How much maternity leave in Cyprus?
Yes — maternity leave is 22 weeks (not 18). Since the 2024 amendment (in force from 1 March 2024), maternity leave is 22 consecutive weeks for the 1st and 2nd child, and 26 weeks for the 3rd and subsequent child. Of these, 11 weeks are compulsory, starting no later than 2 weeks before the expected birth. It's paid as a maternity allowance from the Social Insurance Fund (not the employer), ~72% to 100% of insurable earnings depending on dependants. Paternity leave is 2 weeks. In short: 22 weeks, with an allowance from Social Insurance.
📋 The rules
- Maternity leave 22 weeks (1st/2nd child)
- 26 weeks for the 3rd and subsequent
- 11 weeks compulsory
- Allowance from Social Insurance (72–100%)
- Paternity leave 2 weeks
🔓 Exceptions
- Adoption of 1st child: 20 weeks
- Surrogacy: 22 weeks, like the birth mother
- Premature birth/hospitalisation: +1 week per 14 days (max 8)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Dismissing a protected pregnant/maternity employee is unlawful and exposes the employer to compensation/reinstatement — protection runs from notification of pregnancy until ~5 months after the leave ends. The allowance is ~72% base, rising to 80/90/100% with 1/2/3 dependants. Beware a myth: "maternity leave in Cyprus is 18 weeks" is outdated — it's 22 weeks (26 for a third+ child) since 1 March 2024. Tip: for the allowance you need the required contribution conditions, so check your contributions in good time.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How much maternity leave am I entitled to?
Maternity leave is 22 consecutive weeks for the first and second child, and 26 weeks for the third and subsequent child. Of these, 11 weeks are compulsory and start no later than two weeks before the expected week of childbirth.
Who pays for the leave?
Maternity leave is paid as a maternity allowance from the Social Insurance Fund, not by the employer. To qualify, you must meet the contribution conditions, that is a basic insurance period and paid or credited contributions.
How much is the allowance?
The maternity allowance is about 72% of insurable earnings in its basic form, rising to 80, 90 or 100% with one, two or three dependants respectively. It's calculated on average weekly insurable earnings.
Is there paternity leave?
Yes. Paternity leave is two consecutive weeks, taken within 16 weeks of the birth. The father must have about 180 days' continuous service with the employer and give two weeks' written notice. It's paid by Social Insurance.
Is it really 18 weeks?
No, that's outdated. Since 1 March 2024, maternity leave rose to 22 weeks for the first and second child, and 26 weeks for the third and subsequent. The 18-week figure no longer applies.
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