khushboo 
(C): Twitter
Becoming a parent changes everything, so good maternity and shared parental leave isn’t just a perk, it’s a policy that shapes healthier families and fairer workplaces. In 2025, several countries stand out for how long they pay and how well they pay. Below is a clear, human-friendly guide to the best systems right now.
Top countries for paid leave in 2025
1) Bulgaria , ~58.6 weeks at ~90% pay (best-in-class for moms)
Bulgaria provides 410 days of paid maternity leave, starting 45 days before the due date, paid at about 90% of covered earnings (subject to caps). It’s one of the longest, most well-paid maternity entitlements anywhere.
2) Estonia , long, well-paid shared leave, mothers can fully use
Estonia’s system centres on a parental benefit paid generally on prior earnings (with minimums/maximums) for an extended period that parents can share. In 2025, the government sets a minimum parental-benefit rate of €820/month (daily €27.33) and a maximum daily rate €175.50, illustrating solid floors and caps.
3) Norway, 49 weeks at 100% pay (or ~61 weeks at 80%)
Parents can choose 49 weeks at 100% or 61 weeks and 1 day at 80% pay. The structure includes dedicated weeks for each parent but leaves enough flexibility for mothers to take substantial time at high pay.
4) Sweden, 480 days of paid parental benefit (majority at ~80%)
Sweden offers 480 days of paid parental benefit per child; 390 days are income-based (about 80% up to a cap), with 90 days at a flat rate. Days are shareable, but mothers can claim a very large portion in the first year.
5) Spain, expanded to 19 fully paid weeks per parent (17 + 2 flexible)
Spain has gender-equal, fully paid leave for mothers and fathers. In 2025, the government expanded the nacimiento y cuidado leave to 19 weeks per parent (17 core weeks within the first year + 2 additional paid weeks usable flexibly until the child turns 8), confirmed in the Official State Gazette (BOE) and government press notes.
Quick comparisons
- Longest dedicated maternity: Bulgaria (≈58.6 weeks at ~90%).
- Most generous shared systems (mother can use many weeks): Estonia (high replacement with official minimums/caps), Sweden (480 days), Norway (49/61 weeks).
- Fully paid, modern EU standard: Spain (19 weeks fully paid in 2025).
- Global context: Average OECD maternity ≈ 19 weeks; ILO highlights a global minimum standard of 14 weeks around childbirth.
Why this matters
- Health & recovery: Longer, paid time reduces post-partum complications and supports breastfeeding. ILO and allied briefs stress at least a 14-week floor; leaders go far beyond.
- Household income stability: High replacement rates (Norway, Estonia, Bulgaria) keep families financially steady during the first year.
- Gender balance: Equal or shared-friendly systems (Sweden, Spain) lift paternal involvement and can reduce the “motherhood penalty.”
