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Countries With the Best Maternity and Paternity Leave

Countries With the Best Maternity and Paternity Leave

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Manage your paid time off all in one place with Vacation Tracker.

Last updated on June 18, 2025

Frequently asked questions

Maternity leave is time off granted to mothers for childbirth recovery and bonding with their newborn. Paternity leave is for fathers to support their partner and bond with their child. Both support early family development and vary greatly by country.

Bulgaria leads with 410 days of paid maternity leave, covering 90% of the employee’s salary and beginning 45 days before the due date. This is the most generous policy worldwide. 

Japan currently provides the most extended paternity leave: 12 months exclusively for fathers, partially paid through the national social security system.

No, the U.S. does not have a federally mandated paid parental leave policy. Parents are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), although some states and private companies offer limited paid leave options.

Generous parental leave is often tied to strong social support systems, gender equality policies, and labor laws that prioritize work-life balance and family health.

Paid leave improves employee well-being, supports work-life balance, reduces turnover, and enhances company reputation. It’s a strategic investment in retention and team morale.

Yes. In countries like Sweden and Iceland, leave is shared between parents. Some days are non-transferable to promote equality, while others are flexible to fit family needs.

With a tool like Vacation Tracker, HR teams can automate parental leave tracking, sync calendars, manage approvals, and ensure compliance across regions, all without spreadsheets or confusion.