Belgium:
60% (mutual fund)
28
days
26
days
26
days
26
days
25
days
25
days
25
days
25
days
25
days
24
days
22
days
22
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
20
days
⚠️ Indicative values based on 2026 general legislation. Consult Social Security.
Country guides
Detailed rules and worked examples for each pilot country.
Parental and Annual Leave Rights Across the EU
The European Union guarantees minimum standards for annual leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, and parental leave through directives. However, each member state implements these rights differently, often exceeding the EU minimum. Understanding your leave entitlements is crucial when working or relocating within Europe.
Maternity Leave (Congé de Maternité) in Europe
The EU Pregnant Workers Directive mandates a minimum of 14 weeks maternity leave. Sweden offers 480 days of parental leave shared between parents. France provides 16 weeks of congé de maternité at near-full pay. Germany's Mutterschutz covers 14 weeks (6 before, 8 after birth) at 100% salary. In Portugal, mothers receive 120 days at 100% or 150 days at 80%. Spain grants 16 weeks of permiso de maternidad at 100% of the regulatory base.
Paternity Leave Rights
Paternity leave varies dramatically across EU countries. Spain leads with 16 weeks of permiso de paternidad at 100% pay. France offers 28 days of congé de paternité. Luxembourg provides 10 days of congé de paternité. Germany integrates paternity leave into the Elternzeit system (up to 3 years). Portugal grants 28 mandatory days for fathers. The EU Work-Life Balance Directive ensures a minimum of 10 days across all member states.
Parental Leave (Elternzeit / Congé Parental)
Beyond maternity and paternity leave, parental leave allows parents to care for young children. Germany's Elternzeit provides up to 3 years with Elterngeld (67% of net income, capped at €1,800/month). France offers congé parental d'éducation until the child turns 3. Luxembourg grants 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time congé parental with a fixed allowance. Belgium's ouderschapsverlof provides 4 months per parent.
Annual Leave Entitlements (Paid Holidays)
The EU Working Time Directive guarantees a minimum of 4 weeks (20 working days) paid annual leave. Austria offers 25 days plus 13 public holidays. France provides 25 days of congés payés plus RTT days. Luxembourg grants 26 days minimum. Germany mandates 20 days minimum but most contracts provide 25-30 days (Urlaubstage). Finland offers 25-30 days of vuosiloma. Public holidays (jours fériés, Feiertage) add 8-15 additional days depending on the country.
How Leave Impacts Your Salary and Benefits
During leave periods, compensation varies by country and leave type. Some countries pay 100% of salary during maternity leave while others apply caps or reduced rates. Social security contributions typically continue during leave periods, protecting pension rights and healthcare coverage. Understanding the financial impact of each leave type helps with family planning and career management across EU borders.
Parental & Maternity Leave Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about parental and maternity leave across EU countries